# EWTN Vatican

> Global Catholic Network


## Posts

- [Cardinal Robert Sarah Pens a Guide to the Spiritual Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-robert-sarah-pens-a-guide-to-the-spiritual-life-245): His latest book, ‘Catechism of the Spiritual Life,’ reflects on the basics of life in relationship with Christ and his Church, religious liberty, the sacraments and spiritual battle. Editor’s Note: During a Nov. 7 interview in Rome, Cardinal Robert Sarah, former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, spoke about his latest book, Catechism of the Spiritual Life, published by EWTN Publishing in October. The on-camera interview was conducted EWTN Rome Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser. The full interview broadcast on EWTN’s Vaticano Nov. 27 at 6pm Eastern. Minor editing changes were made for clarity. Your […]
- [Pope Francis: "Carry a pocket Gospel with you in your bag, the Word close to your heart"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-carry-a-pocket-gospel-with-you-in-your-bag-the-word-close-to-your-heart-244): At the General Audience on Wednesday, December 21, Pope Francis invited the faithful to carry a pocket Gospel with them and to stop and read it for at least 5 minutes a day, since the word of God “touches your heart and changes your life”. In Wednesday’s catechesis, Pope Francis reflected on some indispensable elements that help in discernment: the word of God, which is not imposed; living an affective relationship with Jesus and seeing him as a friend; and the gift of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us. Before the faithful listening to him in the Paul VI […]
- [Claims of phony Vatican art licensing ‘scheme’ draw strong denials](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/claims-of-phony-vatican-art-licensing-scheme-draw-strong-denials-243): An Italian publishing house involved in immersive art exhibitions has denied an American attorney’s claim that it is wrongly presenting itself as a broker for licensing the use of Vatican art. Giorgio Armaroli, CEO and editor of Scripta Maneant, rejected the implications of a Dec. 14 article in the Daily Wire, which first reported the misconduct allegations. “Nothing of what is communicated is true,” he said in a Dec. 14 Italian-language statement. The company, he said, negotiated its rights primarily for an exhibit about Italian Renaissance masters, only a small part of which concerned artwork in the Vatican museums. “Scripta […]
- [Pope Francis received families of four Israeli boys killed by Hamas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-received-families-of-four-israeli-boys-killed-by-hamas-242): Today, Dec. 21, the Pope received the families of four Israeli boy victims of Hamas, accompanied by Israel’s Ambassador to the Holy See. “It is so difficult to console a mother’s cry,” the Pope told those present. The pontiff also pledged his help. Of the four boys, two were killed and their bodies have not been returned to their families; the other two have not been heard from. Hamas continues to deny responsibility. The Embassy of Israel to the Holy See recounts in a press release the Pope’s meeting with the families involved and the stories of these boys, some […]
- [Pope Francis offers 5 commitments on the road to Christmas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-offers-5-commitments-on-the-road-to-christmas-241): Pope Francis proposed to the faithful 5 concrete commitments to live with intensity the remaining days of Advent 2022, and to prepare the heart for the birth of the Child Jesus through simple actions. At the Angelus on December 12, 2021, and before the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pontiff asked the question: “What can I do concretely? In the same vein, he called to ask himself: “These days, as we approach Christmas, how can I do my part? In response, he encouraged us to make “a concrete commitment, even a small one, that fits our life situation” […]
- [Laudato Si – the Love of Creation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/laudato-si-the-love-of-creation-240): In November 2022, the Vatican participated in the Climate Change Summit of the United Nations in Sharm el-Sheikh. Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin represented the Church state at the event. Before the Vatican had officially joined the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, vowing to cut its greenhouse gas-emissions. In his address to world leaders, the Cardinal reminded the audience of Pope Francis’ public commitment from this September. By 2050, the Vatican should produce zero greenhouse emissions.
- [The Catholic Hospital in Bethlehem that is saving thousand of babies](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-hospital-in-bethlehem-that-is-saving-thousand-of-babies-239): Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem is a maternity and critical care facility serving near the birthplace of Jesus Christ. It is the referral hospital for the region for high-risk pregnancies and is a touchstone in Bethlehem known for its compassionate high-quality care and a preference for the poor. The Hospital is a work of the Sovereign Order of Malta, a global institution operating medical, social and humanitarian projects in over 120 countries. The mission of welcoming and caring for people in the Holy Land through the work of the hospital is special. The Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem stands out […]
- [Pope Francis Says He Has Signed His Resignation in New Interview](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-he-has-signed-his-resignation-in-new-interview-238): Pope Francis has said that ‘in case of medical impediment’ he has already signed his resignation and given it to one of the Vatican cardinals. During an interview given to the Spanish newspaper ABC, the Holy Father responded to the question of what would happen “if a pontiff is suddenly disabled due to health problems or an accident.” “I have already signed my resignation,” Pope Francis replied, adding that he did so when the Vatican Secretary of State was Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. “I signed it and told him: ‘In case of impediment for medical reasons or whatever it may be, […]
- [Italian Cardinal Severino Poletto dies at age 89](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-cardinal-severino-poletto-dies-at-age-89-237): The Italian Cardinal Severino Poletto died in his home Saturday evening at the age of 89. Poletto was the retired archbishop of Turin, a city in northern Italy. Since his retirement in 2010, he has been living in Moncalieri, a southern suburb of Turin. As head of the Archdiocese of Turin, Poletto oversaw the display of the Shroud of Turin for the Jubilee Year 2000. He also hosted the first International Symposium on Shroud Studies in March 2000. His 11 years as archbishop of Turin followed 10 years as bishop of Asti, another northern Italian diocese. Poletto was ordained a […]
- [As the year ends, where do things stand with the Vatican ‘trial of the century’?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/as-the-year-ends-where-do-things-stand-with-the-vatican-trial-of-the-century-236): The latest round of hearings at the Vatican’s historic finance trial has revealed several twists that profoundly changed proceedings — and raised several questions for the court in the new year. First of all, the so-called “super witness,” Monsignor Alberto Perlasca, has seen his credibility scrutinized as his testimonies raised eyebrows over apparent imprecisions. As proceedings show, he appears to have at least been poorly counseled. Following these testimonies, an old Vatican acquaintance arrived at the scene of this trial investigating numerous financial crimes: Francesca Immacolata Chaouqui, a former commission member for the Study of the Vatican Economic-Administrative structures, well-known […]
- [Pope Francis breaks down in tears during prayer for Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-breaks-down-in-tears-during-prayer-for-ukraine-235): On December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis prayed at the Marian Column next to Rome’s Spanish Square. The common prayer this year was an impressive demonstration of faith. In 2020 and 2021, the Pope prayed alone at the column, isolated by COVID-19 and the restrictions and security regulations enforced at the time. Finally, after two years, the faithful were allowed to join him to commemorate one of the most important feast days of the year. As the pontiff’s prayer recalled the suffering of the Ukrainian people, he broke down in tears.
- [Winter In War-torn Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/winter-in-war-torn-ukraine-234): As the winter months bring freezing cold temperatures across war-torn Ukraine, EWTN reporter Colm Flynn visits some of the worst affected regions to find out how the people here will be coping during the harsh winter months ahead. This Sunday, the Pope once again called for peace in Ukraine, telling the faithful:  “Let us ask the Virgin Mary, whom the liturgy invites us to contemplate on this Fourth Sunday of Advent, to touch the hearts of those who can stop the war in Ukraine. Let us not forget the suffering of those people, especially of the babies, the elderly, the […]
- [PHOTOS: Live nativity takes to the streets of Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-live-nativity-takes-to-the-streets-of-rome-233): Catholics from Italy participated in a re-enactment of the Christmas story in Rome on Saturday. The processional living nativity began outside Rome’s cathedral, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, and proceeded down Via Merulana, a major thoroughfare, to reach the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The Dec. 17 living nativity concluded at a stable set up at the entrance of the basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The walk was followed by the recitation of the Christmas Novena, and the Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the vicar of Rome. The living nativity kicked off with a re-enactment of […]
- [Helsinki and the Barbaric Fratricide in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/helsinki-and-the-barbaric-fratricide-in-ukraine-232): In the run up to Christmas, the Holy See has pushed for an end to the European war, ramping up its involvement in the work for peace in Ukraine. Yesterday, Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, offered the Vatican as “adequate space” to bring together the conflicting parties and for starting a dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.  Today, President Sergio Mattarella was due to meet with Cardinal Parolin to discuss possible routes towards peace through diplomacy. However, the Italian head of state tested positive for Covid over the weekend and was not able to participate. The conference still took place […]
- [The Catholic Hospital in Bethlehem that is saving thousand of babies](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-hospital-in-bethlehem-that-is-saving-thousand-of-babies-231): Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem is a maternity and critical care facility serving near the birthplace of Jesus Christ. It is the referral hospital for the region for high-risk pregnancies and is a touchstone in Bethlehem known for its compassionate high-quality care and a preference for the poor. The Hospital is a work of the Sovereign Order of Malta, a global institution operating medical, social and humanitarian projects in over 120 countries.
- [Artificial Intelligence & the Catholic Church: Feeding the World](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/artificial-intelligence-and-the-catholic-church-feeding-the-world-230): Four babies are born every second. More than four hundred thousand children are born every day. There was roughly one billion people on earth in 1800, 2 billion in 1927 and 5 billion in 1987. We are now 8 billion people on earth. The world’s population has increased by more than 600 percent in 200 years. According to the United Nations, the world’s population will increase by 2 billion people by 2050, requiring a 60% increase in food productivity to feed them. So, the question becomes how do we feed such a large population that is exponentially growing on a […]
- [The Catholic Shark Tank at the Angelicum](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-shark-tank-at-the-angelicum-229): Fr. Mitch Pacwa hosts this special edition of EWTN Live dedicated to the memory of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
- [Pope Francis celebrated his birthday with children and families from Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrated-his-birthday-with-children-and-families-from-ukraine-228): On Sunday morning, December 18, Pope Francis celebrated his 86th birthday with a group of children from the Vatican’s “Santa Marta” Pediatric Dispensary, together with their families and volunteers. During his speech, the Holy Father thanked them for their presence “on this day of joy that prepares us for Christmas”. Also in attendance were some Ukrainian families hosted in Rome. For this reason, the Pope asked not to forget the children of Ukraine, “so many children suffer because of the war; they also suffer elsewhere because of injustice.” “If the Lord gives us this joy of celebrating Christmas like this, […]
- [Vaticano Updates: the latest news from Pope Francis and the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticano-updates-the-latest-news-from-pope-francis-and-the-vatican-227): Synod on Synodality official: Women priests ‘not an open question’ for the Church The highest-ranking woman in the general secretariat of the Synod of Bishops has said that, from an official position, the ordination of women as Catholic priests is “not an open question” at this time. Sister Nathalie Becquart, who serves as an undersecretary for the Church’s ongoing Synod on Synodality, was named on the BBC’s 2022 list of 100 inspiring and influential women around the world. In an article published recently, the French religious sister said that there are many ways for women to serve the Church, but […]
- [4 things to know about Pope Francis on his 86th birthday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/4-things-to-know-about-pope-francis-on-his-86th-birthday-226): “There is only one thing that really makes us age, grow old interiorly: not age, but sin,” Pope Francis said in 2017 during a speech about the Virgin Mary. As Francis turns 86 on Dec. 17, his 10th birthday as pope, here are four things to know about him. 1. Pope Francis has dealt with more health problems in 2022. Pope Francis has spent most of the 10 years of his pontificate in relatively good health until surgery on his colon in 2021. At meetings in January of this year, he shared that he was also having problems with his […]
- [Pope Francis: Resignation already signed ‘in case of medical impediment’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-resignation-already-signed-in-case-of-medical-impediment-225): Pope Francis said that in case of not being able to continue governing the Catholic Church due to an impediment to his health, he has already signed his resignation and has given it to one of the Vatican cardinals. During an interview given to the Spanish newspaper ABC and published early Sunday morning in Spain, the Holy Father responded to the question of what would happen “if a pontiff is suddenly disabled due to health problems or an accident.” “I have already signed my resignation,” Pope Francis replied, adding that he did so when the Vatican Secretary of State was […]
- [A married couple with seven children to be beatified by the Catholic Church for martyrdom by Nazis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/married-couple-with-seven-children-to-be-beatified-by-the-catholic-church-for-martyrdom-by-nazis-224): Pope Francis has recognized the martyrdom of a married couple with seven children who were killed by the Nazis for hiding a Jewish family in their home in Poland. The pope signed on Dec. 17 a decree on the martyrdom of Józef and Wiktoria Ulma, who were executed along with all their children in 1944. The World Holocaust Remembrance Center has honored the couple as Righteous Among the Nations for the sacrifice of their lives. With the recognition of their martyrdom by the pope, the Polish couple can now be beatified with the couple’s seven children (including one unborn). Early […]
- [Cardinal Cantalamessa: charity saves from dehumanization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-cantalamessa-charity-saves-from-dehumanization-223): The first thing to do at Christmas is to believe in God’s love for man. This, in summary, is the message at the center of the third and final Advent sermon given today in the Paul VI Hall by Capuchin Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, in the presence of Pope Francis.  “The traditional act of charity, at least in private and personal recitation,” the cardinal explained in this regard, “should not begin with the words, ‘My God, I love you with all my heart,’ but ‘My God, I believe with all my heart that you love me.'” The preacher of the Papal […]
- [What is the papal blessing known as "Urbi et Orbi"?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-the-papal-blessing-known-as-urbi-et-orbi-222): “Urbi et Orbi” literally means “to the city (of Rome) and to the world” and refers to the papal blessing that is extended to the whole world on different occasions. The Pontiff usually gives this special blessing from the balcony of the central façade of St. Peter’s Basilica on important dates for the Catholic Church. In general, it usually takes place on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, although there are also other occasions on which the Pope imparts it exceptionally, such as a jubilee in favour of pilgrims or the enthronement of a new Pope. This is also the case […]
- [This is why Pope Francis wants you to spend less money this Christmas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-why-pope-francis-wants-you-to-spend-less-money-this-christmas-221): Pope Francis is inviting everyone to have “a more humble Christmas” this year. At the end of his weekly general audience Dec. 14, the pope asked people to consider spending less on gifts and parties and in order to help the people of Ukraine. “It is good to celebrate Christmas, to have parties — but let’s lower the level of Christmas spending,” he encouraged. “Let’s send what we save to the Ukrainian people, who are in need, suffering so much; they go hungry, they feel the cold, and so many die because there are no doctors, nurses at hand.” “Let’s […]
- [Pope Francis donates three fragments of the Parthenon to Ieronymos II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-donates-three-fragments-of-the-parthenon-to-ieronymos-ii-220): The Holy See announced this morning that Pope Francis “has decided to donate to His Beatitude Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, the three fragments of the Parthenon, which for centuries have been carefully kept at the Pontifical Collections and in the Vatican Museums and exhibited to millions of visitors from all over the world.” It is, the Vatican statement explains, a “concrete sign of the sincere desire to continue on the ecumenical path of witness to the Truth.” Pope Francis and Ieronymos II have met several times these years: the Pope also visited the Primate of the […]
- [Jesuit superior says that Fr. Marko Rupnik was excommunicated in 2019](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jesuit-superior-says-that-fr-marko-rupnik-was-excommunicated-in-2019-219): The Jesuit Superior General, Father Arturo Sosa, has confirmed that Jesuit artist Father Marko Rupnik incurred an automatic excommunication in 2019 for absolving a woman he had sex with, a fact his religious order was aware of but did not disclose until now. According to a report by the Associated Press, Sosa disclosed this new information Wednesday in a briefing with journalists in Rome. Abusing the sacrament of confession in this manner is one of the most serious crimes in the Catholic Church. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith “said it happened, there was absolution of an accomplice,” Sosa said. […]
- [Pope Francis: Look at each other, not cell phone screens](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-look-at-each-other-not-cell-phone-screens-218): Pope Francis has urged young people to look away from their cell phone screens and make eye contact with the people around them. In a meeting on Dec. 15 with youth groups affiliated with Catholic Action, the pope warned that “a great risk for a boy and a girl today is to spend our days keeping a cell phone screen in front of our eyes.” “Our eyes are meant to look into the eyes of others. They were not made to look down at a virtual world that we hold in our hands, but to look up to heaven, to […]
- [Pope Francis celebrates 53 years of ordination today](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-53-years-of-ordination-today-217): On the 13th of December, 1969, just four days before his 33rd birthday, Jesuit seminarian Jorge Mario Bergoglio – who is now Pope Francis – was ordained priest by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano, Archbishop Emeritus of Córdoba, Argentina.  That 13th of December, 52 years ago, was a Saturday, the eve of the third Sunday of Advent. In the liturgy of the Church this day is known as Gaudete or Joy Sunday, and many see this joy as the hallmark of Pope Francis’ pontificate, along with mercy.  According to the book “The Jesuit: Conversations with Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio”, Francis discovered his vocation […]
- [The Vatican Opens Beautiful Exhibition of Several Nativity Scenes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-opens-beautiful-exhibition-of-several-nativity-scenes-216): The Vatican is honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary while also preparing for Christmas. On Thursday, the Holy See opened an exhibition of several dozen nativity scenes. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser joined Monsignor Rino Fisichella, the man responsible for the exhibition, to discuss why it is important to display the nativity scenes and what people’s reactions have been. The nativity scene has been seen as something more traditional and customary. Msgr. Rino tells us how the modern world has reacted to the nativity scene. He shares whether there is a specific nativity scene that he is especially fond of.
- [An Encyclical on Peace in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/encyclical-on-peace-in-ukraine-215): On December 6th, Francesco Antonio Grana, an Italian Vaticanist, presented the book which he compiled and edited ‘An Encyclical on Peace in Ukraine,’ in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Montesanto, also known as the ‘Church of the Artists.’ The book collects all the Pope Francis’s speeches that call for the end of conflict in Ukraine.
- [Pope Francis: Be surprised by God’s mercy this Advent](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-be-surprised-by-gods-mercy-this-advent-214): The season of Advent is a time to let ourselves be surprised by God’s mercy and compassion, Pope Francis said on Gaudete Sunday. “Advent, then, is a time for overturning our perspectives … for letting ourselves be surprised by the greatness of God’s mercy,” the pope said Dec. 11. Advent is, he continued, “a time in which, preparing the nativity display for the Infant Jesus, we learn again who our Lord is, who he is; [it is] a time to leave behind certain mindsets and prejudices about God and our brothers and sisters; a time in which, instead of thinking […]
- [Pope Francis meets Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege ahead of Congo trip](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-nobel-peace-prize-winner-denis-mukwege-ahead-of-congo-trip-213): Pope Francis met Friday with Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege, a Congolese physician known for his work treating victims of sexual violence. The private audience at the Vatican on Dec. 9 comes as Pope Francis is preparing to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) next month. Mukwege has said that he hopes the pope’s January visit will “shed light on what is happening in the Congo.” “The international community is making the same mistake as it did in Rwanda when it allowed the genocide of the Tutsis. Today Rwandan-backed guerrillas are massacring the Congolese: these are crimes […]
- [Vatican holds thermal shirt drive for Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-holds-thermal-shirt-drive-for-ukraine-212): The Vatican’s charity office is holding a drive to collect thermal shirts for people in Ukraine as they face an energy emergency amid the war. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the pope’s almoner, said Dec. 5 that the charity office of the Vatican is “already stocking up” on thermal shirts for men, women, and children. Others are encouraged to join the initiative by bringing or shipping shirts to the Dicastery for the Service of Charity by the beginning of January, when the shipment of shirts will be brought to Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital city, by truck. “The Ukrainian people are experiencing an emergency […]
- [Pope Francis decrees better control of Vatican funds and foundations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-decrees-better-control-of-vatican-funds-and-foundations-211): Pope Francis issued a decree on Tuesday aimed at improving the financial accountability of funds, foundations, and other legal entities inside the Vatican. In the future, these entities — also known as juridical persons — will be controlled by the bodies such as the Secretariat for the Economy and not just supervised by their respective institutions. The motu proprio is complemented by a law covering entities in the Vatican City State. Both were published Dec. 6 and come into force on Dec. 8. Pope Francis noted in his apostolic letter that foundations and other affected entities “are instrumental in the […]
- [PHOTOS: ‘Life is Beautiful’ actor Roberto Benigni meets the pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-life-is-beautiful-actor-roberto-benigni-meets-the-pope-210): Pope Francis enthusiastically greeted Italian actor and comedian Roberto Benigni at the Vatican on Wednesday morning. Benigni, best known for his Oscar-winning film “Life is Beautiful,” met privately with the pope to tell him about his latest project, a new show about St. Francis of Assisi. The comic, who recited a line from Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy from memory on the Oscars stage in 1999, now serves as the host of the Italian program based on St. Francis’ poem “The Canticle of the Sun.” The show, “Francesco Il Cantico,” is currently streaming on Paramount Plus in Italy. Benigni also gave […]
- [Like a row of dominoes: an analysis of the latest Vatican appointments](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/like-a-row-of-dominoes-an-analysis-of-the-latest-vatican-appointments-209): As with a row of dominoes — where the fall of the first triggers a chain of consequences — the latest appointment at the Vatican kicks off several changes for the Church, both in Rome and around the world. Father Emilio Nappa’s nomination to assistant secretary of the dicastery for the Evangelization of Peoples is the first of a series of new appointments at the Vatican. They involve the most important dicasteries of the Roman Curia — and will also have a global impact. Nappa is called to take the place of Archbishop Giampietro Dal Toso, both as assistant secretary […]
- [Pope Francis concerned about deadly clashes in South Sudan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-concerned-about-deadly-clashes-in-south-sudan-208): Pope Francis said Sunday he is concerned about recent deadly clashes in the northern part of South Sudan. “I follow with sorrow and concern the news from South Sudan about the violent clashes of the past few days,” he said Dec. 11 at the end his Sunday Angelus message. Pope Francis is scheduled to travel to South Sudan’s capital city, Juba, in just under eight weeks. “Let us pray to the Lord for peace and national reconciliation, so that the attacks may cease and that civilians may always be respected,” Francis said Sunday, after violence broke out in South Sudan’s […]
- [Watch: Cardinal Sarah on the Importance of a Spiritual Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/watch-cardinal-sarah-on-the-importance-of-a-spiritual-life-207): In an exclusive interview with EWTN’s Andreas Thonhauser, Cardinal Sarah discusses his new book, Catechisis of a Spiritual Life, calling Christians to renew their commitment to the Sacraments, and pointing out the decline of religious freedom in the West. 
- [Pope Francis blesses Nativity scene made by craftsmen in Guatemala](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-blesses-nativity-scene-made-by-craftsmen-in-guatemala-205): Pope Francis blessed a Nativity scene on Saturday that was handmade by artisan craftsmen in Guatemala. Guatemala’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mario Búcaro led a delegation that traveled from the Latin American country to be present for the Nativity scene’s inauguration in Vatican City’s Paul VI Hall on Dec. 3. “It is the first time in history that our country presents a Nativity scene in the Vatican, a beautiful work of sacred art, personally delivered to Pope Francis and, therefore, also a gift from the people of Guatemala in anticipation of Christmas,” Búcaro said. The Nativity scene was made by […]
- [Jesuit artist Father Rupnik’s ministry restricted following reports of abuse allegations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jesuit-artist-father-rupniks-ministry-restricted-following-reports-of-abuse-allegations-204): A prominent Jesuit priest and artist had his ministry restricted, reportedly after an investigation by his religious order into allegations of abuse against religious sisters in Slovenia. The Jesuits said in a statement dated Dec. 2 that the order has barred 68-year-old Father Marko Ivan Rupnik, SJ, from hearing confessions or conducting spiritual direction since the Vatican received a complaint against him in 2021. The Vatican declined in October to carry out a canonical process due to the statute of limitations, the order said. The complaint did not include minors. The Jesuit order said the restrictions on Rupnik’s ministry were […]
- [Vatican’s first auditor general and his deputy sue Secretariat of State](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-first-auditor-general-and-his-deputy-sue-secretariat-of-state-202): The first auditor general of the Vatican and his deputy are suing the Secretariat of State for $9.25 million in damages. Libero Milone and Ferruccio Panicco are seeking compensation for loss of earnings, damage to their reputations, and emotional suffering. Milone and Panicco told reporters this week they also would submit records documenting financial crimes by senior Vatican officials, including embezzlement of funds. Before coming to the Vatican, Milone had been chairman and CEO of Italy’s Deloitte global accounting firm. He had also worked for the United Nations. He was appointed auditor general at the Vatican in 2015 and told […]
- [Pope Francis shares meal with the poor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-shares-meal-with-the-poor-201): Pope Francis had lunch with around 1,300 poor from Rome on Sunday. The meal was part of several Vatican-sponsored initiatives marking the sixth annual World Day of the Poor, including a free mobile medical clinic in St. Peter’s Square. After two years off due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the free lunch was again offered in the Paul VI Hall for people in Rome living in poverty. Pope Francis has always joined the meal — which began in 2017 during the first World Day of the Poor; he spends time in conversation with those at his table and he greets others who approach him. Throughout his pontificate, […]
- [Pope Francis prays for Turkey after deadly Istanbul bombing](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-turkey-after-deadly-istanbul-bombing-200): Pope Francis has expressed his condolences for the victims of a deadly bombing on a busy pedestrian street in Istanbul over the weekend. The Vatican published a message on Nov. 15 that expressed the pope’s spiritual closeness to the injured and those who mourn the loss of their loved ones who died in the explosion in Turkey’s capital. “His Holiness prays that no act of violence will discourage the efforts of the people of Türkiye to build a society based on the values of fraternity, justice and peace,” it said. The explosion on Istanbul’s Istiklal Avenue, a popular shopping street, […]
- [German bishops meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican amid concern over Synodal Way](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/german-bishops-meet-with-pope-francis-at-the-vatican-amid-concern-over-synodal-way-199): Pope Francis received the German bishops at the Vatican on Thursday. The audience with Pope Francis lasted about two hours, the German Bishops’ Conference said in a statement published after the encounter, describing the meeting as an “open round of talks” in which “the bishops were able to raise their questions and issues, and the pope answered them individually.” The statement briefly mentioned that “aspects of the Synodal Way of the Church in Germany, and the worldwide synodal process also came up in the conversation.”  As CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner, reported, the press release also said that the pontiff and the […]
- [Vatican conference examines history of 400-year-old Congregation of Propaganda Fide](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-conference-examines-history-of-400-year-old-congregation-of-propaganda-fide-198): The Congregation of Propaganda Fide — a Vatican department dedicated to the Church’s missionary activity — is celebrating its 400th anniversary. A three-day conference at the Vatican this week sought to examine the centuries-long history of this department, including its global impact today. EWTN News Nightly’s Tracy Sabol recently spoke with Monsignor Camillus Johnpillai, head of the Dicastery for Evangelization — which was combined with the Congregation of Propaganda Fide earlier this year as part of a reform by Pope Francis — to learn more about the department’s history, why it was founded, and the type of work it continues […]
- [Pope Francis travels to northern Italy to share a special meal with his cousins](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-travels-to-northern-italy-to-share-a-special-meal-with-his-cousins-197): Pope Francis traveled to northern Italy on Saturday to celebrate the 90th birthday of his second cousin Carla Rabezzana with his Italian relatives. The 85-year-old pope arrived by helicopter in the Italian province of Asti, 30 miles east of Turin, just before noon on Nov. 19. The pope made a brief stop to pray at a local church before greeting Rabezzana at her home in the town of Portacomaro, where they were joined by five other relatives and their families to share a home-cooked lunch with local delicacies from the Piedmont region. Rabezzana, who turned 90 on Nov. 8, told […]
- [‘We lift our prayers to God for peace in Ukraine’: Vatican Mass marks Ukraine-Holy See diplomatic relationship](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/we-lift-our-prayers-to-god-for-peace-in-ukraine-vatican-mass-marks-ukraine-holy-see-diplomatic-relationship-196): Cardinal Pietro Parolin offered Mass for peace in Ukraine on Thursday in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. The Vatican secretary of state said in his homily on Nov. 17 that “there is no situation so compromised that the Spirit of God cannot resurrect.” “This evening’s prayer for peace, which unites all our hearts, is rooted in this trust. We are witnessing the horror of a war which after so many months continues to sow destruction and death. We also see the failure of attempts to restore peace or find solutions that lead to it, while blood and […]
- [What is behind Pope Francis’ appointment of the new prefect for the Eastern Churches?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-behind-pope-francis-appointment-of-the-new-prefect-for-the-eastern-churches-195): For the role of prefect of the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches, Pope Francis has chosen Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, who since 2020 was nuncio to the United Kingdom. The Italian prelate’s diplomatic career came about somewhat “by accident.” As a specialist in Eastern liturgy and a fluent Russian and Armenian speaker, Gugerotti arrived in Rome to serve in the Congregation of Oriental Churches, where he had served as undersecretary before starting his career as “ambassador of the pope.” His recent appointment came as a bit of a surprise, given Vatican rumors were convinced that Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, 79 years old and head […]
- [Pope Francis removes Caritas Internationalis leaders, appoints temporary administrator](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-removes-caritas-internationalis-leaders-appoints-temporary-administrator-194): Pope Francis on Tuesday removed the entire leadership of an international confederation of charities and appointed a temporary administrator to improve the organization’s management. Pope Francis issued a decree Nov. 22 appointing Pier Francesco Pinelli, an Italian management consultant, as temporary administrator of Caritas Internationalis (CI). With the same ordinance, the pope said the positions of the Catholic confederation’s leadership are to cease immediately. This decision includes Caritas Internationalis president Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and secretary general Aloysius John. The positions of the vice presidents, treasurer, ecclesiastical assistant, executive council, and representative council also end. A press release said an […]
- [Pope Francis chooses papal ambassador to lead Dicastery for the Eastern Churches](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-chooses-papal-ambassador-to-lead-dicastery-for-the-eastern-churches-193): Pope Francis on Monday appointed a papal ambassador and expert in Eastern languages and literature to lead the Vatican Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, 67, has been apostolic nuncio to Great Britain since July 2020.  The Italian was undersecretary of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches from 1997 to 2001, before beginning his diplomatic service as an apostolic nuncio to Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan in December 2001. Gugerotti was also apostolic nuncio to Belarus for four years and Ukraine for almost five years before moving to Great Britain. The Vatican Dicastery for the Eastern Churches was founded […]
- [Pope Francis: What is spiritual consolation? The saints explain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-what-is-spiritual-consolation-the-saints-explain-192): Pope Francis used the example of several Catholic saints to explain the concept of spiritual consolation during his weekly audience on Wednesday. “What is spiritual consolation?” he said Nov. 23. “It is a profound experience of interior joy, consisting in seeing God’s presence in everything. It strengthens faith and hope, and even the ability of doing good.” The pope continued his teachings on the theme of discernment at his public audience in St. Peter’s Square, where he contrasted last week’s reflection on spiritual desolation with consolation, as experienced by several of the Church’s saints. “The person who experiences consolation never […]
- [What is behind the changes at Caritas Internationalis?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-behind-the-changes-at-caritas-internationalis-191): Why did Pope Francis dismiss the entire leadership of the Church’s worldwide charity arm Tuesday? What role will Pier Francesco Pinelli play as temporary administrator of Caritas Internationalis, appointed by papal decree on Nov. 22? A key date to understanding the move and how it aligns with the pope’s broader reforms is Oct. 15, 2022. On that day, Pope Francis received in audience at the Vatican Father Giacomo Canobbio and delegates of Bain Capital. The financial investment firm is where Pinelli previously worked. And Canobbio is the priest who, without announcement, was appointed by Pope Francis to the role of […]
- [Pope Francis meets Jewish leaders as they launch initiative to strengthen Catholic-Jewish bonds](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-jewish-leaders-as-they-launch-initiative-to-strengthen-catholic-jewish-bonds-190): Pope Francis met with international Jewish leaders on Tuesday as they launched an initiative to strengthen Catholic-Jewish bonds.
- [Pope Francis gives a shoutout to 2022 FIFA World Cup](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-gives-a-shoutout-to-2022-fifa-world-cup-189): Pope Francis gave a shoutout to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar at the end of his weekly audience on Wednesday. Speaking to a crowd of people from around the world Nov. 23, the pope expressed his hope the international soccer competition would foster fraternity and peace. “I wish to send my greetings to the players, fans and spectators who are following, from various continents, the World Cup, which is being played in Qatar,” he said in St. Peter’s Square. “May this important event,” he continued, “be an occasion of encounter and harmony among nations, fostering fraternity and peace […]
- [Pope Francis says this is the difference between theologians and catechists](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-this-is-the-difference-between-theologians-and-catechists-188): Pope Francis on Thursday distinguished between how catechists and theologians interact with Church teaching. A theologian, he said, has a vocation to go beyond existing doctrine, because “he is trying to make theology more explicit.” While a catechist, when instructing children and adults in the faith, “must give the correct doctrine, solid doctrine.” Pope Francis’ comments on the role of the theologian and the catechist were made in a meeting with the prestigious International Theological Commission (ITC) at the Vatican Nov. 24. The International Theological Commission exists under and to advise the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. […]
- [Pope Francis: God is present ‘in everyday things’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-god-is-present-in-everyday-things-187): It is good to remember that God is present to us even in the small, everyday events of our lives, Pope Francis said on the first Sunday of Advent. In his Angelus address Nov. 27, the pope said, “Let us bear this in mind: God is hidden in our life, he is always there — he is concealed in the commonest and most ordinary situations in our life.” God, he continued, “does not come in extraordinary events, but in everyday things.” “He is there, in our daily work, in a chance encounter, in the face of someone in need, even […]
- [Cardinal Sarah: ‘Religious liberty is under threat in the West, too’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-sarah-religious-liberty-is-under-threat-in-the-west-too-186): Christians in the West should not take religious liberty and freedom of worship for granted, Cardinal Robert Sarah said in a recent interview with EWTN News. “Threats against religious liberty take many forms. Countless martyrs continue to die for the faith around the world,” the 77-year-old Sarah said. “But religious liberty is under threat in the West, too.” “It is not often an overt threat, or hatred of the faith,” he added, but an “implicit bias against Christianity.” In the interview, which will air on EWTN’s Vaticano program at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 27, the Guinean cardinal pointed […]
- [‘Violence kills the future’: Pope Francis condemns Israeli-Palestinian conflict after 2 boys die](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/violence-kills-the-future-pope-francis-condemns-israeli-palestinian-conflict-after-2-boys-die-185): Pope Francis has spoken out against violence in the Holy Land after one teenager died in a blast in Jerusalem and another teenager died in armed clashes in Palestine last week. “Violence kills the future, shattering the lives of the young and weakening hopes for peace,” the pope said in an appeal at the end of his Sunday Angelus Nov. 27. A 16-year-old Israeli boy was killed, and at least 14 people were injured, after two bombs exploded at bus stops on the outskirts of Jerusalem Nov. 23. Israeli authorities said the attacks appear to have been carried out by […]
- [New cardinal from Ghana with heart problems dies at 63](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-cardinal-from-ghana-with-heart-problems-dies-at-63-184): Cardinal Richard Kuuia Baawobr, bishop of Wa, Ghana, died in Rome on Sunday evening at the age of 63. The cardinal had been hospitalized for heart problems after arriving in Rome in late August and was therefore unable to attend the Vatican ceremony at which he was elevated to the College of Cardinals Aug. 27. Baawobr died around 5:45 p.m. on Nov. 27 after being taken by ambulance to Rome’s Gemelli hospital, according to a press release from André-Léon Simonart, secretary general of the Missionaries of Africa. The African cardinal was hospitalized at Santo Spirito hospital close to the Vatican […]
- [Pope Francis: Benedict XVI was ‘leader’ in responding to sexual abuse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-benedict-xvi-was-leader-in-responding-to-sexual-abuse-183): In a recent interview Pope Francis said his predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was a leader in “taking responsibility” and responding with transparency to clerical sexual abuse — the latest defense by the Holy Father of his predecessor, who is facing criticism in his native Germany for his handling of several abuse cases as an archbishop decades ago.  In the Nov. 22 interview published Monday by America Magazine, Pope Francis discussed a wide range of topics including the Church’s response to revelations of abuse by clergy. Francis said although “official statistics” show that clergy abuse makes up a very small […]
- [Pope Francis: ‘Jesus did not create bishops’ conferences’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-jesus-did-not-create-bishops-conferences-182): Pope Francis has emphasized the difference between bishops’ conferences and bishops in a new interview with America Magazine. “The bishops’ conference is there to bring together the bishops, to work together, to discuss issues, to make pastoral plans. But each bishop is a pastor,” the pope said in a lengthy interview conducted at his Vatican home on Nov. 22 and published Nov. 28. “Let us not dissolve the power of the bishop by reducing it to the power of the bishops’ conference.” The conversation with the Jesuit publication covered a wide range of topics, including the role of bishops, racism, […]
- [Pope Francis says dialogue ‘slow,’ but only way forward with China](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-dialogue-slow-but-only-way-forward-with-china-181): In a new interview with America Magazine, Pope Francis said the Vatican-China deal has had both failures and successes, but he “cannot find another way” to carry out diplomacy. The pope spoke about the Vatican-China deal with America Magazine on Nov. 22, two days before the Nov. 24 installation ceremony of Bishop John Peng Weizhao, which the Vatican said “did not occur in accordance with … what was stipulated” in the renewed provisional agreement. A Nov. 26 statement said that “the Holy See noted with surprise and regret” that Peng had been installed as an “auxiliary bishop of Jiangxi,” a […]
- [Pope Francis appoints Bishop Henning as coadjutor bishop of Providence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-bishop-henning-as-coadjutor-bishop-of-providence-180): Pope Francis appointed Bishop Richard Henning as a coadjutor bishop of Providence on Wednesday. As coadjutor, Henning will assist Bishop Thomas J. Tobin in the administration of the Rhode Island diocese and should succeed him as bishop upon his retirement, expected once Tobin turns 75 next April. The Diocese of Providence is home to more than 603,000 Catholics. In the Vatican’s announcement on Nov. 23, Pope Francis also accepted the resignation of Bishop Robert C. Evans, 75, who served as an auxiliary bishop of Providence for the past 13 years. Henning, an auxiliary bishop of Rockville Centre since 2018, reacted […]
- [Head doctor for Athletico Madrid Football Club calls Pope Francis a ‘very stubborn patient’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/head-doctor-for-athletico-madrid-football-club-calls-pope-francis-a-very-stubborn-patient-179): The Vatican has recruited the head doctor of Athletico Madrid alongside a team of specialists to help treat Pope Francis’ knee problem. José María Villalón, a sports medicine specialist and the head doctor of the Spanish football club, described the pope as a “very stubborn patient” in a radio interview this week. The doctor said that Pope Francis is “a very nice and very stubborn patient in the sense that there are surgical procedures that he does not want. We have to offer him more conservative treatments so that he will agree to them.” Speaking in an interview with COPE, […]
- [‘Your pain is my pain’: Pope Francis pens letter marking 9 months of war in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/your-pain-is-my-pain-pope-francis-pens-letter-marking-9-months-of-war-in-ukraine-178): In an emotional letter addressed to the people of Ukraine, Pope Francis wrote that he sees the cross of Christ in the tortures and sufferings endured by Ukrainians in nine months of war. “I would like to unite my tears with yours and tell you that there is not a day in which I am not close to you and do not carry you in my heart and in my prayers,” the pope wrote in the letter. “Your pain is my pain. In the cross of Jesus today I see you—you who suffer the terror unleashed by this aggression.” Pope […]
- [Seminarians run a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot around Vatican City State](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/seminarians-run-a-thanksgiving-turkey-trot-around-vatican-city-state-177): American seminarians in Rome began Thanksgiving Day with a race around the world’s smallest country. The 13th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot around Vatican City State kicked off with an early start at the Pontifical North American College on Nov. 24. More than 130 seminarians, priests, and Catholic college students gathered near the starting line at 5:30 a.m. with t-shirts proudly proclaiming “the world’s only 5K to go around a sovereign nation.” The race brought the runners up the Vatican Hill and along the outside of the centuries-old 39-foot walls that encircle the Vatican Gardens before crossing in front of St. […]
- [Pope Francis prays for homeless man who died in St. Peter's Square](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-homeless-man-who-died-in-st-peters-square-176): Pope Francis is praying for a homeless man who was found dead near the colonnade of St. Peter’s Square on Friday morning. Burkhard Scheffler, a 61-year-old man born in Germany, died on a cold night on the street, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said on Nov. 25. Like many homeless people in Rome, Scheffler sometimes spent his nights sleeping under the shelter of the colonnade of St. Peter’s Square, where he received assistance from the Vatican Dicastery for the Service of Charity. In the past decade, Pope Francis has established many services near the Vatican for the homeless, including a four-story […]
- [Vatican says China violated terms of agreement with bishop installation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-says-china-violated-terms-of-agreement-with-bishop-installation-175): The Vatican said on Saturday that Chinese authorities had violated the terms stipulated in its provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops. A statement released on Nov. 26 said that “the Holy See noted with surprise and regret” that Bishop John Peng Weizhao had been installed as an “auxiliary bishop of Jiangxi,” a diocese that is not recognized by the Vatican. Peng’s installation ceremony in Nanchang, China “did not occur in accordance with the spirit of dialogue … and what was stipulated in the Provisional Agreement on the Appointment of Bishops, on September 22, 2018,” it said. The Vatican statement […]
- [Is the Vatican’s deal with China at stake?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/is-the-vaticans-deal-with-china-at-stake-174): The agreement between China and the Holy See on the appointment of bishops is not at risk — for now. The Holy See’s declaration following the installation of Bishop John Peng Weizhao as auxiliary bishop of Jiangxi is a precise signal. For the Holy See, this is not only about the diplomatic agreement. It is about a spirit of dialogue and mutual trust between the Vatican and the Chinese authorities, which Rome feels should not be betrayed. This spirit was betrayed by the installation of Bishop Peng as bishop of Jiangxi according to the subdivision of the dioceses of the […]
- [Pope Francis explains to Jesuit journalists why women cannot be ordained priests](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-explains-to-america-magazine-why-women-cannot-be-ordained-priests-173): In an interview published in the Jesuit publication, America Magazine, Pope Francis unequivocally stated that women cannot be ordained as priests but emphasised the important role they have to play in the life of the Church.  “Many women feel pain because they cannot be ordained priests. What would you say to a woman who is already serving in the life of the Church but who still feels called to be a priest?” asked Kerry Webber, executive editor of the monthly magazine published by the Jesuits of the United States. The Holy Father was unequivocal on the question of the ordination […]
- [The Pontifical Family of Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-popes-painter-172): New portrait of Benedict XVI and his Pontifical Family unveiled in Rome
- [Competitors run in the footsteps of the saints in Vatican’s annual 10K race](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/competitors-run-in-the-footsteps-of-the-saints-in-vaticans-annual-10k-race-170): More than 2,400 contestants raced through Rome in the 14th annual All Saints’ Day 10K, the Corsa dei Santi (Race of the Saints), where competitors run the streets traversed by many saints over the centuries. The athletes, professional and amateur, ran by the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and other sites in the Eternal City in the Nov. 1 race. Taking part in the race this year were Marcell Jacobs, an Italian 100-meter gold medal winner in the 2020 Olympics, and former long jump world champion Fiona May. Also competing in the Corsa dei Santi was Elizabeth Mazza, a graduate student […]
- [The significance of Cardinal Zuppi celebrating with Summorum Pontificum pilgrims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-significance-of-cardinal-zuppi-celebrating-with-summorum-pontificum-pilgrims): The head of the Italian bishops’ conference, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, presided over Vespers on Friday for an annual Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) pilgrimage to Rome. The pilgrimage is named after Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 apostolic letter Summorum Pontificum, which acknowledged the right of all priests to offer Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal, which is in Latin. The Traditional Latin Mass pilgrimage, organized by the People of Summorum Pontificum, is in its 11th year.  In other words, it predates the recent restrictions and changes decreed by Pope Francis, and Zuppi made it clear: There are no special “signs” to […]
- [Pope Francis on All Souls’ Day: Do you desire heaven above everything else?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-all-souls-day-do-you-desire-heaven-above-everything-else-77): On All Souls’ Day, Pope Francis urged Christians not to “compromise with the Gospel” but to take Jesus’ words seriously when he says we will be judged by how we treat the poor. “Often, out of convenience or comfort, we tend to tone down Jesus’ message, to water down his words. Let’s face it, we have gotten pretty good at compromising with the Gospel,” the pope said in St. Peter’s Basilica on Nov. 2. “From simple disciples of the Master we become masters of complexity, who argue a lot and do little, who seek answers more in front of the […]
- [Pope Francis calls for end of death penalty during Bahrain visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-end-of-death-penalty-during-bahrain-visit-76): Pope Francis spoke out against the death penalty and the need to guarantee the right to life for all during his trip to the Kingdom of Bahrain. “I express my appreciation for the International Conferences and the possibilities for encounter that this Kingdom organizes and promotes, stressing in particular the themes of respect, tolerance, and religious freedom,” he said Thursday during his trip to the Muslim island nation in the Persian Gulf. “These are, above all, commitments that need constantly to be put into practice so that religious freedom will be complete and not limited to freedom of worship; that […]
- [Why did Pope Francis not want to live in the Vatican Apostolic Palace?  ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-did-pope-francis-not-want-to-live-in-the-vatican-apostolic-palace-348): In his recently published memoir, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, secretary of Pope Benedict XVI, recounts the reasons why Pope Francis decided to live in the House of Santa Marta and not in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, where most pontiffs have lived. As the Archbishop recounts in the book “Nothing but the Truth,” on March 15, 2013, he accompanied Pope Francis to the Apostolic Palace so that he could take possession of the Apartment in the Third Loggia. “I showed him how the rooms were arranged. I also told him there would be no problem moving out of Casa Santa […]
- [These are the celebrations that Pope Francis will preside over in January](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-confirms-pope-franciss-upcoming-trip-to-africa-347): The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis will travel to Africa from January 31st to February 5th for his papal journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.  The Holy Father was to visit the cities of Kinshasa and Goma from July 2 to 5 and Juba, the capital of South Sudan, from July 5th to 7th, 2022.  However, the director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, reported on June 10th, 2022 that the Holy Father had to postpone the trip to Africa because of health issues.  Pope Francis also apologized for having had to postpone the […]
- [Funeral of Cardinal George Pell to be at Vatican on Saturday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/funeral-of-cardinal-george-pell-to-be-at-vatican-on-saturday-346): The funeral Mass of Cardinal George Pell will be held in St. Peter’s Basilica at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, the Vatican announced Thursday. Pell, the prefect emeritus of the Secretariat for the Economy, died suddenly in Rome on Jan. 10, at the age of 81. The funeral will be celebrated at the Altar of the Chair by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the deacon of the College of Cardinals, with other cardinals and bishops concelebrating. Pope Francis will preside over the rite of Final Commendation and Farewell. Following the funeral, Pell’s body will be brought back to Australia, where […]
- [PHOTOS: Remembering Cardinal Pell](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-remembering-cardinal-pell-345): Australian Cardinal George Pell died Tuesday in Rome at age 81 after suffering a cardiac arrest following a routine hip replacement surgery, his secretary confirmed to EWTN. Church leaders in Australia reacted with sadness and shock at the news of Pell’s death. “May eternal light now be his, who so steadfastly believed in the God of Jesus Christ,” Comensoli wrote on Twitter. At his general audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis praised Pell’s dedication to the Church. “I offer sentiments of heartfelt condolence,” the pope said in a Jan. 11 message, “remembering with a grateful heart his consistent and committed witness, […]
- [What to read in Benedict XVI’s secretary’s ‘tell-all’ book?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/analysis-what-to-read-in-benedict-xvis-secretarys-tell-all-book-344): In the latest book by Archbishop Georg Gänswein, for 20 years personal secretary to Pope Benedict XVI, there is much more than bitterness at having been made a “halved prefect” by Pope Francis. Indeed, while the hype surrounding the publication has focused on that particular situation — the removal of Gänswein as prefect of the papal household — and has characterized Gänswein as willing to seek tension, almost to place one pontificate against the other, the book offers much more than that. In fact, perhaps its most precious content is the excerpts from the homilies that Benedict XVI gave in […]
- [How Benedict XVI lived the first days after his resignation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-benedict-xvi-lived-the-first-days-after-his-resignation-343): Archbishop Georg Gänswein, who was Benedict XVI’s personal secretary, describes in his memoirs the days following the resignation of the Pope Emeritus. In the book entitled “Nient’altro che la verità. La mia vita al fianco di Benedetto XVI” (Nothing but the truth. My life with Benedict XVI), published in Italian this Thursday, January 12, Msgr. Gänswein notes that “Benedict was intimately convinced that his existence would not last long.” After his transfer to Castel Gandolfo on February 28, 2013, both Msgr. Gänswein and the Pope Emeritus’ doctor perceived “his progressive deterioration.” “In the first weeks after his resignation, the Pope […]
- [The legacy of Cardinal Pell](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/watch-a-report-from-rome-on-the-legacy-of-cardinal-pell-342): Australian Cardinal George Pell, a towering figure in the Church and a defender of Orthodox Catholicism, died last night from cardiac arrest.   In 2017, Cardinal Pell left Rome returning to Australia to defend his innocence following charges of sexual abuse. Initially convicted, he spent 404 days in prison, much of it in solitary confinement. However, he was acquitted in 2020, by a unanimous decision from Australia’s highest court, and returned to Rome.   Previously Archbishop of Sydney and Melbourne, in 2014 he was appointed by Pope Francis to lead the Vatican’s Economy Department.   Last night, when his death was confirmed, […]
- [Pope Francis mourns victims of a fatal accident in Senegal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-mourns-victims-of-a-fatal-accident-in-senegal-341): The Holy See Press Office published Pope Francis’ telegram of condolences following the accident in Senegal (Africa), where at least 40 people lost their lives after the collision of two buses. In the telegram, signed by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis shows his “closeness and solidarity” and joins in mourning the whole nation. He also expressed his closeness and concern for the 85 injured in the accident and “prayed that God may welcome the deceased in his peace and light.” Finally, he asked the Lord to bring comfort and hope “to all affected by this tragedy.” […]
- [What is a Jesuit Education?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-jesuit-education-a-full-interview-with-the-new-rector-of-the-pontifical-gregorian-university-340): The Pontifical Gregorian University has educated 28 Saints and 16 Popes. The first Jesuit educational institution, it was founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Now, there are 189 Jesuit universities around the world. Meet the newly appointed Rector of the Gregorian Pontifical University, Father Mark Lewis. Full transcript of the interview:  Andreas Thonhauser Father, how do you find yourself in this almost new role as a rector of the Gregorianum?  Fr. Mark Lewis    Well, I find that the learning curve has been fairly steep in these last three months. I was the Academic Vice Rector here at the Gregorian for three years before I […]
- [Pope Francis: "Cardinal Pell, faithful servant to the Lord even in the hour of trial"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-cardinal-pell-faithful-servant-to-the-lord-even-in-the-hour-of-trial-339): I remember with a grateful heart his consistent and committed witness, his dedication to the Gospel and the Church, and particularly his diligent cooperation with the Holy See in its recent economic reform, of which he laid the foundations with determination and wisdom.” These are the words of the Pope in his telegram of condolence on the death yesterday, Jan. 10, 2023, of Card. George Pell, Archbishop Emeritus of Sydney and Prefect Emeritus of the Secretariat for the Economy of the Holy See and Vatican City State.In Pope Francis’ telegram sent to the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Card. […]
- [Pope Francis: We don’t have to be perfect to evangelize](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-we-dont-have-to-be-perfect-to-evangelize-338): We do not have to be perfect already to live in a way that gives witness to Christ and attracts others to him, Pope Francis said on Wednesday. At his weekly public audience on Jan. 11, Francis reflected on Jesus’ calling of St. Matthew, then a tax collector, to follow him as one of his 12 apostles. “Here is the message for us: we do not have to wait until we are perfect and have come a long way following Jesus to witness to him; no, our proclamation begins today, there where we live,” he said. Pope Francis smiles with […]
- [Investigation into ‘Vatican Girl’ cold case reopened amid rekindled public interest](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/investigation-into-vatican-girl-cold-case-reopened-amid-rekindled-public-interest-337): The Vatican promoter of justice announced Monday that the investigation into the vanishing of Emanuela Orlandi, a teenaged Vatican citizen whose disappearance in the 1980s has since spawned myriad conspiracy theories, will be reopened.  In a brief statement posted to Vatican News, the Holy See Press Office director, Matteo Bruni, reported Monday that the decision to reopen the investigation was made partly in response to several requests made by Orlandi’s family. Bruni said the promoter of justice — essentially the prosecutor — for the Vatican, Alessandro Diddi, had confirmed this decision to once more open the case, which has been closed for […]
- [This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of January ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-january-336): Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of January is for educators. “Educators are witnesses who not only impart their mental knowledge but also their convictions, their commitment to life,” the Holy Father said in a video appeal released by the Vatican on Jan. 10.  “I would like to propose that educators add new content to their teaching: fraternity,” the Holy Father said. “Education is an act of love that illuminates the path for us to recover a sense of fraternity, so we will not ignore those who are most vulnerable.” He added: “They [educators] know how to handle the […]
- [BREAKING | Cardinal Pell dies at the age of 81](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-cardinal-pell-dies-at-the-age-of-81-334): Cardinal George Pell, Prefect Emeritus of the Secretariat for the Economy and Archbishop Emeritus of Sydney, died this evening in Rome, after complications from a hip replacement surgery he underwent earlier today. He was 81 years old. Born in Ballarat, Australia, on June 8, 1941, he studied at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. He was ordained a priest on December 16, 1966, and , after specializing in theology, he studied at Oxford, majoring in church history. Starting in 1971, he worked in a number of parishes in his home diocese. From 1985 to 1987 he was rector of Corpus […]
- [Pope Francis meets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-italian-prime-minister-giorgia-meloni-333): Pope Francis met Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s first female prime minister, at the Vatican on Tuesday. The private meeting, which lasted a little over 30 minutes, marked the third time in nine days the 45-year-old politician was at the Vatican. Meloni was among the first to pay her respects to the late Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 2, together with Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella. She also attended the funeral of the pope emeritus on Jan. 5. Meloni introduced her team to Pope Francis. Her 6-year-old daughter, Ginevra, also took part in the meeting — Meloni’s first papal […]
- [Pope Francis: Vulnerability threatens the ‘culture of efficiency’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-vulnerability-threatens-the-culture-of-efficiency-332-2):   Sickness and vulnerability is scary because it is a threat to the culture of efficiency, Pope Francis said on Tuesday, in a message published ahead of the World Day of the Sick. “We are rarely prepared for illness. Oftentimes, we fail even to admit that we are getting older,” the pope said Jan. 10. “Our vulnerability frightens us and the pervasive culture of efficiency pushes us to sweep it under the carpet, leaving no room for our human frailty.” “We are all fragile and vulnerable, and need that compassion which knows how to pause, approach, heal, and raise up. […]
- [Pope Francis: Vulnerability threatens the ‘culture of efficiency’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-vulnerability-threatens-the-culture-of-efficiency-332):   Sickness and vulnerability is scary because it is a threat to the culture of efficiency, Pope Francis said on Tuesday, in a message published ahead of the World Day of the Sick. “We are rarely prepared for illness. Oftentimes, we fail even to admit that we are getting older,” the pope said Jan. 10. “Our vulnerability frightens us and the pervasive culture of efficiency pushes us to sweep it under the carpet, leaving no room for our human frailty.” “We are all fragile and vulnerable, and need that compassion which knows how to pause, approach, heal, and raise up. […]
- [Pope Francis meets with Benedict XVI’s longtime secretary, Archbishop Gänswein](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-benedict-xvis-longtime-secretary-archbishop-gaenswein-331): Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the longtime personal secretary of the late Pope Benedict XVI, met with Pope Francis this morning, according to the Vatican’s daily press briefing. The German prelate’s meeting with the Holy Father comes only four days after Benedict XVI was laid to rest in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, Jan. 5.  It also took place shortly before the public release of Gänswein’s forthcoming book detailing his nearly 20 years of service to Benedict XVI. According to a preview of the text published by Reuters, the book includes details about the German pope’s alleged disagreements with his Argentinian successor […]
- [To counter ‘third world war,’ Pope Francis proposes ‘truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/to-counter-third-world-war-pope-francis-proposes-truth-justice-solidarity-and-freedom-330): The global community is engaged in a “third world war” marked by heightened fear, conflict, and risk of nuclear violence, but a recommitment to “truth, justice, solidarity and freedom” can provide a pathway to peace, Pope Francis told international diplomats Monday. Citing the ongoing war in Ukraine, but also drawing on conflicts in places such as Syria, West Africa, Ethiopia, Israel, Myanmar, and the Korean Peninsula, the Holy Father said this global struggle is being “fought piecemeal,” but is nonetheless interconnected. “Today the third world war is taking place in a globalized world where conflicts involve only certain areas of […]
- [Pope Francis: Celebrate the date of your baptism like a birthday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrate-the-date-of-your-baptism-like-a-birthday-329): Pope Francis baptised babies in the Sistine Chapel on Sunday and encouraged parents to teach their children to celebrate their baptism anniversary each year. On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Jan. 8, the pope baptized 13 babies and presided over Mass beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes. Pope Francis baptised 13 babies in the Sistine Chapel on Jan. 8, 2023. Vatican Media In a brief off-the-cuff homily, the pope said that baptism is like a rebirth in Christ and therefore should be celebrated “like a birthday.” “Dear parents, thank you for bringing your children here to have them enter […]
- [Pope Francis: God’s justice frees us from the snares of evil](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-gods-justice-frees-us-from-the-snares-of-evil-328): In his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis said that God’s justice is often misunderstood as mere punishment when in reality it “raises us up” by “freeing us from the snares of evil.” On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Jan. 8, the pope said that “Jesus reveals God’s justice.” Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace, he said: “Very often we have a limited idea of justice and think that it means: those who do wrong pay … and in this way compensate for the wrong they have done.” “But God’s justice, as the Scripture […]
- [The College of Cardinals in 2023: 11 cardinals to turn 80 years old](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/college-cardinals-in-2023-11-cardinals-to-turn-80-years-old-327): As many as 11 Cardinal electors will turn 80 in 2023, losing their right to vote in any future conclave. Currently, there are 125 cardinals under the age of 80, and over the course of 2023, this number will drop to 114, paving the way for a possible new consistory by Pope Francis. Of these 11 cardinals, six were appointed by Benedict XVI, two by Pope St. John Paul II and three by Pope Francis. At the end of 2023, 8 electors will have been appointed by Pope St. John Paul II, 28 by Benedict XVI, and 78 by Pope […]
- [Pope Benedict XVI: Doctor of the Church?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-benedict-xvi-doctor-of-the-church-326): There are currently 37 Doctors of the Church, four women and 33 men, spanning the course of Church history, from Irenaeus of Lyon in the 3rd century to Thérèse of Lisieux in the 19th century. It is a classically Catholic pastime to speculate who might be named the next member of this extraordinary and extraordinarily exclusive club. Long before his passing, the name Pope Benedict XVI has been proposed as a worthy candidate to become a Doctor of the Church. What exactly would this entail, and is he, indeed, a suitable candidate? It might be useful to ask first what, […]
- [Cardinal Zen meets Pope Francis, prays at Benedict XVI’s tomb](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zen-meets-pope-francis-prays-at-benedict-xvis-tomb-325): Cardinal Joseph Zen met privately with Pope Francis on Friday after attending Benedict XVI’s funeral. The Hong Kong authorities temporarily released the passport of the 90-year-old cardinal, who was arrested last year under the city’s national security law, to allow him to travel to Rome. According to America Magazine, Zen met Pope Francis in the afternoon on Jan. 6, in the Vatican’s Santa Marta guesthouse. “It was wonderful. He was so very warm!” the Chinese cardinal told America Magazine. Zen, formerly the Bishop of Hong Kong, arrived in St. Peter’s Square dressed in red vestments and walking with a cane […]
- [How to visit the tomb of Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-to-visit-the-tomb-of-benedict-xvi-324): Benedict XVI was buried in the crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica after his funeral Mass on Jan. 5. The late pope’s coffin was interred in the former burial place of both St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII, whose remains were moved to the upper part of the basilica at the time of their beatifications. The coffin of Pope Benedict XVI is prepared for interment in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 5, 2023. Vatican Media After being closed for several days, from 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8, the Vatican crypt, which has small chapels and […]
- [Pope Francis on Epiphany: Get out of your comfort zone to seek God like the Magi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-epiphany-get-out-of-your-comfort-zone-to-seek-god-like-the-magi-323): On the Solemnity of the Epiphany, Pope Francis said that if the Magi had remained comfortable, they never would have encountered the Lord in Bethlehem. In his homily for the Church’s celebration of the Three Kings on Jan. 6, the pope warned that today’s world is full of “tranquilizers of the soul” and “empty promises of pleasure.” Francis said that from endless consumerism to “non-stop media controversies” and the “idolatry of fitness,” everything today “seems to tell us: ‘Don’t overthink things. Let go and enjoy life.” “Often we try to soothe our hearts with creature comforts. … If the Magi […]
- [A closer look at the ceremonial details of Benedict XVI’s funeral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/closer-look-at-the-ceremonial-details-of-benedict-xvis-funeral-322): There is no doubt that the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Jan. 5 was a pope’s funeral. Not only was the funeral rite the one foreseen for the death of a pope, but so were all the rites that accompanied it.  For example, the medals and coins of the pontificate, the “rogito” (the brief document describing the pontificate), and the palliums that characterized his activity — that of archbishop of Munich, that of dean of the College of Cardinals, and that of pope — were buried with Benedict in the coffin, as is customary for a pope.  Also, […]
- [How Benedict XVI was buried at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-benedict-xvi-was-buried-at-the-vatican-321): Pope Benedict XVI has been laid to rest in the Vatican, in the same tomb where the remains of St. John Paul II were originally laid to rest. After the funeral Mass presided by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square, the coffin was taken to the Vatican Grottoes, located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Benedict XVI’s body was placed in the traditional triple coffin for Popes: one of cypress wood, another of zinc and the third of oak. The burial was attended by several dozen people, including German Archbishop Georg Gänswein, who was Benedict XVI’s personal secretary. On the coffin of […]
- [Missed Pope Benedict XVI’s funeral? Watch it here](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/missed-pope-benedict-xvis-funeral-watch-it-here-320): Tens of thousands of people were present in St. Peter’s Square for the funeral Thursday of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a leading theologian of the 20th century and the first pope to resign from office in nearly 600 years. Because the Mass began at 9:30 a.m. Rome time (3:30 a.m. ET) many people in the U.S. and elsewhere were not able to watch it live. You can watch EWTN’s live coverage in the YouTube video at the bottom of the story. EWTN will rebroadcast the Mass on its cable network Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET and again at 9 p.m. […]
- [Cardinal Zen attends Benedict XVI funeral after Hong Kong authorities release passport](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zen-attends-benedict-xvi-funeral-after-hong-kong-authorities-release-passport-319): Cardinal Joseph Zen attended the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Thursday morning after Hong Kong authorities temporarily released his passport for five days to allow him to travel to Rome. The 90-year-old cardinal from Hong Kong arrived in St. Peter’s Square dressed in red and walking with a cane to concelebrate the funeral Mass on Jan. 5. The former bishop of Hong Kong, who was arrested last year under the city’s national security law, was allowed by a local court to travel to Italy to be present for the funeral of the late pope who made him a […]
- [FULL TEXT: Pope Francis' homily at the Funeral Mass of Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-homily-at-the-funeral-of-benedict-xvi-318): Pope Francis presided over the funeral Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on January 5 in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican before thousands of faithful from different parts of the world. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Lk 23:46). These were the final words spoken by the Lord on the cross; his last breath, as it were, which summed up what had been his entire life: a ceaseless self-entrustment into the hands of his Father. His were hands of forgiveness and compassion, healing and mercy, anointing and blessing, which led him also to entrust himself into the […]
- [Benedict XVI - Joseph Ratzinger: his vocation, his path to priesthood to academic life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvi-joseph-ratzinger-his-vocation-his-path-to-priesthood-to-academic-life-317): What led Benedict XVI to become a priest? Lets find out togheter. 
- [Pope Benedict XVI Childhood](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-benedict-xvi-childhood-316): Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger was born on April 16, 1927 in “Marktl am Inn,” a small German town belonging to the district of Altötting in Upper Bavaria. It was Holy Saturday and his parents decided to baptize him the very next day: Easter Sunday. Little Joseph was the third child of Joseph Ratzinger, a police officer and Maria Rieger, a housewife. His older siblings, Maria and Georg, would be ever present during the different stages of the life of their younger brother.  In 1937, when Joseph was 10, his father retired and the family moved to the town of Hufschlag in […]
- [The dark and oppressive period of Pope Benedict XVI as a soldier during World War II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dark-and-oppressive-period-of-pope-benedict-xvi-as-a-soldier-during-world-war-ii-315): Did you know that Pope Benedict was a soldier during WWII?  Learn more here!
- [Pope Benedict XVI, a Pope at the service of Truth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-benedict-xvi-a-pope-at-the-service-of-truth-314): Pope Benedict was a faithful servant of Justice and of True… lets learn why!
- [The friendship and respect between Benedict XVI and Pope St. John Paul II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/friendship-and-respect-between-benedict-xvi-and-pope-st-john-paul-ii-313): John Paul II and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, both giants of the faith, were bound by a sincere friendship and a deep desire to serve the Church. Here’s our special episode dedicated to them:
- [Pope Francis at Audience: Benedict XVI was a 'great master' of catechesis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-audience-benedict-xvi-was-great-master-of-catechesis-312): On Wednesday morning, Pope Francis paid homage to Benedict XVI and said that “he always wanted to accompany us in the encounter with Jesus” These were his words at the beginning of this peculiar General Audience, where he also asked the faithful to join “those here beside us who are paying their respects to Benedict XVI.” Before beginning his catechesis, the last one on discernment, the Holy Father recalled that Benedict XVI “was a great catechist”. Let us join with those here beside us who are paying their respects to Benedict XVI,” Pope Francis said. He also stressed that “his […]
- [‘Flavors of home’: Benedict XVI’s favorite restaurant in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/flavors-of-home-benedict-xvis-favorite-restaurant-in-rome-311): The personnel of Cantina Tirolese in Rome will pay their final respects to Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 4. The Austrian eatery was, “without a doubt, his favorite restaurant,” its manager told CNA on Tuesday. Though the Bavarian pope has not frequented the restaurant for a couple of decades, after he died on Dec. 31, Mario Notari said, “we interrupted the New Year’s Eve party and we dedicated a minute of silence and a few words to him who was our honored guest for years.” “There is always a presence of pilgrims and devotees who come” to […]
- [Here are the prayers and readings for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s funeral Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/here-are-the-prayers-and-readings-for-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvis-funeral-mass-310): The Vatican has released the Mass booklet for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s funeral. Pope Francis will preside over the funeral of Benedict XVI on Thursday, Jan. 5, at 9:30 a.m. (Rome time) in St. Peter’s Square. Here is a preview of the readings and prayers that will be offered at the funeral of Benedict XVI: The collect prayer will be prayed in Latin:  Let us pray. O God, who in your wondrous providence chose your servant Benedict to preside over your Church, grant, we pray, that, having served as the Vicar of your Son on earth, he may be welcomed […]
- [Cardinal Zen: Benedict XVI will be a ‘powerful intercessor in heaven’ for China](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zen-benedict-xvi-will-be-a-powerful-intercessor-in-heaven-for-china-308): Cardinal Joseph Zen has said that he believes that the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will be a “powerful intercessor in heaven” for the Catholic Church in China. In a reflection posted on his blog on Jan. 3, Zen remembered Benedict XVI as a “great defender of the truth” who took “extraordinary” actions to support the Church in China, despite many setbacks. “As a member of the Chinese Church, I am immensely grateful to Pope Benedict for things he has done that he did not do for other Churches,” Zen wrote. The Hong Kong cardinal recalled in particular Benedict XVI’s […]
- [Funeral of Benedict XVI: Everything you need to know](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/funeral-of-benedict-xvi-everything-you-need-to-know-307): Following the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, these are the details you should know about his funeral in the Vatican. Benedict XVI passed away on December 31 at 9:34 am (Rome time). As confirmed by his personal secretary Archbishop Georg Ganswein, his last words were “Signore, ti amo !” (Lord, I love you!) And he pronounced them in Italian. Unlike the death of Saint John Paul II in 2005, the death of the Pope Emeritus was not announced in Saint Peter’s Square nor was there a peal of bells. Confirmation of his death was reported by the director of […]
- [First reactions and comments to the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/first-reactions-and-comments-to-the-death-of-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-in-st-peters-square-306): In a St. Peter’s Square full of people who were coming to pay their last respects to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, we asked what the figure of this pontiff meant to their lives. Here are the answers:  
- [Meet 7 of the best-known saints canonized by Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-7-of-the-best-known-saints-canonized-by-pope-benedict-xvi-305): During his pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI beatified 870 people and canonized a total of 45 saints. Though his papacy was relatively short, spanning from 2005 to 2013, the 45 people whom he declared saints are models of faith and holiness, celebrated by Catholics all over the world. Here are seven of the best-known saints Pope Benedict XVI canonized: St. Kateri Tekakwitha St. Kateri Tekakwitha, or “Lily of the Mohawks,” was the first Native American saint to be canonized. Born in what is today New York state, she was the daughter of a Mohawk father and a Christian Algonquin mother. She […]
- [Cardinal George Pell remembers Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-george-pell-remembers-pope-benedict-xvi-304): Cardinal George Pell remembers Pope Benedict XVI in this interview with EWTN. Cardinal Pell hosted the late Pope in 2008 when he attended World Youth Day in Australia. The Pope celebrated the closing Mass in front of over 400,000 young people.
- [Where is the tomb of Pope Benedict XVI in the Vatican after his funeral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/where-is-the-tomb-of-pope-benedict-xvi-in-the-vatican-after-his-funeral-303): Benedict XVI will be interred in the Vatican crypt in the same spot where Pope John Paul II was buried before his beatification. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed the site of Benedict’s tomb to journalists on Jan. 2, the first day the pope emeritus’ body was laid in state in St. Peter’s Basilica. Benedict’s death at age 95 was announced in Rome on Dec. 31.
- [In stepping down, Benedict XVI carved out new role as ‘contemplative’ pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-stepping-down-benedict-xvi-carved-out-new-role-as-contemplative-pope-302): On Feb. 11, 2013, before a gathering of cardinals who had come to the Vatican expecting to hear the announcement of upcoming canonizations, Pope Benedict XVI dropped a bombshell. After a few announcements about Church business at the conclusion of the meeting, the pope took out two sheets of paper and read a prepared statement in Latin. “I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the […]
- [What is Happening at the Vatican Following the Death of Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-happening-at-the-vatican-following-the-death-of-pope-benedict-xvi-301): The body of former Pontiff, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, has been moved to St. Peter’s Basilica. According to Pope Benedict XVI’s longtime private secretary, the German-born Pope’s final words were “Lord, I love you!” EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, sets the scene for us and shares what is taking place at the Vatican and around St. Peter’s Square. Thonhauser discusses what the plans are for the next few days. He talks to us about the legacy Pope Benedict XVI leaves behind. Thonhauser tells us his personal reflections and memories of the Pope Emeritus. 
- [Benedict XVI was the first Pope in history to have a Twitter account](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvi-was-the-first-pope-in-history-to-have-a-twitter-account-300): The late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was the first Pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church to have an account on the social network Twitter. The Holy Father’s account, @pontifex, was officially launched on December 3, 2012. But it would not be until nine days later, on Dec. 12, that Benedict XVI made his first post. “Dear friends, I joyfully join you via Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless you all from my heart,” was the late Pope Emeritus’ historic first tweet. Accounts were opened in English, Italian, French, Polish, German, Portuguese, Arabic and Latin. After […]
- [VIDEO AND PHOTOS: Thousands gather to pay final respects to body of Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/video-and-photos-thousands-gather-to-pay-final-respects-to-body-of-benedict-xvi-299): The mortal remains of Benedict XVI were moved early Monday morning to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the late pope will lie in state through Jan. 4. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over a brief ritual after Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s body was carried up the center aisle of the basilica at 7:15 a.m. The cardinal solemnly incensed the body and sprinkled it with holy water as a choir chanted sung prayers offered for the repose of his soul.  Benedict XVI is lying in state directly in front of the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, […]
- [The relationship between Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/relationship-between-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-and-pope-francis-298): In the first hours after his election on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis thought of his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Moments after making his first public appearance as pope, from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis said: “First of all, I would like to offer a prayer for our bishop emeritus, Benedict XVI. Let us pray together for him, that the Lord may bless him and Our Lady may keep him.” Leading the crowds in praying an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for his predecessor, Pope Francis marked the beginning of what would become almost 10 […]
- [Benedict XVI’s funeral: Only 2 countries will send official delegations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvis-funeral-only-2-countries-will-send-official-delegations-297): Just two official state delegations — from Italy and Germany — will attend the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the Vatican’s press office has confirmed, answering one of the many novel protocol questions posed by the death of a pope emeritus. The German-born Benedict, formerly Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, lived in Italy for more than 40 years, beginning in 1981. The Holy See Press Office confirmed on Dec. 31 that the two countries were sending official representatives to the funeral, which will be on Thursday. Both Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Italian Prime Minister Geogia Meloni paid their respects to […]
- [In stepping down, Benedict XVI carved out new role as ‘contemplative’ pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-stepping-down-benedict-xvi-carved-out-new-role-as-contemplative-pope-296): On Feb. 11, 2013, before a gathering of cardinals who had come to the Vatican expecting to hear the announcement of upcoming canonizations, Pope Benedict XVI dropped a bombshell. After a few announcements about Church business at the conclusion of the meeting, the pope took out two sheets of paper and read a prepared statement in Latin. “I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the […]
- [Remembering Benedict XVI: 10 Quotes on Love, Death, Hope, Mary, and Marriage](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/remembering-benedict-xvi-10-quotes-on-love-death-hope-mary-and-marriage-295): With the early morning news of the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the Catholic Church and the world is grieving and remembering a life so well-lived. With a tremendous wealth of spiritual advice and sound theological doctrine, it is no easy task to pluck the best quotations from such a humble and generous soul. But as we mourn the loss of such a great man, here are just 10 quotes from Benedict XVI that we remember especially today. Quite soon, I shall find myself before the final judge of my life. Even though, as I look back on my […]
- [Benedict XVI — Priest, Prefect, Pope, Rest in Peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvi-priest-prefect-pope-rest-in-peace-294): Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has died at the age of 95. The Vatican made the announcement of his death at 10:30 am Rome time on Dec. 31 in a short statement translated into several languages. “With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican,” Vatican Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said. “Further information will be provided as soon as possible.”  The Vatican added that, from Jan. 2, the body of the pope emeritus will rest in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican “for the faithful […]
- [Benedict XVI: A look back at the cat-loving pope’s favorite feline friends](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvi-a-look-back-at-the-cat-loving-popes-favorite-feline-friends-293): The late Benedict XVI was known for his intellectual acumen as a theologian and philosopher, but perhaps his most relatable quality was that he was a cat person.  As we remember the life and legacy of the pope, here is a look at his favorite feline friends from Bavaria to the Vatican gardens: Vaticats “God’s Rottweiler” was actually more of a cat-lover than an attack dog. When Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the future Benedict XVI, served as the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, he would often feed the many cats that lived in the Vatican gardens. […]
- [Benedict XVI: thinker, preacher, saint? Scholars and former students discuss legacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvi-thinker-preacher-saint-scholars-and-former-students-discuss-legacy-292): The death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI prompted his former students and other Catholic scholars to reflect on his importance for the Catholic Church as a theologian, a scholar, and a preacher. Some even raised the prospect of the late pontiff’s canonization and recognition as a doctor of the Church. “I don’t know anyone who has worked closely with him who does not recognize his holiness and his brilliance,” Father Joseph Fessio, SJ, the founder and editor of the San Francisco-based Ignatius Press, said Saturday. Fessio was a doctoral student under Benedict XVI when the future pope was known as […]
- [Was Pope Em. Benedict XVI Afraid of Dying? Exclusive Interview with Msgr. Georg Gänswein](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-death-exclusive-interview-with-msgr-georg-gaenswein-291): In this exclusive interview with Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Pope Benedict XVI’s personal secretary, EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, sat down with the archbishop for a wide-ranging conversation covering the key moments of Benedict XVI’s papacy from curial reforms, to the “dictatorship of relativism”, abuse cases, the late pontiff’s impressive literary body of work, and what he believes will be Benedict XVI’s legacy.
- [Benedict XVI’s final resting place decided: He will be buried in Vatican crypt](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvis-final-resting-place-decided-he-will-be-buried-in-vatican-crypt-290): Benedict XVI will be buried in the crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican said Saturday afternoon. Benedict’s death, at the age of 95, was announced in Rome on Dec. 31. His body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica from the morning of Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, until his funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Jan. 5, 2023. The tombs in the Vatican crypt are close to the remains of the Catholic Church’s first pope, St. Peter the Apostle. Benedict XVI’s remains will stay at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery until Jan. 2, 2022, the Vatican said. No official […]
- [These were the last words of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/these-were-the-last-words-of-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-289): The last words of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as he lay on his deathbed were “Lord, I love you!” according to the late pope’s longtime personal secretary Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Vatican News reported. At about 3 a.m. on Dec. 31, a few hours before he died, Benedict was alone with a nurse who did not speak German, Vatican News reported. At that time Gänswein and others who were taking turns staying with the pope emeritus had left the room for a moment. Gänswein recounted that Benedict XVI “in a soft but clearly distinguishable voice said in Italian, ‘Lord, I love […]
- [The story behind Pope Benedict XVI’s red shoes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/story-behind-pope-benedict-xvis-red-shoes-288): When Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, he stepped down as the Bishop of Rome — and out of his famous red leather shoes. During his reign as pope, Benedict’s red shoes became something of a trademark, inspiring ABC News to call him a “fashionista” and Esquire to name him “accessorizer of the year.” At another point, his loafers sparked controversy after false rumors claimed they were crafted by the high-end Italian fashion house Prada. Benedict’s choice of shoes stands out because his predecessor and successor — St. John Paul II and Pope Francis — opted for alternatives. But popes […]
- [In Memory of Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-memory-of-pope-benedict-xvi-287): Fr. Mitch Pacwa hosts this special edition of EWTN Live dedicated to the memory of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
- [Pope Benedict XVI Dies At 95](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-benedict-xvi-dies-at-95-286): On Saturday December 31st at 9:34am, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away at the Vatican in Rome. He was 95 years age. EWTN News reporter Colm Flynn has this special report from the Vatican in Rome.
- [Benedict XVI’s final resting place decided: He will be buried in Vatican crypt](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvis-final-resting-place-decided-he-will-be-buried-in-vatican-crypt-285): Benedict XVI will be buried in the crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican said Saturday afternoon. Benedict’s death, at the age of 95, was announced in Rome on Dec. 31. His body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica from the morning of Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, until his funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Jan. 5, 2023. The tombs in the Vatican crypt are close to the remains of the Catholic Church’s first pope, St. Peter the Apostle. Benedict XVI’s remains will stay at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery until Jan. 2, 2022, the Vatican said. No official […]
- [Benedict’s XVI’s spiritual testament underlines ‘the reasonableness of faith’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedicts-xvis-spiritual-testament-underlines-the-reasonableness-of-faith-284): The Vatican published Benedict XVI’s spiritual testament on Saturday night in which the late pope underlined “the reasonableness of faith.” “What I said before to my countrymen, I say now to all those in the Church who have been entrusted to my service: Stand firm in the faith! Do not let yourselves be confused,” the late Benedict XVI wrote, expressing the final thoughts he wished to share with the Church. In the text released by the Vatican on Dec. 31 hours after his death, the late pope remarked that with each passing generation he saw how “out of the tangle […]
- [Pope Francis entrusts the late Benedict XVI to the Blessed Virgin Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-entrusts-the-late-benedict-xvi-to-the-blessed-virgin-mary-282): At the first papal Mass of 2023, thousands of Catholics gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica prayed for the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on New Year’s Eve at the age of 95. In the prayers of the faithful on Jan. 1, the congregation prayed: “Remember Lord, the deceased Pope Emeritus Benedict. May the chief Shepherd, who always lives to intercede for us, welcome him kindly into the kingdom of light and peace.” On New Year’s Day, Pope Francis entrusted the soul of the late Benedict XVI to the Blessed Virgin Mary. “Today we entrust to our Blessed Mother […]
- [FULL TEXT: Benedict XVI shares his final thoughts with the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-benedict-xvi-shares-his-final-thoughts-with-the-church-281): The Vatican on Saturday evening published the Spiritual Testament of Benedict XVI, written on Aug. 29, 2006, one year and four months into his pontificate. Each pope writes a spiritual testament to be made public only after his death. Below is CNA’s translation of the full testament from Italian: My spiritual testament If in this late hour of my life I look back at the decades I have been through, first I see how many reasons I have to give thanks. First and foremost I thank God himself, the giver of every good gift, who gave me life and guided […]
- [Benedict's longtime secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, reflects on the late pope's life, legacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedicts-longtime-secretary-archbishop-georg-gaenswein-reflects-on-the-late-popes-life-legacy-280): Archbishop Georg Gänswein has known Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in an official capacity since being appointed as an official at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1995. Since Benedict’s election as pope in 2005, his startling resignation in 2013, and his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican, Gänswein served as Benedict’s personal secretary. The archbishop, 66, has had a unique perspective on Benedict’s last years, which he says were primarily devoted to prayer.  On Nov. 22, a little over a month before Benedict’s death on Dec. 31 at the age of 95, Gänswein […]
- [Vatican shares first photos of Benedict XVI after death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-shares-first-photos-of-benedict-xvi-after-death-279): The Vatican on Sunday shared the first photos of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI since his death on Dec. 31. The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at age 95. | Vatican Media Benedict’s mortal remains have been laid in the chapel of the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, the pope emeritus’ home after his resignation, until they will be brought to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing on Jan. 2. The Vatican has released photographs of the body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at […]
- [Funeral Mass of Benedict XVI to be held Jan. 5](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/funeral-mass-of-benedict-xvi-to-be-held-jan-5-278): The Vatican announced Saturday that the funeral Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Francis will preside over the funeral, which, in keeping with Benedict’s wishes, “will be carried out under the sign of simplicity,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. Benedict’s death, at the age of 95, was announced in Rome on Dec. 31. His body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica from the morning of Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. In a written statement on the morning of Dec. 31, Bruni said: “With […]
- [A timeline of Pope Benedict XVI’s extraordinary life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/timeline-of-pope-benedict-xvis-extraordinary-life-277): Here is a look back at the key dates and events in the life of Pope Benedict XVI: 1927 — Joseph Ratzinger is born on Holy Saturday, April 16, in the Bavarian town of Marktl am Inn, Germany, and is baptized on that same day. 1936 — Ratzinger makes his first Communion in the parish church of the Assumption of Our Lady on March 15. 1937 — Cardinal Michael von Faulhaber administers the sacrament of confirmation to 10-year-old Joseph Ratzinger on June 9 in the Traunstein, Germany, parish church of St. Oswald. 1939 — At age 12, Ratzinger enters a […]
- [Benedict XVI dead at 95: The ‘humble worker’ and his legacy of hope to the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvi-dead-at-95-the-humble-worker-and-his-legacy-of-hope-to-the-catholic-church-276): Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has died at the age of 95, bringing to a close the momentous life of a Churchman who proclaimed the “eternal joy” of Jesus Christ and called himself a “humble worker” in the vineyard of the Lord. His death was announced in Rome on Dec. 31. Cardinal Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger was elected pope on April 19, 2005, and took the name Benedict XVI. Eight years later, on Feb. 11, 2013, the 85-year-old shocked the world with the announcement — made in Latin — that he was resigning from the papacy. It was the first resignation of […]
- [BREAKING: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI dies at age 95](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-dies-at-age-95-275): Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a leading theologian of the 20th century and the first pope to resign from office in nearly 600 years, has died at the age of 95, the Vatican announced. His death was announced in Rome on Dec. 31. “With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican,” Vatican press office director Matteo Bruni said. “Further information will be provided as soon as possible.” Born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, he was elected to the papacy in April 2005, taking the name Benedict XVI, […]
- [Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI dies at age 95](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-dies-at-age-95-274): Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a leading theologian of the 20th century and the first pope to resign from office in nearly 600 years, has died at the age of 95, the Vatican announced. His death was announced in Rome on Dec. 31. “With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican,” Vatican press office director Matteo Bruni said. “Further information will be provided as soon as possible.” Born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, he was elected to the papacy in April 2005, taking the name Benedict XVI, […]
- [Vatican publishes list of Catholic missionaries killed in 2022](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-publishes-list-of-catholic-missionaries-killed-in-2022-273): On December 30, the Vatican published the number of Catholic missionaries killed in the world in 2022. According to the Vatican agency Fides, a total of 18 Catholic missionaries were killed worldwide this year. Of these,12 were priests, 3 nuns, 1 religious, 1 seminarian and 1 layman. The highest number of murders occurred in Africa, where nine missionaries were killed: seven priests and two religious sisters. In Latin America, eight missionaries were killed: four priests, one religious, one nun, one seminarian and one layman. Finally, in Asia, the life of a priest was taken. Fides reported that the total number […]
- [Vatican: Benedict XVI’s condition serious but stable](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-benedict-xvis-condition-serious-but-stable-272): Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s condition is serious but stable, the Vatican said on Thursday. “The Pope Emeritus was able to rest well last night; he is absolutely lucid and alert, and today, although his condition remains serious, the situation at the moment is stable,” Vatican Press Office Director Matteo Bruni told journalists Dec. 29. “Pope Francis renews his invitation to pray for him and accompany him in these difficult hours,” the spokesman added. Pope Francis, at the end of his general audience on Dec. 28, asked for prayers for a “very ill” Benedict XVI, who, “in silence, is sustaining the […]
- [Benedict’s serious illness raises questions about pope emeritus protocols](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedicts-serious-illness-raises-questions-about-pope-emeritus-protocols-271): The anticipated death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI raises important ceremonial questions that at this moment cannot be fully answered. The end of a reigning pope’s life is observed by a series of very well-timed and well-understood rites: from the certification of the pope’s death and the breaking of the fisherman’s ring to the public display of the pope’s body and the funeral celebration itself. But what are the protocols when a pope emeritus dies? The question remains open because of the unprecedented nature of Benedict’s retirement. He was the first pope to renounce the papacy in nearly 600 years, […]
- [Rome Diocese to offer Mass for Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-diocese-to-offer-mass-for-benedict-xvi-270): The Diocese of Rome will offer a special Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the Basilica of St. John Lateran on Friday afternoon. The Mass was announced Dec. 29 by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, following a sudden turn in the 95-year-old pope emeritus’ health. Pope Francis, at the end of his general audience on Dec. 28, asked for prayers for a “very ill” Benedict XVI, who, “in silence, is sustaining the Church.” The Vatican confirmed later the same day that Benedict was under medical care following a decline in his health. On Thursday, the Vatican gave a further update […]
- [UPDATE | Holy See, Benedict XVI is "lucid and vigilant. Situation serious but stable"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/update-holy-see-benedict-xvi-is-lucid-and-vigilant-situation-serious-but-stable-269): “The Pope Emeritus was able to rest well last night, he is absolutely lucid and vigil and today, although his condition remains serious, the situation at the moment is stable. Pope Francis renews his invitation to pray for him and accompany him in these difficult hours.” This was announced by the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, taking stock of Benedict XVI’s health condition. In these hours, adhesions to Pope Francis’ appeal to pray for his predecessor are multiplying. Yesterday, the Pontiff himself had visited Benedict XVI at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery.
- [The most frequently asked questions about Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/most-frequently-asked-questions-about-pope-benedict-xvi-268): On Dec. 28 the press office of the Holy See announced that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s condition had taken a turn for the worse and that he was receiving medical care at his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. The news has sparked an outpouring of prayer for the 95-year-old retired pope and renewed interest among Catholics and others around the world in the details of his life and pontificate. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Benedict XVI: How many years was Benedict pope? He was pope for eight years, from […]
- [Cardinal Maradiaga turns 80 and loses right to vote in a future conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-maradiaga-turns-80-and-loses-right-to-vote-in-a-future-conclave-267): Cardinal Óscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga, S.D.B., Metropolitan Archbishop of Tegucicalpa (Honduras), turns 80 years old today and thus exits the roster of Cardinal electors in a future conclave: he was in fact born in Tegucigalpa on Dec. 29, 1942. He entered the Salesians in 1961 and was ordained a priest on June 28, 1970 after graduating in philosophy in 1965 in El Salvador. In Rome he obtained a degree in theology from the Pontifical Salesian Athenaeum and one in moral theology from the Pontifical Lateran University. In Austria, on the other hand, he earned degrees in clinical psychology and psychotherapy. […]
- [Vatican: Benedict XVI under medical care as health takes sudden turn](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-benedict-xvi-under-medical-care-as-health-takes-sudden-turn-266): The Vatican confirmed Wednesday that pope emeritus Benedict XVI has experienced a sudden decline in his health, but is stable and under medical care. “I can confirm that in the last few hours there has been a worsening due to advancing age. The situation at the moment remains under control, constantly followed by doctors,” Holy See Press Office director, Matteo Bruni, told journalists Dec. 28. Bruni added that Pope Francis went to visit the 95-year-old pope emeritus where he lives, in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican, after his general audience on Wednesday morning. At the end of his […]
- [Pope Francis: St. Francis de Sales, guide of souls, able to read the signs of his time](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-st-francis-de-sales-guide-of-souls-able-to-read-the-signs-of-his-time-265): A saint for the change of epoch, through whom to rediscover the criterion of discerning through God’s love and returning to a fully Christian life. On the 400th anniversary of the death of St. Francis de Sales, Pope Francis writes an apostolic letter to remember the saint of Annecy, bishop of Geneva in exile for 20 years, but above all the inspirer of a method that he called entirely new, and that led John Paul II to call him a “doctor of God’s love.” In eleven pages, half of which consist of biographical notes and quotations from the catechetical works […]
- [Benedict XVI, the situation for now under control. Pope Francis visited him](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvi-the-situation-for-now-under-control-pope-francis-visited-him-264): Benedict XVI’s condition has worsened, but under control, and Pope Francis visited him at the end of the general audience. This was announced by the Holy See Press Office. “Regarding the health condition of the Pope Emeritus,” the statement reads, “for whom Pope Francis asked for prayers at the end of this morning’s general audience, I can confirm that in recent hours there has been an aggravation due to advancing age. The situation at the moment remains under control, constantly followed by doctors.” The Press Office reports that “at the end of the general audience Pope Francis went to the […]
- [Pope Francis prays for Benedict XVI, who "in silence is sustaining the Church"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-benedict-xvi-who-in-silence-is-sustaining-the-church-263): At the end of the general audience, Pope Francis asked for prayers for Benedict XVI, who “in silence is sustaining the Church.” “I would like to ask all of you,” Pope Francis said, “for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who in silence is sustaining the Church. Remember him, he is very ill, asking the Lord to console him and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church until the end.” Benedict XVI, 95, resigned as pontiff on Feb. 11, 2013, and his pontificate ended on Feb. 28, 2013. Since then, except for an initial interlude in […]
- [Pontifical Gregorian University's New Leader](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-gregorian-universitys-new-leader-262): A centuries-old school in Rome has a new American-born leader. Father Mark Lewis has been named the rector at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. The Miami-born Jesuit was recently appointed by the Holy Father. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser, recently sat down with Fr. Lewis to discuss his new position.
- [Pope Francis recounts Christmas according to St. Francis de Sales](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-recounts-christmas-according-to-st-francis-de-sales-261): It is called “Everything Belongs to Love,” Pope Francis’ new apostolic letter dedicated to St. Francis de Sales on the fourth centenary of his death. And, in announcing it, Pope Francis dedicates the entire general audience precisely to rereading the mystery of Christmas from the thought of the bishop of Geneva, the patron saint of journalists, forerunner of the free press for his information work to counter the Reformation. What, then, did St. Francis of St. Sales say? In a letter to St. Jeanne Frances de Chantal that he preferred “a hundred times to see the dear little Child in […]
- [First known Nativity scene figurines are on display in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/first-known-nativity-scene-figurines-are-on-display-in-rome-260): The first known Nativity scene figurines are currently on display in one of Rome’s oldest basilicas. The underground Chapel of the Nativity in the Basilica of St. Mary Major — known to Italians as Santa Maria Maggiore — once contained at least six marble Nativity statues sculpted by Arnolfo di Cambio in the late 13th century. The public can now view these Nativity figurines in the Marian basilica’s Sistine chapel, located to the right of the main altar. The figurines were commissioned in 1292 by Pope Nicholas IV, the first Franciscan pope, who was inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, […]
- [Pope Francis calls young widower who lost his wife after giving birth to his twin sons](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-young-widower-who-lost-his-wife-after-giving-birth-to-his-twin-sons-259): Pope Francis telephoned a young Italian widower who had just lost his wife during the birth of his twin sons. Upon hearing this story, the Holy Father wanted to express his closeness to Giacomo Cofano and assured him that he is praying for him and his young children Edoardo Maria and Emilia Maria after the recent death of the young mother. According to local press reports, Viviana Delego, 41, died on December 22 shortly after giving birth to twins in a hospital in Brindisi, southern Italy, due to “serious complications” of childbirth. The Holy Father learned of what happened through […]
- [Pope Francis: "Christmas is not the fairy tale of the birth of a king"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-christmas-is-not-the-fairy-tale-of-the-birth-of-a-king-258): The period of the octave of Christmas, or the eight days of festivities that follow the remembrance of Jesus’ birth, are punctuated by “some dramatic figures of martyred saints.” And this is because, says Pope Francis, “Christmas is not the fairy tale of the birth of a king, but the coming of the Savior, who frees us from evil by taking upon himself our evil: selfishness, sin and death.” Hence, then, the figure of the martyrs, from the protomartyr St. Stephen, who is celebrated today, to the Holy Innocents, the children who were made to be killed by King Herod. […]
- [Pope Francis, Christmas Urbi et Orbi 2022: "The world is experiencing a famine of peace"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-christmas-urbi-et-orbi-2022-the-world-is-experiencing-a-famine-of-peace-257): Jesus being born is true peace, and is “the way of peace,” Pope Francis says in his customary Urbi et Orbi message on Christmas Day. Looking out from the Loggia of Blessings, the Pope launches a message of peace to the world, dwelling on the significance of the birth of the God Child, and highlighting that the world today suffers “a famine of peace” in this “third world war” that the Pope no longer defines as “in pieces,” suggesting that it is now a total clash. And Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Myanmar, the Holy Land, Iran, and Ukraine are some of […]
- [Where is the cradle of the Baby Jesus preserved?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/where-is-the-cradle-of-the-baby-jesus-preserved-256): Many might think that the holy cradle of the Child Jesus is in Bethlehem, but it is in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. In this basilica is kept a relic that has been the object of devotion for several centuries. It is the remains of the cunabulum, the “sacred cradle” or manger in which, according to the Gospels, the Child Jesus was placed at birth. In 432 Pope Sixtus III decided to build inside the primitive Basilica of St. Mary Major a “grotto of the Nativity” similar to the one in Bethlehem. The church then took the […]
- [Christmas Eve Mass 2022: Pope Francis points out way to rediscover the meaning of Christmas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christmas-eve-mass-2022-pope-francis-points-out-way-to-rediscover-the-meaning-of-christmas-255): A manger, the Christ Child’s first resting place, can teach us a lot about the meaning of Christmas, Pope Francis said in his Christmas homily. “In order to rediscover the meaning of Christmas, we need to look to the manger,” he said on Dec. 24. “Yet why is the manger so important? Because it is the sign, and not by chance, of Christ’s coming into this world,” he said. “It is how he announces his coming. It is the way God is born in history, so that history itself can be reborn.” Pope Francis celebrated the Solemnity of the Nativity […]
- [Greccio - The Birthplace of the First Nativity Scene in the History of the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/greccio-the-birthplace-of-the-first-nativity-scene-in-the-history-of-the-catholic-church-254): Located at the heart of Italy’s Apennine mountains, surrounded by oak forests, the town of Greccio is perched high atop one of the hills overlooking the Reatina Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley.  According to tradition, a Greek family founded Greccio as a colony and settled down in this land after falling in love with the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Hence, the origin of the name Greccio, from the Italian “Greci”, meaning “Greeks.”  The earliest records documenting this medieval town date back to the tenth and eleventh centuries. They show how from the remains of the ancient buildings, […]
- [Vatican authority asks that at Christmas there be "lights on" in confessionals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-authority-asks-that-at-christmas-there-be-lights-on-in-confessionals-252): Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary, wrote a letter addressed to confessors inviting them to “exercise in a particularly generous way the ministry of reconciliation” this Christmas. In the missive, published by the Vatican newspaper, the Cardinal asked “that there be timetables and lights on in that ‘hut of Bethlehem’ which is the confessional”. He also described the confessional as the “only true distributor of peace and holy joy” and assured that it is a “fuel” that all the faithful need. He then pointed out that this light of the Sacrament of Reconciliation “still has the power […]
- [Pope Francis: On this feast of God who becomes a child, let us think of the children of Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-this-feast-of-god-who-becomes-a-child-let-us-think-of-the-children-of-ukraine-251): This year,” the Holy Father noted, “will be filled with the multitude of refugees from Ukraine, to whom you have opened the doors of your homes with great generosity”. Then, speaking of the Child Jesus, he prayed to think “of the many children of Ukraine who suffer, suffer so much, because of this war. On this feast of God who becomes a child, let us think of the Ukrainian children”. The Holy Father recalled the times he has met in the Vatican with Ukrainian refugee children and lamented that “most of them cannot smile, and when a child loses the […]
- [Shrine of Lourdes to Host International Day of St. Francis de Sales Event](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/shrine-of-lourdes-to-host-international-day-of-st-francis-de-sales-event-250): The Shrine of Lourdes will host the Catholic Media Federation’s International Day of Saint Francis de Sales. The meeting will take place at the end of January and will be attended by more than 250 journalists from 25 countries who will gather to discuss the most significant issues in communication. The event was presented with a conference at the Vatican. Jean-Marie Montel, President of the Federation of Catholic Media, joins us from France with details on the event.
- [Pope Francis to Roman Curia, "We are in danger, undermined by elegant demons"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-to-roman-curia-we-are-in-danger-undermined-by-the-polite-devil-249): Pope Francis warned the Roman Curia on Thursday that they need to be vigilant in the face of temptation by “elegant demons”  and “the evil that quietly lurks among us.” In his annual Christmas address to the cardinals who work in Vatican offices on Dec. 22, the pope said that there is a temptation for those who serve“at the heart of the Church” to think that they are “better than others, no longer in need of conversion.” “Yet we are in greater danger than all others, because we are beset by the ‘elegant demon,’ who does not make a loud […]
- [Why is the Pope's telescope in the United States and not in the Vatican?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-is-the-popes-telescope-in-the-united-states-and-not-in-the-vatican-248): The Vatican Observatory, one of the oldest active astronomical observatories, has a telescope in southeastern Arizona in the United States. The Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT) is located on Mount Graham in the city of Tucson, about 10,000 feet above sea level. The VATT is part of the Mount Graham International Observatory, an exploration complex operated by the Vatican Observatory research group in collaboration with the University of Arizona. Why is it in the U.S. and not at the Vatican? In the 1890s, during the papacy of Leo XIII, the Holy See established an observatory, demonstrating to the world that […]
- [Pope Francis asks for prayers for Ukrainian children this Christmas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-asks-for-prayers-for-ukrainian-children-this-christmas-247): Pope Francis asked to think this Christmas of the children of Ukraine who suffer and who bear the consequences of an “inhuman” war that has made them lose “the ability to smile”. At the end of Wednesday’s General Audience, Pope Francis asked that “on this feast of God who becomes a child, let us think of Ukrainian children.” He said this during his greeting to the Polish faithful, where he recalled that, according to their tradition, “on Christmas Eve they leave an empty place for an unexpected guest”. “This year,” the Holy Father noted, “it will be occupied by the […]
- [Australian Catholic University Opens New Campus in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/australian-catholic-university-opens-new-campus-in-rome-246): The Australian Catholic University has opened a new campus in Rome. The university is located two miles from St. Peter’s Basilica and offers Australian students the opportunity to study and live in Rome. Chiara Porro, Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, joins us from Rome with more about their opening. Plus, she shares what plans are being made to celebrate the Australian Embassy to the Holy See’s 50th anniversary next year and how the Catholic Church in Australia is doing.
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in South Sudan | Meeting with Bishops, Priests & Seminarians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-south-sudan-meeting-with-bishops-priests-and-seminarians-453): LIVE | Pope Francis’ Meeting with Bishops, Priests and Seminarians of South Sudan in the Cathedral of Saint Therese, in Juba.
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in South Sudan | Meeting with Internally Displaced Persons](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-south-sudan-meeting-with-internally-displaced-persons-452): LIVE | Pope Francis’ meeting with internally displaced persons at the Freedom Hall in Juba. 
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in South Sudan | Ecumenical Prayer](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-south-sudan-ecumenical-prayer-451): LIVE | Pope Francis’ Ecumenical Prayer from John Garang Mausoleum. The event will include an address by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, the Pope’s speech, and at the end, the ecumenical prayer.
- [Pope Francis: Congolese Catholics are ‘a lung’ for the Universal Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-congolese-catholics-are-a-lung-for-the-universal-church-450): The enthusiasm, joy, and missionary zeal of Congolese Catholics give oxygen to the whole Church, Pope Francis said during his final meeting in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday. “As a Church we need to breathe the pure air of the Gospel, to dispel the tainted air of worldliness, to safeguard the young heart of faith. That is how I imagine the African Church and that is how I see this Congolese Church,” he said during an encounter with the country’s bishops. Pope Francis met 57 of the 74 current and retired bishops of the DRC at the headquarters […]
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in South Sudan | Welcome Ceremony & Meeting Diplomatic Corps](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-south-sudan-welcome-ceremony-and-meeting-diplomatic-corps-449): LIVE | Pope Francis arrived in South Sudan. The Holy Father is welcomed with a ceremony. Afterwards the Pope will visit the President of the Republic at the Presidential Palace of Juba. Finally, Francis is meeting with the Authorities and Diplomatic Corps, also at the Presidential Palace. 
- [Pope Francis Tells Young People of Congo to Resist Evil & Work Towards Peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-tells-young-people-of-congo-to-resist-evil-and-work-towards-peace-448): Pope Francis is spending his final full day in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It included an address before around 70,000 people, and the Holy Father delivered a message about the country’s future.  Pope Francis drew loud cheers when he denounced the central African country’s government corruption. The Holy Father also urged young people to resist evil and instead work towards a better and peaceful future.  More than two-thirds of the Congo’s population is under the ager of 25. Elias Turk, ACI Mena Vatican Editor, is traveling with the Holy Father and he joins to fill us in on another […]
- [The pope kissed his feet. Who is the cowboy-hat-wearing president of South Sudan?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-kissed-his-feet-who-is-the-cowboy-hat-wearing-president-of-south-sudan-447): Pope Francis, as part of his visit to Africa this week, is meeting with the president of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, this Friday. He will meet the leader for a photograph before retreating to a private setting for a talk.  The 71-year-old Kiir, a Catholic who has served as South Sudan’s first and only president since the country gained independence in 2011, oversees a country that is slightly smaller than Texas, 60% Christian, and severely underdeveloped and racked by ethnic tensions.  Pope Francis and Kiir met in 2019 in a meeting that was extremely memorable because of Pope Francis’ […]
- [Interview with Archbishop Michael Wallace Banach](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/interview-with-archbishop-michael-wallace-banach-446): The new Apostolic Nuncio to Hungary, Michael Wallace Banach, speaks with EWTN Hungary’s Domonkos Pulay about his new role in Hungary. Banach previously served as Apostolic Nuncio in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Senegal, and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, and, in light of these past placements, he reflects on the Church on the African continent and in Papua New Guinea, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic relationships between the Holy See and other nations. He also expresses his hopes for Pope Francis’ potential apostolic visit to Hungary this year.  Domonkos Pulay: Your excellency, you were appointed by the Holy […]
- [Pope Francis on World Day for Consecrated Life: Religious have ‘special role’ in the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-world-day-for-consecrated-life-religious-have-special-role-in-the-church-445): On the 27th World Day for Consecrated Life, Pope Francis recalled the special role religious brothers and sisters have in the Catholic Church. “In the People of God, sent to bring the Gospel to all people, you consecrated men and women have a special role,” the pope said in a written message for Feb. 2. This special role, he continued, stems “from the special gift you have received: a gift that gives your witness a special character and value, by the very fact that you are wholly dedicated to God and his kingdom, in poverty, virginity, and obedience.” Pope Francis’ […]
- [Here’s what Pope Francis said about exploitative mining in the Congo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/heres-what-pope-francis-said-about-exploitative-mining-in-the-congo-444): As part of his visit to Africa this week, Pope Francis met Tuesday with civil leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of the largest and poorest countries on the continent. Speaking with authorities including President Félix Tshisekedi, the pope denounced the practice of child labor in the country’s many mines, a widespread problem exacerbated by an ever-increasing global demand for cobalt, a vital component of rechargeable batteries.  “It is a tragedy that these lands, and more generally the whole African continent, continue to endure various forms of exploitation,” Pope Francis said.  “Situated in the heart of Africa, the […]
- [Thousands mourn Cardinal Pell at Sydney funeral: ‘Be not afraid’ was his motto](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/thousands-mourn-cardinal-pell-at-sydney-funeral-be-not-afraid-was-his-motto-443): The late Cardinal George Pell’s funeral Mass drew thousands of mourners, filling Sydney’s St. Mary’s Cathedral to capacity.  Civic leaders, friends, and members of Pell’s family remembered the Australian cardinal’s dedication to the Church and the Gospel and his courage in the face of many obstacles, including more than a year in prison before his exoneration. “George Pell was my brother. He was a prince of the Church. A good and holy man, and a proud Australian,” David Pell said at the cardinal’s funeral Mass Thursday, according to The Catholic Weekly newspaper. “’Be not afraid’ was George’s motto. These words […]
- [LIVE | Pope Francis' Meeting with Congolese Bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-meeting-with-congolese-bishops-442): LIVE | Pope Francis’ Meeting with Bishops at the Congo National Episcopal Conference, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are! Images – Vatican Media
- [Pope Francis to Congolese youth: Prayer is your secret weapon for peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-congolese-youth-prayer-is-your-secret-weapon-for-peace-441): To bring about peace, “prayer is the most powerful weapon there is,” Pope Francis told thousands of young adults and catechism teachers in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday. The meeting in Martyrs’ Stadium in Kinshasa, the capital city of the DRC, took place on Feb. 2, the third day of the pope’s visit to the central African country. On Feb. 3, Francis will fly to Juba, South Sudan, for the second leg of his peace pilgrimage. Pope Francis on Thursday interacted with an enthusiastic crowd of about 65,000 young people and adults, some of whom traveled days to […]
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in the DR Congo | Prayer Meeting with priests & seminarians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-the-dr-congo-prayer-meeting-with-priests-and-seminarians-440): LIVE | Pope Francis’ Prayer Meeting with priests, deacons, consecrated people and seminarians in the Cathedral of Notre Dame du Congo, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. 
- [Cardinal Zen hospitalized in Hong Kong after returning from Benedict XVI’s funeral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zen-hospitalized-in-hong-kong-after-returning-from-benedict-xvis-funeral-439): Cardinal Joseph Zen has been hospitalized in Hong Kong after his health deteriorated upon returning from Benedict XVI’s funeral in Rome. The 91-year-old cardinal wrote on his blog on Jan. 31 that he is receiving treatment in the hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing. Zen said that the doctors have already conducted many examinations and ruled out that he does not have a bacterial infection in his lungs as he experienced in 2016 when he was hospitalized for three weeks. “You have not heard from me as I have been staying in the hospital. Please rest assured, Hong Kong’s most senior […]
- [Pope Francis celebrates Mass with over a million people on his 2nd day in Congo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-mass-with-over-a-million-people-on-his-2nd-day-in-congo-438): On the second day of his Apostolic journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pope Francis celebrated Mass. Addressing more than 1 million people gathered at the N’Dolo Airport, the Holy Father’s homily began by expressing his joy to finally be in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The Pope urged the faithful “to lay down their arms, embrace mercy and be missionaries of peace.” The night before the Pope arrived, thousands spent the night at the airport, praying and seeking reconciliation.  The Catholic Church provides most of the healthcare and education in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Pope Francis […]
- [Biggest papal Masses ever: How does today’s Mass in the DRC compare?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/biggest-papal-masses-ever-how-does-todays-mass-in-the-drc-compare-437): More than 1 million people attended Pope Francis’ Mass celebrated on an airfield in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday morning, according to local authorities. The papal Mass, celebrated in French, was filled with joy and dancing.  Papal Masses, especially in the last 50 years or so, have attracted crowds of millions — many of them at World Youth Days, the massive gatherings of young people that began in 1987 and take place every few years.  Here’s an inexhaustive ranking of some of the biggest papal Masses: Pope Francis, Manila, 2015: 6-7 million Millions gather in Manila for Pope […]
- [Pope Francis in Congo: "No more enriching yourself with resources and blood money"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-congo-no-more-enriching-yourself-with-resources-and-blood-money-436): Enough. Enough enriching themselves on the skin of the weakest, enough enriching themselves with resources and blood money.” Meeting with the victims of the conflict raging in the East of the country, Pope Francis spares no harsh words against “all the entities, internal and external, that pull the strings of the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, plundering, scourging and destabilizing it,” who enrich themselves “through the illegal exploitation of this country’s assets and the bloody sacrifice of innocent victims.” And he asks them to listen to “the cry of their blood,” lending “an ear to the voice of […]
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in D. R. Congo | Meeting with young people & catechists](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-d-r-congo-meeting-with-young-people-and-catechists-435): LIVE | Pope Francis’ Meeting with the young people and catechists in the Martyrs Stadium of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. 
- [1 million attend Mass with Pope Francis in Democratic Republic of Congo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/1-million-attend-joyful-mass-with-pope-francis-in-democratic-republic-of-congo-434): More than one million people attended Pope Francis’ Mass in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday morning, according to local authorities. The Mass in Kinshasa, DRC’s capital city, took place on the airfield of the N’Dolo Airport on the second day of the pope’s trip to two countries in central and east Africa. Catholics attended a prayer vigil with confessions and music the night of Jan. 31; some people who traveled from far away stayed at the airport all night until the morning Mass on Feb. 1. People gathered in the field hours before the start of Mass at […]
- [Gänswein, Benedict XVI trusted only in the mild force of truth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/gaenswein-benedict-xvi-trusted-only-in-the-mild-force-of-truth-433): “One of the greatest and most influential theologians of all time on the Chair of Peter put himself under the protection of a saint for whom there was no theology, only adoration.” In his homily this morning at the Month’s Mind Mass for Benedict XVI’s in the Vatican Grottoes beside the tomb of his close friend and mentor, Archbishop Georg Gänswein recalled the Saint who deeply inspired the German Pope. It was an intimate ceremony with a few faithful, primarily people who had worked with  Cardinal Ratzinger first and Pope Benedict later. Gänswein was referring to Joseph Benedict Labre, who’s […]
- [What will be Pope Francis' next trips in 2023? Between certainties and possibilities](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-will-be-pope-francis-next-trips-in-2023-between-certainties-and-possibilities-432): 2023 will likely be a year of many trips for Pope Francis.   From January 31st to February 5th, the Pope will visit the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan for a pilgrimage that was postponed from last July.  We also know that the Pope will be in Lisbon to attend World Youth Day in early August.   However, the rest of the Pope’s schedule is yet to be determined.  Possible papal trips will depend significantly on the Pope’s health. His last international pilgrimages were far less busy than usual and included several days to allow the Pope to rest. And, […]
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in Congo | Meeting Eastern Victims & Charity Workers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-congo-meeting-eastern-victims-and-charity-workers-431): LIVE | Pope Francis’ Meeting with Victims of the Eastern part of Congo and with representatives from some charities in the Apostolic Nunciature of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. 
- [‘Hands off Africa!’ Pope Francis says in Democratic Republic of Congo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hands-off-africa-pope-francis-says-in-democratic-republic-of-congo-430): In his first speech in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, Pope Francis urged the international community to give the central African country its autonomy while not turning a blind eye to exploitation and violence. “This country and this continent deserve to be respected and listened to; they deserve to find space and receive attention,” the pope said Jan. 31 in the garden of the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa. “Hands off the Democratic Republic of the Congo!” he continued, as spectators cheered and applauded. “Hands off Africa! Stop choking Africa: Africa is not a mine to be […]
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Holy Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo-holy-mass-429): LIVE | Pope Francis’ Holy Mass from the Ndolo Airport, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. 
- [Pope Francis meets with these refugees ahead of his trip to Africa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-these-refugees-ahead-of-his-trip-to-africa-428): Before beginning his apostolic journey to Africa, Pope Francis met with migrants and refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan at the Vatican.  The meeting took place at Casa Santa Marta, and the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, accompanied them, the Holy See Press Office reported.  Nine refugees from the South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo living in Rome receive support from Centro Astalli, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Italy.  As reported by Centro Astalli, the Holy Father “greeted the refugees and was happy to meet with them […]
- [Bishop Christian Carlassare on the Pope’s trip to South Sudan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-christian-carlassarer-on-the-popes-trip-to-south-sudan-427): Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and Pastor Iain Greenshields, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, will be in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, from Feb. 3rd through 5th in an apostolic trip postponed from last July due to the pope’s health. The motto of the trip is ‘I pray that all may be one’.   As Msgr. Hubertus van Megen, the pope’s representative in South Sudan and apostolic nuncio to the east-central African country described:  “For South Sudan a new path of hope will be opened because the […]
- [Benedict XVI's hymn to beauty](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvis-hymn-to-beauty-426): “Music, great music, relaxes the spirit, arouses deep feelings, and almost naturally invites us to raise our minds and hearts to God in every situation of human existence, whether joyful or sad. Music can become prayer.” These were the words of Benedict XVI on Oct. 17, 2009, after attending a concert by the Imola International Piano Academy in the Aula Nervi in the Vatican. And, a few days later, on Nov. 21, addressing the artists gathered in the Sistine Chapel – there were about 250 writers, painters, actors, directors and musicians – he said in a memorable speech, “You are […]
- [Pope Francis begins his new apostolic journey to Africa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-begins-his-new-apostolic-journey-to-africa-425): Pope Francis is flying to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, beginning his 40th Apostolic Journey. It will be “an ecumenical pilgrimage of peace.” Francis is the second pope to make an apostolic journey to Congo and the first to travel to South Sudan, a nation that has existed as an autonomous entity only since 2011. Pope St. John Paul II visited DRC in 1980 and 1985. Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey will take place from January 31 to February 5, 2023: first to Congo, and then to South Sudan. In last Sunday’s Angelus, the Pope commented on his trip. […]
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Welcome Ceremony](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo-welcome-ceremony-424): LIVE | The Welcome Ceremony for Pope Francis in the Democratic Republic of Congo at N’djili International Airport, Kinshasa. The Holy Father is welcomed by the Prime Minister. A prayer for the Sahara and a moment of silence for all who cross it in search of well-being: flying to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pope Francis asked journalists for a minute’s silence. This is not a usual request, but Pope must have seen its importance, following his meeting with refugees from the DRC and South Sudan early this morning. As was the case on his way to Bahrain, the Pope […]
- [German bishops’ president rebukes Pope Francis for criticism of Synodal Way](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/german-bishops-president-rebukes-pope-francis-for-criticism-of-synodal-way-423): Bishop Georg Bätzing has criticized Pope Francis and dismissed the pope’s recent words that the controversial German Synodal Way is unhelpful, damaging, and ideologically poisoned, saying the Germans had “fundamentally different views of synodality” than Rome.  In an interview published Jan. 27, the president of Germany’s Bishops’ Conference said he considered the pope’s “way of leading the Church by way of interviews” as “extremely questionable,” reported CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner. Bätzing was referring to comments Pope Francis made about the Synodal Way, among other subjects, in a wide-ranging interview last week with the Associated Press.  Bätzing, the bishop […]
- [Vatican: a U.S. missionary bishop is the new Prefect for Bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-a-us-missionary-bishop-is-the-new-prefect-for-bishops-422): Pope Francis continued the generational turnover in the Roman Curia and appointed an American missionary bishop as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. Robert Francis Prevost, an Augustinian friar and bishop of Chiclayo will take the place of Cardinal Marc Ouellet at the helm of the dicastery that selects bishops from around the world (except for the one in Propaganda Fide territory) and at the presidency of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Bishop Prevost will take office on April 12, 2023. An Augustinian missionary, he has served as bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru since 2015 […]
- [A Moment of Special Grace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/moment-of-special-grace-420): We knew, even as the evening concluded, that it would be lodged in our memories and our hearts as a moment of special grace. That was all the more true when our host died five days later.  George Weigel called it a “white-martyr cardinals’ dinner,” an evening hosted by the late Cardinal George Pell at his Roman apartment the evening of the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI. Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong was the guest of honor at a small gathering, nine of us altogether. Cardinal Zen was exceptionally gracious about my writing on China, informing a wider audience […]
- [Pope Francis announced an Ecumenical Prayer for the Synod on Sinodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-announced-an-ecumenical-prayer-for-the-synod-on-sinodality-419): On September 30 an ecumenical prayer vigil will take place in St. Peter’s Square as part of the Church’s ongoing Synod on Synodality. The vigil, organized by the Taizé Community, will – as Pope Francis described it – “entrust to God the work of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops,” set to take place in two sessions from October 4 through 29, 2023, and in October 2024.    Therefore, on January 23, synod and ecumenical representatives from various ecclesial communities held a press conference in Rome, speaking informatively about the prayer vigil.  In addition to Cardinal Jean-Claude […]
- [Democratic Republic of Congo: Pope Francis visits a troubled country](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/democratic-republic-of-congo-pope-francis-visits-a-troubled-country-418): Pope Francis’s trip this week to the Democratic Republic of Congo, which will be followed by a visit to South Sudan, was scheduled for July of last year, but was postponed because of Pope Francis’ health.  The 2022 trip to the DRC would have included a visit to the east of the country, an area plagued by violence and armed terrorist militias.  The violence in this area has made the DRC a country with one of the highest numbers of displaced persons in the world, with around 5.6 million people living away from their homes, according to the UN Refugee […]
- [Cardinal Koch on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-koch-on-the-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2023-417): For the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, that runs each year from the 18th through the 25th of January, Christians around the world are encouraged to pray for peace and brotherhood between all churches.   EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, spoke to Cardinal Kurt Koch, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity, about the efforts he and his Dicastery are making to bring about this harmony.   Andreas Thonhauser  EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief  We’re here in the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity, and with me is His Eminence. Cardinal Kurt Koch, who has been […]
- [The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul and the Second Vatican Council](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/feast-of-the-conversion-of-st-paul-and-the-second-vatican-council-415): Pope St. John XXIII first announced his intention of convoking the Second Vatican Council on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul on January 25th, 1959. He addressed seventeen Cardinals in the Basilica of St. Paul-Outside-the-Walls of Rome to share his intentions of convoking the Church’s twenty first ecumenical council.   Preparation for the council took three years, from the summer of 1959 to the autumn of 1962. The council met in St. Peter’s Basilica for four sessions each lasting between 8 and 12 weeks, in the autumn of each of the four years from 1962 to 1965. The council […]
- [The Vatican warns Bishop's Conference about a permanent synodal council](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-warns-bishops-conference-about-a-permanent-synodal-council-414): The Vatican expressed concerns to the German Bishops’ Conference about a move by the “Synodal Way” in Germany to establish a so-called “permanent Synodal Council”.  In a letter, signed by the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the prefect of the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Luis Ladaria, and the prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the Vatican stated that a construct such as the “permanent Synodal Council” would undermine the authority of the bishops and the work of the rightful German episcopal conference, even contradicting canon law.   In the summer of 2019, a few […]
- [Letter from Benedict XVI reveals the ‘central motive’ for his resignation, biographer says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/letter-from-benedict-xvi-reveals-the-central-motive-for-his-resignation-biographer-says-413): According to papal biographer Peter Seewald, chronic insomnia ultimately led to Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to resign in 2013.  In his last letter to the biographer — dated Oct. 28, 2022 — Benedict wrote the “central motive” for his resignation from office was “insomnia,” Seewald said according to a Jan. 27 report by CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner.  The pontiff, who died Dec. 31, 2022, also wrote that insomnia had accompanied him “continuously since World Youth Day in Cologne.” The 2005 World Youth Day in Cologne took place a few months after Benedict’s election and was his first papal journey.  The Bavarian-born pontiff […]
- [Pope Francis decries culture that ‘throws away’ unborn children, elderly, poor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-decries-culture-that-throws-away-unborn-children-elderly-poor-412): In his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis decried a culture that “throws away” unborn children, the elderly, and the poor if they are not useful. “The throwaway culture says, ‘I use you as much as I need you. When I am not interested in you anymore, or you are in my way, I throw you out.’ It is especially the weakest who are treated this way — unborn children, the elderly, the needy, and the disadvantaged,” Pope Francis said on Jan. 29. “But people are never to be thrown out. The disadvantaged cannot be thrown away. Every person is a […]
- [Pope Francis expresses sorrow over ‘spiral of death’ in the Holy Land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-expresses-sorrow-over-spiral-of-death-in-the-holy-land-411): Pope Francis appealed for peace in the Holy Land on Sunday, calling the recent spike in Israeli-Palestinian violence a “spiral of death” that accomplishes nothing. In his Sunday Angelus address on Jan. 29, the pope expressed “great sorrow” for the death of Palestinians killed in an Israeli military raid as well as seven Israelis killed in a shooting outside of a synagogue in east Jerusalem. “The spiral of death that increases day after day does nothing other than close the few glimpses of trust that exist between the two peoples,” Pope Francis said. “From the beginning of the year, dozens […]
- [Pope Francis clarifies comments on sin and homosexuality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-clarifies-comments-on-sin-and-homosexuality-410): Pope Francis has written a letter to clarify his comments on sin and homosexuality from a recent interview with the Associated Press. “When I said it is a sin, I was simply referring to Catholic moral teaching, which says that every sexual act outside of marriage is a sin,” the pope wrote to Jesuit Father James Martin in response to a request for clarification. Francis said he was trying to say in the interview that criminalization of homosexuality “is neither good nor just.” “As you can see, I was repeating something in general,” he wrote. “I should have said ‘It […]
- [Exclusive interview with Cardinal Parolin on Vatican Diplomacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/exclusive-interview-with-cardinal-parolin-on-the-importance-of-vatican-diplomacy-in-the-peace-process-and-the-mission-of-catholic-journalism-409): Our exclusive interview with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, during the 26th St. Francis de Sales Day, patron saint of journalists. The cardinal pointed to the importance of peace diplomacy operated by the Holy See in different world conflicts and the vital mission of the Catholic journalist in contributing to the peace process. 
- [Pope Francis gives this advice to those in difficult marriages](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-gives-this-advice-to-those-in-difficult-marriages-408): Pope Francis encouraged the faithful “not to idealize marriage” this Friday and assured them that “fragility, which always remains and also accompanies married life, will not lead to rupture thanks to the power of the Holy Spirit.” On the morning of January 27, on the occasion of the inauguration of the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis held an audience with the Prelate Auditors, Officials, Advocates, and Collaborators of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota, to whom he spoke about the gift of marriage. The Holy Father shared with those present some reflections on marriage because “in the Church and the world, […]
- [A Look at the Catholic Media Federation's International Day in Lourdes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/look-at-the-catholic-media-federations-international-day-in-lourdes-407): Saint Francis de Sales was a topic of conversation in France, particularly at the Shrine of Lourdes which is hosting the Catholic Media Federation’s International Day in his honor.  More than 250 journalists from around 2 dozen countries will attend the meetings. They are discussing the most important issues in Catholic media.  EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, is in France and caught up with the head of the Vatican’s Communications Department, Dr. Paolo Ruffini. Dr. Ruffini explains why it is important for a dicastery to organize something such as a pilgrimage to Lourdes. He shares how he manages to […]
- [Vatican dissociates itself from the controversy over the 5 million euro altar for WYD](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-dissociates-itself-from-the-controversy-over-the-5-million-euro-altar-for-wyd-406): The Vatican clarified that it did not make any decision regarding the construction of a controversial altar valued at 5 million euros where Pope Francis will celebrate Mass at World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon in August of this year. In declarations to ACI Prensa, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, explained that “the organization of the event is local” and, therefore, the cost decision would fall on the City Council of the Portuguese capital. The altar where Pope Francis will celebrate the last Mass of World Youth Day, which will take place in Lisbon from […]
- [Cardinal Parolin presents the Father Jacques Hamel Award 2023 in Lourdes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-presents-in-lourdes-the-father-jacques-hamel-award-2023-405): The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, presented Father Jacques Hamel’s 2023 Award during the Days of St. Francis de Sales, held in Lourdes (France). Since 2018, this Award has recognized journalistic work that has made an extraordinary contribution to peace. This recognition aims to highlight the memory of the French priest Jacques Hamel, who was assassinated in 2016 while celebrating Mass in the church of St. Etienne du Rouvray in the Normandy region. The Cardinal presented the edition of this Award in the presence of Roselyne Hamel, the sister of Fr. Jacques, who spreads the testimony of faith […]
- [Pope Francis accepts the resignation of Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga as Archbishop of Tegucigalpa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-accepts-the-resignation-of-cardinal-rodriguez-maradiaga-as-archbishop-of-tegucigalpa-404): Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga as Archbishop of Tegucigalpa (Honduras) and appointed three bishops in the Central American country. Cardinal Rodriguez turned 80 years old on December 29 and is a member of the Council of Cardinals, the body that advises the Holy Father on the reform of the Vatican Curia. According to canon law, the norms that govern the Catholic Church, bishops present their resignation when they reach 75 years of age, and then it is up to the Pope to decide whether to accept it. Born on December 29, 1942, Oscar Andrés […]
- [First female Korean Ambassador to the Holy See appointed](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/first-female-south-korean-ambassador-to-the-holy-see-appointed-403): Korea has a new ambassador to the Holy See. Hyunjoo Oh comes to the Vatican from the United Nations in New York. She is Korea’s first female ambassador to the Holy See.  EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, had the opportunity to interview the new ambassador. Ambassador Oh discusses her first meeting with Pope Francis and what she would like to accomplish in her time in Rome.  She explains the events she is planning in order to strengthen the relationship with the Korean Catholic Church. She shares how the Catholic Church is doing in Korea. Ambassador Oh tells us what […]
- [Pope Francis offers condolences for Monterey Park shooting](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-offers-condolences-for-monterey-park-shooting-402): Pope Francis has offered his condolences after 11 people were killed in a shooting at a Los Angeles dance hall, one of two deadly mass shootings in California this week. The pope sent a condolence telegram to Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles on Jan. 25 expressing his sadness and assuring his spiritual closeness to “those affected by this tragedy.” A gunman opened fire at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Monterey Park, California, on Saturday night amid celebrations of the Lunar New Year. It was the worst massacre in Los Angeles county history, according to the Associated Press. The […]
- [Pope Francis: ‘I had nothing to do’ with Father Marko Rupnik case](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-i-had-nothing-to-do-with-father-marko-rupnik-case-400): For the first time, Pope Francis has commented publicly about the scandal surrounding Father Marko Rupnik, denying he intervened to help his fellow Jesuit avoid punishment for the alleged sexual abuse of women in a religious community in Slovenia. Speaking to the Associated Press Jan. 24 in a headline-grabbing interview published Wednesday that covered a wide range of topics, the pope said his involvement in the case was strictly procedural: assigning the case to the same tribunal that had earlier reviewed the automatic excommunication Rupnik incurred by absolving in confession a woman with whom he had sex. After Rupnik repented […]
- [‘I lost a dad’: Pope Francis speaks about losing Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/i-lost-a-dad-pope-francis-speaks-about-losing-benedict-xvi-399): In a new interview published Wednesday, Pope Francis said the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI meant he had lost a “good companion” and a father figure.  “I lost a dad,” Pope Francis told the Associated Press, praising his predecessor — who died on Dec. 31, 2022, at the age of 95 — as a “gentleman.”  Francis said he would visit Benedict for counsel at the converted monastery Mater Ecclesiae in the Vatican Gardens, where the retired pope resided.  “For me, he was a security. In the face of a doubt, I would ask for the car and go to […]
- [‘Being homosexual is not a crime,’ Pope Francis reiterates in new interview](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/being-homosexual-is-not-a-crime-pope-francis-reiterates-in-new-interview-398): Pope Francis has reiterated that homosexuality is “not a crime” in a new interview published Wednesday. The interview with the Associated Press covered a wide range of topics, including laws that criminalize homosexuality and sodomy. “Being homosexual is not a crime. It’s not a crime. Yes, but it’s a sin. Fine, but first let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime,” the pope told the AP. The remark promises to be a point of controversy. On the one hand, the Catholic Church has long condemned any forms of unjust discrimination of those with same-sex attraction, including laws in dozens of countries that […]
- ["I could die tomorrow," Pope Francis jokes, but "my health is fine."](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/i-could-die-tomorrow-pope-francis-jokes-but-my-health-is-fine-397): “I could die tomorrow, but it’s under control. I am in good health,” Pope Francis said in an interview published by The Associated Press on Wednesday, January 25. The Holy Father also assured the faithful that he is in good health at 86 years old: “I am in good health. For the age I am, I am normal”. However, in the interview conducted last Tuesday, January 17, the Holy Father said that diverticular disease “had returned.” Pope Francis referred to diverticula, pockets that form in the walls of the intestine, for which he had to undergo surgery in 2021. In […]
- [Pope Francis to hold "ecumenical" lecture on the flight to Africa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-hold-ecumenical-lecture-on-the-flight-to-africa-396): Pope Francis’s 40th papal journey will mean he has visited 60 countries during his pontificate. The Pope will arrive in the Democratic Republic of Congo on the 29th of January then visit South Sudan before returning to Rome on the 5th of February. The trip was previously planned in July 2022 and was then postponed because of the Pope’s health.   “It is a trip on the theme of peace,” said Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office. He also announced that, on the flight, Pope Francis will hold a press conference with Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and […]
- [Vatican sends letter of concern to the German Bishops' Conference](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-sends-letter-of-concern-to-the-german-bishops-conference-395): The president of the German Bishops’ Conference is dismissing Vatican concerns over the country’s Synodal Path. The Holy See says it has concerns over a proposal for a new controlling body for the German Church. German Bishop Georg Batzing calls those concerns unfounded. Although he added that the Bishops’ Conference would address the concerns in the letter “in the near future.”  EWTN Vatican Bureau Journalist and Producer, Rudolf Gehrig, joins to tell us more about the letter from the Vatican and what some of the specific concerns were. Gehrig discusses who sent the letter and how involved Pope Francis is […]
- [Pope Francis’ message about people suffering from leprosy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-message-about-people-suffering-from-leprosy-394): Pope Francis is calling on Catholics and people worldwide to remember those suffering from leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, ahead of World Leprosy Day. “We cannot forget these brothers and sisters of ours,” the 86-year-old pontiff said in a message to the Second Symposium on Hansen’s disease held Jan. 23-24 in Rome. “We must not ignore this disease, which unfortunately still afflicts many people, especially in the most disadvantaged social contexts.” While the disease is easily curable and rare in countries such as the United States, people from around the world still suffer from it. According to the Centers for Disease […]
- [Pope Francis' Message for World Communications Day 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/message-of-his-holiness-pope-francis-393): Dear Brothers and Sisters, After having reflected in past years on the verbs “to go and see” and “to listen” as conditions for good communication, with this Message for the LVII World Day of Social Communications, I would like to focus on “speaking with the heart”. It is the heart that spurred us to go, to see and to listen, and it is the heart that moves us towards an open and welcoming way of communicating. Once we have practised listening, which demands waiting and patience, as well as foregoing the assertion of our point of view in a prejudicial […]
- [What is God’s dream?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-gods-dream-392): On Monday, January 23, Pope Francis explained that God’s “dream” is “a world in which we can all live as brothers and sisters in full dignity.”  That morning in an audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, the Holy Father received the Volunteers of the Work for the Promotion of Literacy in the World (O.P.A.M.).   In his speech, Pope Francis stated that “there can be no integral human development without education.”  In this line, he recalled the encyclical letter of Pope St. Paul VI, Populorum Progressio. He explained that when “we reread these great pontifical documents of the […]
- [The Vatican encourages youth to participate in prayer vigil](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-encourages-youth-to-participate-in-prayer-vigil-391): On Monday, the Holy See Press Office presented the Ecumenical Prayer Vigil that will take place in Rome from September 30 to October 2, 2023.  Pope Francis gave the first information about this event during the Angelus on January 15, where he assured the faithful that “the path towards Christian unity and the path of the synodal conversion of the Church are united.”   For this reason, he explained that “on Saturday, September 30, 2023, an Ecumenical Prayer Vigil will take place in St. Peter’s Square, with which we will entrust to God the work of the XVI Ordinary General […]
- [The ‘second secretary’ remembers Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/second-secretary-remembers-benedict-xvi-390): “Looking at the Popes in opposition to each other impoverishes a person’s perspective because they miss the beautiful and enriching aspects of the personalities of each.”  Alfred Xuereb, now archbishop, speaks from first-hand experience. For almost six years he was in the special secretariat of Benedict XVI, and was then in the service of Pope Francis. It was a discreet and diligent task. Pope Benedict himself put forward the Maltese monsignor to Pope Francis as a possible secretary. Today he is nuncio to South Korea and Mongolia.  “I was with Benedict XVI until three days after the election of Pope Francis,’ […]
- [Controversial priest to lead October retreat for bishops at start of synod](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/controversial-priest-to-lead-october-retreat-for-bishops-at-start-of-synod-389): Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich announced Monday that the October 2023 session of the Synod of Bishops on synodality will begin with a three-day retreat led by a Dominican preacher whose statements on homosexuality have previously sparked controversy. Dominican Father Timothy Radcliffe will lead the Catholic bishops and participants in the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in a retreat near Rome from Oct. 1–3 at the invitation of Pope Francis, according to the cardinal.  Radcliffe, 77, served as head of the Dominican Order from 1992 to 2001. His heterodox statements, particularly those on homosexuality, have previously caused controversy […]
- [Cardinal Grech: Benedict XVI was misunderstood throughout his life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-grech-benedict-xvi-was-misunderstood-throughout-his-life-387): Pope Benedict XVI was misunderstood throughout his life and ministry, Cardinal Mario Grech wrote in an essay this week in the Vatican newspaper. Writing in the Jan. 17 Italian edition of L’Osservatore Romano, Grech said Benedict XVI “often remained a misunderstood voice. And this has been a constant in Joseph Ratzinger’s life, theology, and papacy.” Grech is secretary general of the Synod of Bishops and the chief organizer of the Catholic Church’s Synod on Synodality, currently in progress. The Maltese cardinal compared Joseph Ratzinger — the future Pope Benedict XVI — to the clown in a famous story of the […]
- [Pope Francis: To stay with Jesus requires the courage to leave our sins](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-stay-with-jesus-requires-the-courage-to-leave-our-sins-386): In his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis said that following Jesus requires the courage to leave behind the sins that are holding us back. Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace on Jan. 22, the pope said that “our vices and our sins” are like “anchors that hold us at the shore and prevent us from setting sail.” “To stay with Jesus, therefore, requires the courage to leave, to set out. To leave what? Our vices and sins,” he said. Pope Francis added that in order to set out on the “new adventure” of following Christ it is right […]
- [The "Holy Wedding Ring" of the Virgin Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-wedding-ring-of-the-virgin-mary-385): “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary, your bride, with you. For the child that is begotten in her is from the Holy Spirit.”  These are the words of the Evangelist Matthew that narrate the moment of the marriage between Mary and Joseph. A feast that, since the 15th century, the Catholic Church has celebrated every year on January 23.  According to a popular tradition, Joseph gave Our Lady a gold ring, known today as the “Holy Ring.” Following in the footsteps of tradition, the wedding ring that Joseph gave to Mary today is kept in […]
- [Ganswein's book on his life as a Secretary of Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/gansweins-book-on-his-life-as-a-secretary-of-pope-benedict-xvi-384): Four days after the funeral of Benedict XVI, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Benedict’s long-time personal secretary, met with Pope Francis in the Vatican.  The private audience took place shortly before the public release of Gänswein’s memoir. Published in Italian, the book, titled “Nothing but the Truth: My Life Beside Benedict XVI,” details the archbishop’s 20 years of service to Benedict XVI. It was released on January 12th.  Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, has provided no comment on the memoir, which was co-authored by Italian journalist Saverio Gaeta.  In “Nothing but the Truth: My Life Beside Benedict XVI,” Gänswein gives a deep insight […]
- [Life & Legacy of Cardinal George Pell](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/life-and-legacy-of-cardinal-george-pell-383): The Australian Cardinal, George Pell, passed away on January 10, 2023, at 8:50 p.m. after suffering a cardiac arrest following complications from a hip surgery. Pell was, among other things, prefect of the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy. He was 81 years old.  George Pell was born on June 8, 1941, in Ballarat, a city in the Australian state of Victoria. He owed his Catholic faith to his Irish-born mother. His father was an Anglican, born in England.  As a boy, Pell aspired to a career as a professional Australian Rules Football player before discovering his vocation for the priesthood.  […]
- [The 250th anniversary of the Lateran University](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/250th-anniversary-of-the-lateran-university-382): Visit the Pontifical Lateran University, the so-called, University of the Pope in Rome, celebrating its 250th Anniversary. On this occasion, we interviewed the Vicar General of the Pope for Rome, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, who’s also the Grand Chancellor of this house of studies, and Prof. Paul Gherri, the Dean of the School of Canon Law.
- [Pope Francis to do private Lenten retreat in 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-do-private-lenten-retreat-in-2023-381): Like the two years’ prior, Pope Francis and the Roman Curia will again do the Vatican’s annual Lenten retreat on an individual basis. The Vatican said Friday that Pope Francis had invited cardinals living in Rome and the heads of dicasteries to participate in the spiritual exercises “in a personal way” during the first full week of Lent Feb. 26-March 3. During that week, all of Pope Francis’ appointments will be canceled, including the Wednesday general audience of March 1, the Vatican announced. The pope asked the superiors of the Roman Curia to suspend their work activities and to use […]
- [Pope Francis: World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon will open horizons, hearts](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-world-youth-day-2023-in-lisbon-will-open-horizons-hearts-380): World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, will open horizons and hearts, Pope Francis said in a video message to the young adults who will attend the international gathering in August. He said: “At this meeting, during this [World Youth Day], learn to always look towards the horizon, to always look beyond.” “Don’t put up a wall in front of your life,” the pope encouraged. “Walls close you in, the horizon makes you grow. Always look at the horizon with your eyes, but look, above all, with your heart.” Pope Francis sent the video message on Jan. 20, fewer than 200 […]
- [Fewer European Cardinals in the Sacred College than ever before](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fewer-european-cardinals-in-the-sacred-college-than-ever-before-379): Out of 95 cardinal electors appointed during Pope Francis’s pontificate, the Holy Father chose 18 from European residential sees. The Pope has so far presided over eight consistories. Pope Benedict XVI, in five consistories, appointed 16 cardinal electors from European bishoprics or archbishoprics. Benedict XVI created 90 cardinals, 74 electors, and 16 non-electors. Finally, John Paul II chose 63 pastors from European dioceses or archdioceses – all under the age of 80 at the time of appointment (210 in total) – in 9 different consistories.  Four of John Paul II’s choices came from Lyon, the primary See of France; 3 each […]
- [Meet the six newest venerable servants of God in the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-six-newest-venerable-servants-of-god-in-the-catholic-church-378): Pope Francis declared six Catholics as venerable servants of God on Thursday, moving them each one step closer to canonization. In a decree signed on Jan. 19, the pope recognized the heroic virtue of an Italian stigmatic, four 20th-century priests, and a holy laywoman who spent much of her life in a sickbed. Each now needs a miracle attributed to his or her intercession to be approved by the Vatican in order to be beatified. Here are their stories: Bertilla Antoniazzi (1944–1964) From the age of 9, Bertilla Antoniazzi was often in and out of hospitals after suffering from a […]
- [Pope Benedict XVI's posthumously published book](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-new-book-the-late-benedict-xvi-defends-christianity-against-intolerance-377): Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has posthumously defended Christianity against claims of intolerance “in the name of tolerance.” In a new book published in Italy, the late pontiff warns of a “radical manipulation of human beings” and “the distortion of the sexes by gender ideology” in the name of tolerance. Rejecting the argument of a German theologian about monotheism being linked to intolerance, Benedict counters that “the authentic counterweight to every form of intolerance” is, in fact, Christ crucified. The late pontiff’s contribution, dated December 2018, is published in a new collection of texts by the theologian pope, touted by the […]
- [Laudato Si' launches initiative to help Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/laudato-si-launches-initiative-to-help-ukraine-376): The Catholic group Laudato Si’ has launched a new initiative called “An Economy of Peace” which aims to help the people of Ukraine. In a statement the organization invites Christians to place their commitment to divest from fossil fuels. The aim of this effort is to accelerate a just ecological transition and change of course to emerge better from the pandemic and war. Divestment Campaigner from the Laudato Si Movement, Joseph D’Halluin, joins to tell us a little more about this call for fossil fuels divestment and what the Catholic perspective he wants to stress is for this specific topic. […]
- [Cardinal Parolin points to the life of this blessed judge murdered by Mafia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-points-to-the-life-of-this-blessed-judge-murdered-by-mafia-375): The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, stressed the importance of legality and justice, giving as an example the testimony of Blessed Rosario Livatino, a judge murdered by the Italian Mafia.   The Cardinal was speaking at the congress entitled “The Actuality of Blessed Rosario Livatino,” which took place at the Italian Senate on January 18.  Cardinal Pietro Parolin said that Blessed Rosario Livatino is “a wonderful figure” because “he was a Christian of integrity who knew how to live his faith to the full in the exercise of a particularly delicate profession such as the judiciary, adjusting his interpretation […]
- [Christian persecution at its highest point in 30 years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christian-persecution-at-its-highest-point-in-30-years-374): The persecution of Christians is at its highest point in three decades, according to the latest report from advocacy group Open Doors. The World Watch List, released by Open Doors on Jan. 18, reported that, overall, the number of Christians facing persecution worldwide remained steady in 2022 at approximately 360 million. In a list of the 50 countries with the most persecution, North Korea returned to the first spot in 2022. The year prior, Afghanistan had landed in the top ranking following the Taliban’s takeover of the country’s government. Afghanistan ranks ninth in the latest list because the country’s Christians […]
- [War in Europe and the Role of Religion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-kurt-koch-prayer-is-essential-for-unity-373): For the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, that runs from 18th through the 25th of January, Christians around the world are encouraged to pray for peace and brotherhood between all churches. We spoke to Cardinal Kurt Koch, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity, about the efforts he is making to bring about this harmony. He reflected the wars between Christians around the world, the upcoming papal trip to South Sudan and Congo, and the ecumenical nature of the Synod on Synodality. Most importantly, however, he emphasised the importance of prayer as the starting point […]
- [Cardinal Schönborn calls Gänswein book ‘unseemly indiscretion,’ confirms key detail of Benedict papacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-schoenborn-calls-gaenswein-book-unseemly-indiscretion-confirms-key-detail-of-benedict-papacy-372): Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schönborn on Wednesday confirmed he was the person who encouraged Joseph Ratzinger to accept the conclave’s decision — if elected — to become the successor to Pope John Paul II as supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church. Benedict’s longtime secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, revealed Schönborn’s identity in his book titled “Nothing but the Truth” (“Nient’altro che la verita”), which was published in Italy last week. CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner, reported that Schönborn on Jan. 18 confirmed Gänswein’s assertion that Schönborn had written Cardinal Ratzinger “a little letter just in case.”  At the same time, the archbishop of Vienna […]
- [Pope Francis: Jesus is ‘the unsurpassed model of evangelization’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-jesus-is-the-unsurpassed-model-of-evangelization-371): Pope Francis invited Christians on Wednesday to pray for the grace to have a “pastoral heart” like Jesus that “suffers and takes risks” out of love for others. At his weekly public audience on Jan. 18, the pope said that Jesus provides “the unsurpassed model of evangelization.” “Christ not only has the words of life, but he makes his life a Word, a message: that is, he lives always turned toward the Father and toward us,” Pope Francis said in Paul VI Hall. Pope Francis greets pilgrims at his general audience in Paul VI Hall on Jan. 18, 2023. Vatican […]
- [Pope Francis prays for priest killed in Nigeria, asks for prayers for persecuted Christians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-priest-killed-in-nigeria-asks-for-prayers-for-persecuted-christians-370): At the end of his Wednesday audience, Pope Francis asked for people to join him in praying for persecuted Christians around the world. The pope said on Jan. 18 that he was praying for Father Isaac Achi, a Catholic priest who died after bandits set fire to his parish rectory in northern Nigeria. Armed bandits attacked the parish residence at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Kafin Koro, Nigeria, at 3 a.m. on Sunday. Another priest at the rectory, Father Collins Omeh, escaped the building but sustained gunshot wounds. The Diocese of Minna has said that Omeh is responding […]
- [Archbishop Gugerotti has taken up service at the Dicastery for Eastern Churches](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-gugerotti-has-taken-up-service-at-the-dicastery-for-eastern-churches-369): Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, Titular Archbishop of Ravello, began his service as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches yesterday morning, January 16, with a brief ceremony. Upon his arrival at the Offices, he was welcomed by Archbishop Secretary H.E. Giorgio Demetrio Gallaro and the Under-Secretary, with whom he spoke briefly before going to the Meeting Room where he met the Staff, addressing a few words of greeting and introduction to the work the Dicastery offers the Holy Father for the life of the Eastern Catholic Churches At noon, in the Hall of Honor, in the presence also of the […]
- [Pope Francis appoints Cardinal Porras, 78, as the new Archbishop of Caracas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-cardinal-porras-78-as-the-new-archbishop-of-caracas-368): Pope Francis appointed as new Archbishop of Caracas (Venezuela), Cardinal Baltazar Porras Cardozo, who is 78 years old, an unusual age for the appointment of a bishop in the Catholic Church. Cardinal Porras was, until now, Archbishop of Merida and Apostolic Administrator of Caracas. That is to say; he was temporarily in charge of this jurisdiction. The Holy Father appointed Cardinal Porras as Apostolic Administrator of Caracas on July 9, 2018. On the same day, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of the previous Archbishop of Caracas, Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, who was then 75 years old. Cardinal Urosa, a staunch […]
- [Today is the first day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/today-begins-the-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2023-367): This Wednesday, January 18, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins. The theme for this year is “Do good; seek justice,” a quote from Isaiah 1:17. For some years now, the Ecumenical Council of Churches and the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity have been commissioning prayer materials from various churches and confessional communities in various geographical regions. For this year’s Week of Prayer, which runs until January 25, the Solemnity of the Conversion of St. Paul, the material has been prepared by the Minnesota Council of Churches (USA). On its website, the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity […]
- [Cardinal George Pell's Funeral Held Saturday & Attended by Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-george-pells-funeral-held-saturday-and-attended-by-pope-francis-366): Several Church leaders, including Pope Francis, attended Saturday’s funeral Mass for Cardinal George Pell. A large crowd, including several of the cardinal’s family members from Australia, attended the service inside St. Peter’s Basilica. In his homily, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re called Cardinal Pell, “A man of God and a man of the Church, who was deeply concerned by the weakening faith in the world.” Cardinal Pell died last week following hip surgery. He was 81 years old. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, joins to tell us more about the funeral on Saturday. He shares what more is known about […]
- [Archbishop Gugerotti has taken up service at the Dicastery for Eastern Churches ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-gugerotti-has-taken-up-service-at-the-dicastery-for-eastern-churches-365): Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, Titular Archbishop of Ravello, began his service as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches yesterday morning, January 16, with a brief ceremony.  Upon his arrival at the Offices, he was welcomed by Archbishop Secretary H.E. Giorgio Demetrio Gallaro and the Under-Secretary, with whom he spoke briefly before going to the Meeting Room where he met the Staff, addressing a few words of greeting and introduction to the work the Dicastery offers the Holy Father for the life of the Eastern Catholic Churches  At noon, in the Hall of Honor, in the presence also of the […]
- [Pope Francis offers condolences over attack against church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-offers-condolences-over-attack-against-church-363): On Sunday, the 15th of January, a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was targeted in an attack that caused the death of at least 17 Christian faithful. Pope Francis prayed for the victims of this tragedy and invoked the gift of peace in this African country that he will visit at the end of this month.  In a telegram signed by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican said that Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the attack against a Pentecostal church in Kasindi, DRC, that caused the death of innocent people.   The Pope expressed his “compassion […]
- [Pope Francis proposes these three pieces of advice to confraternities](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-proposes-these-three-pieces-of-advice-to-confraternities-362): Pope Francis proposes these three pieces of advice to confraternities  On January 16, Pope Francis drew attention to the upcoming celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025, whose theme is “Pilgrims of Hope.” He proposed three pieces of advice to those who are part of confraternities.  During an audience at the Vatican with representatives of the Confederation of Confraternities of the Dioceses of Italy, the Holy Father spoke of the Jubilee of 2025, noting that “we are preparing for this important moment in the life of the Church.”  In his speech, the Pontiff noted that this confederation was founded in the […]
- [Pope Francis offers condolences after 69 die in Nepal plane crash](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-offers-condolences-after-69-die-in-nepal-plane-crash-361): Pope Francis offered his condolences after at least 69 people died in a plane crash in Nepal on Sunday. The pope sent a condolence telegram to Nepal’s President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Jan. 16 after Yeti Airlines flight 691 crashed as it was attempting to land in the Nepalese city of Pokhara. The plane was carrying 72 passengers from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a popular base for trekkers in the Annapurna mountain range in the Himalayas. Fifteen foreign nationals were on board, coming from India, Russia, South Korea, Argentina, France, Ireland, and Australia. At least 69 of the passengers have been […]
- [Vaticano Update: Top 5 Vatican news stories of the week](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-visit-congo-and-south-sudan-and-letter-from-the-german-movement-360): Pope Francis meets Diplomatic Corps   On January 9th, Pope Francis met with members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See and offered them his New Year’s wishes. In the audience, the pontiff recalled that the task of diplomacy is to resolve differences and create a climate of trust. As an example, Francis mentioned, among other things, the controversial China agreement, which was recently extended for two years.  13 Children baptized by Pope Francis in Sistine Chapel  On January 8th, Pope Francis baptized 13 children of Vatican employees. The baptism ceremony took place in the Sistine Chapel. The Pope […]
- [Cardinal Pell and the ‘Demos’ Memorandum](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-pell-and-the-demos-memorandum-359): VATICAN CITY — A text is being attributed to the late Cardinal George Pell that summarizes deep concerns he and many others in Rome have had about the current crisis in the Church and the direction of this pontificate.  Last March during Lent, the veteran Italian Vaticanist Sandro Magister published the text and described it as a “memorandum” circulated to cardinal electors and pseudonymously written under the name “Demos,” the Greek name for people. Magister wrote at the time that it was written by someone who “shows himself a thorough master of the subject” and it “cannot be ruled out […]
- [Pope Francis centralizes authority with reform of Diocese of Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/analysis-pope-francis-centralizes-authority-with-reform-of-diocese-of-rome-358): It was widely anticipated that a major reform of the Diocese of Rome was coming, as Pope Francis has been thinking about it for some time. But no one expected it to come when it did: On Jan. 6, one day after the funeral of Francis’ predecessor as Bishop of Rome, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. With the reform, Pope Francis firmly took over the reins of the vicariate, or hierarchy, of the diocese. Everything is centralized, and everything must pass, at least formally, under the control of the pontiff. Cardinal Angelo de Donatis, the pope’s vicar for the diocese, sees […]
- [Pope Francis: Synodal journey ‘a challenge and task’ for American seminarians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-synodal-journey-a-challenge-and-task-for-american-seminarians-357): Pope Francis told American seminarians in Rome that they are called to take up the “challenge and task” of the synodal journey — of listening to the Holy Spirit and to one another — as they study to become priests. The pope met with students, staff, and faculty of the Pontifical North American College (NAC) at the Vatican on the morning of Jan. 14. “Your time here in Rome,” he said, “coincides with the synodal journey that the whole Church is presently undertaking, a journey that involves listening, to the Holy Spirit and to one another, in order to discern […]
- [Pope Francis announces ecumenical prayer service, reflects on St. John the Baptist's ‘spirit of service’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-announces-ecumenical-prayer-service-reflects-on-st-john-the-baptists-spirit-of-service-356): In his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis encouraged Christians to cultivate the virtue of knowing “how to step aside” in order to bear witness to Jesus, as St. John the Baptist did. The pope also announced that an ecumenical prayer vigil will take place in St. Peter’s Square as part of the Church’s ongoing Synod on Synodality. Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace on Jan. 15, the pope shared lessons from St. John the Baptist’s “spirit of service.” Pope Francis said that St. John was “not interested in having a following for himself, in gaining prestige and […]
- [Farewell to Cardinal Pell](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-bids-farewell-to-cardinal-george-pell-at-the-vatican-355): At 11:30 a.m. (Rome time), the funeral Mass for the body of Cardinal George Pell began in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, where Pope Francis participated.  The funeral Liturgy was celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica. In his homily, Cardinal Battista Re pointed out that although “the Cardinal’s untimely death has left us dismayed, there is only hope in our hearts.” He also recalled that Cardinal Pell “in many situations was a protagonist of strong and determined character, characterized by a strong temperament, […]
- [Cardinal Bagnasco's 80th birthday, for 10 years at the head of the Italian bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-bagnascos-80th-birthday-for-10-years-at-the-head-of-the-italian-bishops-354): Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, Metropolitan Archbishop Emeritus of Genoa, turns 80 years old today and thus leaves the ranks of the electors in a future conclave: in fact, he was born in Pontevico on January 14, 1943.  He was ordained a priest in Genoa on June 29, 1966, by Cardinal Giuseppe Siri. In 1979 he graduated in philosophy from the State University of Genoa. A professor of metaphysics and contemporary atheism at the Theological Faculty of Northern Italy, he was a diocesan assistant of the Federation of Italian Catholic University Students and a scouts assistant. From 1986 to 1994, he was […]
- [Pope Benedict XVI: from Archbishop to Cardinalate and Papacy: the Final Stage](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-benedict-xvi-from-archbishop-to-cardinalate-and-papacy-the-final-stage-353): On May 28, 1977, 50 year old Joseph Ratzinger was ordained Archbishop of Munich and Freising. One month later, Pope Paul VI made him a cardinal. A new stage in his ministry that would last the rest of his life.   In 1978, Paul VI passed away and the new Cardinal Ratzinger traveled to Rome to participate in the Conclave. John Paul the First was elected the Supreme Pontiff.   But thirty-three days later, the Pope died… and Cardinals returned to Rome.   The assembly of cardinals surprised the world with a non-Italian Pope: Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, Archbishop of Krakow. On October 16, 1978, […]
- [Pope Francis explains the fundamental rule of religious life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-explains-the-fundamental-rule-of-religious-life-352): Pope Francis explains the fundamental rule of religious life Pope Francis assured this Friday that “the fundamental rule of religious life is the following of Christ proposed by the Gospel” and the constant and daily search for the Lord. On Friday morning, January 13, Pope Francis received in audience the Canons Regular of St. Augustine, to whom he spoke about the indispensability of consecrated life. At the beginning of his speech, the Holy Father said, “although each Congregation enjoys its autonomy, this does not prevent the Confederate Statutes from providing for competencies that favor a balance between this autonomy.” He […]
- [The Last Days of Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-benedict-xvis-final-days-on-earth-351): Pope Benedict's last days on earth before his death on December 31, 2022.
- [Catholic Bishops of Europe Submit Thoughts on Upcoming European Year of Skills](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-bishops-of-europe-submit-thoughts-on-upcoming-european-year-of-skills-350):   The Catholic Bishops of Europe have submitted their thoughts on the upcoming European Year of Skills. The Church leaders are asking for the emphasis on integral development of a person and quality education. The document will be discussed in the coming days. It’s all part of the Holy Father’s call for education to be a creator of peace and fairness. Father Manuel Enrique Barrios Pietro is the General Secretary of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union.   Manuel Enrique Barrios Pietro:  It’s a document that we submitted to the European Commission in answer to a consultation […]
- [Cardinal George Pell’s final years in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-george-pells-final-years-in-rome-349): Cardinal George Pell arrived in Rome on Sept. 30, 2020, in the midst of Vatican financial scandals and the immediate aftermath of the resignation of his once-rival, Cardinal Angelo Becciu. Pell returned to the Eternal City after defending himself against abuse charges in his home country of Australia for three years. In April 2020, Australia’s High Court overturned his conviction and ordered his immediate release from jail. After more than a year behind bars, Pell’s time in Rome was marked by a level of activity impressive for a man entering his eighth decade of life. The Australian cardinal published three […]
- [Catholic priest from Ukraine gives Pope Francis cross made out of war rubble](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-priest-from-ukraine-gives-pope-francis-cross-made-out-of-war-rubble-558): Father Vyacheslav Grynevych vividly remembers the first day of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine one year ago. The Catholic priest woke up to a phone call, “Father, wake up because the war has started.” “I understood that my life would never be the same as before,” Grynevych said. As the executive director of the Catholic charity Caritas-Spes, Grynevych soon found himself coordinating humanitarian efforts from a basement bomb shelter in Kyiv, also taking in 36 other people, mostly children, and their pets within the first week of the war. In the past year, Grynevych and his team at Caritas […]
- [Vatican: Pope Francis has ‘strong cold’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-pope-francis-has-strong-cold-557): The Vatican said Thursday that Pope Francis is suffering from a heavy cold. The Feb. 23 message said that due to a “strong cold,” the pope distributed copies of his speeches at two morning appointments, rather than read them aloud as usual. Francis still took part in the two audiences: the first with young priests and monks from Eastern Orthodox Churches and the second with a delegation from the German NGO and non-profit Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science. The Vatican did not indicate whether there would be further changes to Pope Francis’ Feb. 23 schedule due to […]
- [Pope Francis celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass in historical Basilica of St. Sabina](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-ash-wednesday-mass-in-historical-basilica-of-st-sabina-556): Following a custom of over 60 years, Pope Francis again visited the Church of Saint Anselm on the Aventine Hill for Ash Wednesday. From Saint Anselm, the penitential procession proceeded to the Basilica of Saint Sabina, where Pope Francis celebrated Mass with the blessing and imposition of ashes.  The pope returned to Saint Sabina after three years. His last time was in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic.  In 2021, the Ash Wednesday Mass was celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica.  Last year, due to the Pope’s knee problem, for which the doctor had prescribed a period of rest, Pope Francis […]
- [Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday: Free yourself ‘from the dictatorship of full schedules’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-ash-wednesday-free-yourself-from-the-dictatorship-of-full-schedules-554): Pope Francis said Wednesday that Lent is a good time to examine ourselves in the light of truth, to let go of distractions like overbooked calendars, and to improve our relationships with God and others. “Let us set out on the path of fasting and use these 40 days to take stock of ourselves, to free ourselves from the dictatorship of full schedules, crowded agendas, and superficial needs, and choose the things that truly matter,” the pope said on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22. “This,” he said, “is the favorable time to be converted, to stop looking at ourselves and to […]
- [Pope Francis: The Gospel is not ‘a political party, an ideology, a club’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-gospel-is-not-a-political-party-an-ideology-a-club-553): Pope Francis said Wednesday that the traditions of the Church should not be based on opinion or ideological leanings, but on whether they favor the proclamation of the Gospel. “Everything in the Church must be conformed to the requirements of the proclamation of the Gospel; not to the opinions of the conservatives or the progressives, but to the fact that Jesus reaches people’s lives,” he said Feb. 22. Francis asked: When there are ideological divisions in the Church, such as an identification as conservative or progressive, “where is the Holy Spirit?” “Be careful,” he warned. “The Gospel is not an […]
- [Clarifications on Traditional Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-publishes-new-guidelines-on-the-traditional-latin-mass-552): The Vatican has clarified its position on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass. Today, Pope Francis released a rescript from his meeting with the Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Cardinal Arthur Roche. A rescript is a Pope’s written response to the direct questions of individuals. In the rescript, Francis reiterated two points from Traditionis custodes, his Motu Proprio of July 2021 that limited the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass. The release of this new document marks the third official communication from Pope Francis regarding the liturgy of the Tridentine Mass. […]
- [Catholic leaders open new church in UAE’s interfaith Abrahamic Family House](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-leaders-open-new-church-in-uaes-interfaith-abrahamic-family-house-551): The three Abrahamic religions — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — now share a common place to worship in the predominantly Muslim United Arab Emirates with the opening of the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. Such was the dream of Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb, who in 2019 signed a historic pledge calling for peace and brotherhood between religions and nations. Four years later a synagogue, church, and mosque sit opposite a secular visitor pavilion in an interfaith complex meant to encourage goodwill and understanding. Representing the pope for the first prayer service at the new St. Francis […]
- [Traditionis custodes: Cardinal says only Vatican can dispense from certain obligations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/traditionis-custodes-cardinal-says-only-vatican-can-dispense-from-certain-obligations-550): The head of the Vatican’s liturgy office said Tuesday that dispensations from two of the rules in Traditionis custodes can only be granted by the Vatican, not by the diocesan bishop. The Feb. 21 rescript (a form of official clarification in response to a question or request) from Cardinal Arthur Roche said Pope Francis had confirmed that a dispensation to use or erect a parish church for the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass in a diocese is “reserved in a special way to the Apostolic See.” Permission for a priest ordained after July 2021 to celebrate the Traditional Latin […]
- [Jesuits: New restrictions against Rupnik possible in light of credible abuse accusations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jesuits-new-restrictions-against-rupnik-possible-in-light-of-credible-abuse-accusations-549): The Society of Jesus said Tuesday it will open a new internal procedure on Jesuit Father Marko Rupnik after receiving abuse accusations with a “very high” degree of credibility against the artist. According to a Feb. 21 statement on the Jesuit website, the accusations the religious order received span from 1985 to 2018, and include claims of spiritual, psychological, and sexual abuse, and abuse of conscience. Rupnik, 68, has been informed of the accusations, but has refused to meet to discuss them with the order, the statement said. The order said the internal procedure is in the beginning stages, but possible results […]
- [LIVE | Ash Wednesday with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-ash-wednesday-with-pope-francis-548): LIVE | Join us for the statio, penitential procession, eucharistic celebration, blessing and imposition of Ashes on the faithful with Pope Francis from the Church of Saint Anselm and the Basilica of Saint Sabina.
- [Catholic organization, Caritas, to commemorate 1 year of conflict in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-organization-caritas-to-commemorate-1-year-of-conflict-in-ukraine-547): A Catholic organization is set to commemorate the one year anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine. Caritas-Spes Ukraine held a press conference early Monday to discuss its work in the war-torn country. The organization has helped more than 3.5 million people in the region.  Executive Director of Caritas-Spes Ukraine, Fr. Vyacheslav Grynevych, joins to tell us more about what life is like on the ground in Ukraine. He discusses how the faithful are doing amid the war. Fr. Grynevych shares what sort of work Caritas is doing on the ground there and what data he will share at an upcoming […]
- [Pope Francis asks Pontifical Academy for Life to study ethics of emerging technologies](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-asks-pontifical-academy-for-life-to-study-ethics-of-emerging-technologies-546): Pope Francis told the Pontifical Academy for Life on Monday that it faces an enormous task in evaluating the ethics of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and human enhancement. The pope asked the academy on Feb. 20 to “ensure that scientific and technological growth is reconciled more and more with a parallel development … in responsibility, values, and conscience.” The rapid acceleration of new technologies can produce significant consequences for human life and the environment “that are not always clear and predictable,” Francis said. “It is paradoxical, for example, referring to technologies for enhancing the biological functions of […]
- [The Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/feast-of-the-chair-of-saint-peter-545): February 22 marks the feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, an ancient celebration within the Catholic Church. Here we share four lesser-known facts about this festivity.
- [22 years ago today, St. John Paul II created the now Pope Francis a cardinal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/22-years-ago-today-st-john-paul-ii-created-the-now-pope-francis-a-cardinal-543): 22 years ago today, on February 21, 2001, St. John Paul II created Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who was then the Archbishop of Buenos Aires and is now Pope Francis, as part of the first group of 43 new cardinals of the third millennium. Years later, on April 27, 2014, Pope Francis declared St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII as saints in a historic and unprecedented ceremony that brought together four popes, including Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. During his nearly 27-year pontificate, Pope St. John Paul II created 231 cardinals. In 2001, he stated that “after having drawn […]
- [Pope Francis encourages filmmakers to 'reawaken wonder'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-encourages-filmmakers-to-reawaken-wonder-541): A good movie has the power to inspire wonder and to evangelize by reflecting the beauty of God’s creation, Pope Francis told filmmakers at the Vatican on Monday. “Dear friends, the world troubled by war and so many evils needs signs, works that inspire wonder and that reveal the wondrousness of God who never ceases to love His creatures and to be amazed by their beauty,” Pope Francis said in a message to an Italian film foundation on Feb. 20. “In an increasingly artificial world, where man has surrounded himself with the works of his own hands, the great risk […]
- [The Life and Mission of Joseph Ratzinger: From Priest to Pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/life-and-mission-of-joseph-ratzinger-from-priest-to-pope-540): In this video, we explore the life and mission of Joseph Ratzinger, a priest, professor, and theologian who later became Pope Benedict XVI. From his humble beginnings in post-World War II Germany to his time as a professor and theological consultant during the Second Vatican Council, we trace Ratzinger’s journey and the pivotal moments that shaped his life and work.  We delve into his commitment to the search for truth and how this guided his mission as a bishop and later as Pope. Join us as we explore the inspiring life of one of the most influential figures in the […]
- [Highlights from Europe’s Continental Assembly in Prague: Synod on Synodality update](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/highlights-from-europes-continental-assembly-in-prague-synod-on-synodality-update-539): The European Continental Assembly took place in Prague, Czech Republic from February 5-12, 2023, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of St John Paul II’s post-synodal exhortation Ecclesia in Europa.  This update on the Synod on Synodality covers the first and second parts of the European Continental Assembly, which brought together 200 delegates and 39 presidents to discuss and evaluate the results of their discussions. The theme guiding the synodal process is “For a Synodal Church. Communion, participation, mission,” and the working document for the Continental Stage aimed to provide a better understanding of how the local Churches are already “walking […]
- [The Lateran Treaty of 1929: Understanding the relationship between Italy and the Holy See](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lateran-treats-of-1929-understanding-the-relationship-between-italy-and-the-holy-see-538): On February 11, 1929, the Lateran Pacts – accords between the Kingdom of Italy and the Holy See – were signed. They established relations between the two entities, guaranteeing through the Constitution of the Vatican City, the Pope’s total freedom and independence. We discussed this with Fr. Roberto Regoli, historian and professor of Church History at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Benjamin Crockett:   Before we approach the understanding of the Lateran Pacts, what was the situation in Italy before the drafting of the Pacts?   Fr. Roberto Regoli:Professor at Pontifical Gregorian University The Lateran Pacts are a consequence of the […]
- [Ratzinger: The Choice. Discover the Untold Stories of Pope Benedict XVI's Last Decade](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ratzinger-the-choice-discover-the-untold-stories-of-pope-benedict-xvis-last-decade-537): Join us in uncovering the untold stories of Pope Benedict XVI’s last decade in the Vatican with the newly released book “Ratzinger: The Choice. I didn’t escape.” Authored by Orazio La Rocca, an Italian Vatican analyst, this book documents the most significant moments of the former pope’s life, including his historic announcement on February 11, 2013, to renounce the governance of the church.  As La Rocca recounts the events that marked the history of the Church, he shares his personal experience of witnessing the unique relationship between Pope Benedict XVI and his successor, Pope Francis. From the opening of the […]
- [Pope Francis: God asks us to love beyond ‘the logic of self-interest’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-god-asks-us-to-love-beyond-the-logic-of-self-interest-536): Instead of acting out of self-interest or convenience, the Lord challenges us to love others in excess “without calculation,” Pope Francis said on Sunday. Speaking from the window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Feb. 19, the pope reflected on what it means to “love your enemies,” as Jesus commanded in Sunday’s Gospel. “Brothers and sisters, the Lord invites us to step out of the logic of self-interest and not to measure love on the scales of calculations and convenience. He invites us not to respond to evil with evil, to dare to do good, to risk in giving, even […]
- [Pope Francis: Laypeople are not guests in the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-laypeople-are-not-guests-in-the-church-535): The Church is a home that priests and laypeople need to care for together, Pope Francis said on Saturday. “It is time for pastors and laypeople to walk together, in every area of the Church’s life, in every part of the world,” he said in the Vatican’s New Synod Hall on Feb. 18. “The lay faithful are not ‘guests’ in the Church, they are at home, so they are called to take care of their own home,” he said. “The laity, and especially women, need to be more valued in their human and spiritual skills and gifts for the life […]
- [55 Year Anniversary of Sant’Egidio Community](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/55-year-anniversary-of-santegidio-community-534): On Thursday, February the 9th, the Basilica of St. John Lateran hosted an extraordinary Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, the President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference.  The Sant’Egidio Community, born just after the Second Vatican Council in a high school in Rome, has grown into a global network of communities operating in more than 70 nations worldwide. The community’s main focus is to volunteer and serve those in the peripheries with particular attention to the poor and disadvantaged, aiming for peace and unity.  This year, the celebration is a tribute to the community’s unwavering commitment and […]
- [Members and consultants of the Dicastery of Education and Culture, what you need to know](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/members-and-consultants-of-the-dicastery-of-education-and-culture-what-you-need-to-know-533): The global president of the Pontifical Scholas Occurentes Foundation is present. But there is also Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and responsible for the 2025 Jubilee. Paolo Ruffini, the prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, joins as a member. But also present is the emeritus Bishop of Lugano, Valerio Lazzeri, who left the diocese administration last October due to stress. The appointments of members and consultants of the Dicastery for Education and Culture are all worth reading. New dicastery, new appointments. The dicastery is the result of the merger of the Congregation for Catholic Education and […]
- [The Resignation of Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/resignation-of-benedict-xvi-532): When Pope Benedict died in Rome, the people of the Eternal City said that it was the second time he had made the city weep. The first time Rome wept because of the German pope, was almost 10 years earlier.  On February 28, 2013, a snow-white helicopter left the Vatican territory with the man on board who had made history. Pope Benedict XVI had become the first pope in 700 years to resign from his office.  The search for why he resigned leads us to Bavaria, where about two hours away from Munich lies the small town of Marktl am […]
- [Pope Francis’ message for Lent 2023: ‘We need to listen to Jesus’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-message-for-lent-2023-we-need-to-listen-to-jesus-531): In his message for Lent 2023, Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to listen to what Jesus wants to tell them through the Scriptures and through others. Using the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration as a launching point, Francis addressed both the journey of Lent and the Catholic Church’s ongoing Synod on Synodality in the message released Feb. 17. The pope recalled “the command that God the Father addresses to the disciples on Mount Tabor as they contemplate Jesus transfigured. The voice from the cloud says: ‘Listen to him.’” “The first proposal, then, is very clear: we need to listen to Jesus,” he […]
- [Meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill not celebrated in 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meeting-between-pope-francis-and-patriarch-kirill-not-celebrated-in-2023-530): On February 16, 2016, in San Marti airport in Havana, Cuba, Pope Francis met Patriarch Kirill. Every year since then, the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity has honored the anniversary with a meeting based on common themes in venues alternately chosen by Moscow and Rome.   Last year, for example, the anniversary was marked by pilgrimages to Paris, where the two delegations could even venerate the Crown of Thorns. In 2021, there was a pandemic and a specific difficulty in traveling, but the meeting still took place online, and the perspectives and challenges arising from the pandemic were discussed. In […]
- [Nigeria’s newest cardinal shares secret behind the highest Mass attendance in the world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/nigerias-newest-cardinal-shares-secret-behind-the-highest-mass-attendance-in-the-world-529): After Nigeria was recognized as having the highest Mass attendance in the world, the African nation’s youngest cardinal has shared some of the secrets behind his country’s vibrant sacramental life. A recent study found that 94% of Nigeria’s 30 million Catholics say they attend Mass at least weekly or more, while only 17% of American Catholics attend Mass weekly. Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke, 59, who leads the southern Nigerian diocese of Ekwulobia, sees three key factors behind the active participation of Catholics in Nigeria. In an interview with CNA when the cardinal was in Rome this month, Okpaleke said that […]
- [Vatican archbishop to visit Catholics in Syria and Turkey as they confront earthquake fallout](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-archbishop-to-visit-catholics-in-syria-and-turkey-as-they-confront-earthquake-fallout-528): A Vatican archbishop will visit Catholics in Syria and Turkey as they continue to help those affected by the result of multiple devastating earthquakes. Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti is the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. He travels to Syria and Turkey from Feb. 17-21. A Feb. 16 press release said Gugerotti undertakes the trip “to express the Holy Father’s closeness to the people severely affected by the recent disastrous earthquake and to meet with bishops, Caritas workers, and other agencies committed to bringing aid to the suffering.” The trip takes place as Pope Francis continues his appeals […]
- [Pontifical Mission Societies Launch Special Collection to Aid Earthquake Survivors in Turkey and Syria](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-mission-societies-launch-special-collection-to-aid-earthquake-survivors-in-turkey-and-syria-527): The Pontifical Mission Societies have responded to the call of Pope Francis to show solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria, both of which have been devastated by a series of deadly earthquakes recently that caused more than 40.000 deaths. In an effort to provide immediate relief to the survivors of these disasters, the Pontifical Mission Societies have launched a special collection. The National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies in Turkey, Fr. Adrian Loza, has been at the forefront of the efforts to mobilize their networks of missionary priests and religious sisters to provide aid to the affected regions. […]
- [Pope Francis: ‘I believe that the pope’s ministry is for life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-i-believe-that-the-popes-ministry-is-for-life-526): Pope Francis addressed once again the question of whether he will resign the papacy in two conversations with Jesuit priests in Africa this month. “I believe that the pope’s ministry is ‘ad vitam.’ I see no reason why it should not be so,” the pope said Feb. 2 during a private conversation with 82 Jesuits in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Francis met the group of priests at the apostolic nunciature in Kinshasa, where he was staying during his Jan. 31-Feb. 3 visit to the DRC. The conversations were reported in the Jesuit-run journal La Civiltà Cattolica. The pope, repeating […]
- [Pope Francis' Statements on Nicaragua Bishop Sentencing & Turkey Earthquake Victims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-statements-on-nicaragua-bishop-sentencing-and-turkey-earthquake-victims-525): In this week’s Vaticano Updates, Pope Francis addressed a range of pressing issues affecting the Catholic Church and the world at large.  Firstly, the Pope responded to the sentencing of Nicaraguan bishop Rolando Álvarez, who was handed a 26-year prison sentence by Daniel Ortega’s dictatorship. The pontiff expressed his concern for Bishop Álvarez and his grief at the news, praying for him and for all those who are suffering in Nicaragua.  The Pope also addressed the devastating earthquakes that recently struck Turkey and Syria, leaving thousands dead and millions homeless. He urged people to pray for the victims and consider […]
- [How to better include laypeople in the life of the Catholic Church?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-conference-to-focus-on-improving-relations-between-lay-people-priests-and-bishops-524): The Vatican is set to host a conference-themed “Pastors and Lay Faithful Called to Walk Together” from February 16th to the 18th. The conference, organized by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, will bring delegates worldwide to discuss ways to improve relations and communication among lay people, priests, and bishops. With the question of how to better include lay people in the life of the Church at the center of the conference, attendees will discuss the responsibilities of lay people in the Church and the formation of the lay faithful. The conference focuses on the ongoing worldwide Synodal […]
- [Pope Francis creates independent supervisory commission for Rome Diocese](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-creates-independent-supervisory-commission-for-rome-diocese-523): Pope Francis on Wednesday created a new independent supervisory commission for the Diocese of Rome. The commission will meet once a month and report directly to the pope in a yearly meeting. The oversight committee is part of the pope’s reform of the governance of the Rome Diocese, a reorganization that centralizes more of the diocese’s activities under his authority. In a document issued Feb. 15, Pope Francis established norms for the commission and nominated its first members. The six-member commission is intended to act as internal oversight on financial, administrative, and legal issues for the Diocese of Rome, as […]
- [A breakdown of the continental stages of the Synod](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breakdown-of-the-continental-stages-of-the-synod-522): Pope Francis has made it clear: the Synod should no longer be an event but a process. And as part of this process, there are moments of continental steps and assemblies of the whole people of God (from bishops to laity) that highlight the challenges of their churches and seek to build a synodal mentality. Thus, after the European leg of the Synod in Prague, which took place at the same time as the one held in Suva, Fiji, in Oceania, the North American assemblies (February 13-17) are currently meeting in Orlando, and the Middle East assemblies are meeting in […]
- [Pope Francis: Bring the Gospel into the world without becoming worldly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-bring-the-gospel-into-the-world-without-becoming-worldly-521): Pope Francis said Wednesday that Christians are called to bring the Gospel into the world without becoming worldly. “For the Church, falling into worldliness is the worst thing that can happen,” the pope said. Speaking in his general audience in Paul VI Hall on Feb. 15, Pope Francis reflected on Jesus’ words to his disciples: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep among wolves” (Mt. 10:16). Pope Francis greets pilgrims at his general audience on Feb. 15, 2023. Vatican Media   Many Christians will be tempted to think “let us become relevant, numerous, prestigious, and the world will listen to […]
- [Pope Francis contributes to earthquake relief efforts in Syria and Turkey](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-contributes-to-earthquake-relief-efforts-in-syria-and-turkey-520): The Vatican is joining the Italian government and NGOs in sending help to the suffering people of Turkey and Syria. According to Vatican News, Pope Francis has provided 10,000 thermal shirts for people who do not have adequate shelter in Turkey and Syria. The pope has also sent financial aid to Syria through the country’s apostolic nunciature, Vatican almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski told Vatican News. Boxes of thermal shirts took sail from the port of Naples, Italy, on the morning of Feb. 15, together with other aid from NGOs and the Italian government. The shirts were brought to the southern […]
- [Beatification date announced for married couple with seven children martyred by Nazis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/beatification-date-announced-for-married-couple-with-seven-children-martyred-by-nazis-519): The beatification date has been announced for Józef and Wiktoria Ulma and their seven children, who were killed by the Nazis for hiding a Jewish family in their home in Poland. The Archdiocese of Przemyska announced Tuesday that the entire Ulma family— including one unborn child—-will be beatified on Sept. 10. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, the prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, will preside over the beatification ceremony in Markowa, the village in southeast Poland where the Ulma family was executed in 1944. Pope Francis recognized the martyrdom of the couple and their children in a decree […]
- [Pope Francis appoints new secretary of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-new-secretary-of-the-dicastery-for-the-eastern-churches-518): The Lebanese Maronite priest Father Michel Jalakh, O.A.M., who was until now the rector of Antonine University in Baabda, Lebanon, has been appointed by Pope Francis as the new secretary of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. Father Jalakh was born on August 27, 1966, in Baouchrieh, Lebanon. He made his first religious profession in the Antonian Maronite Order on August 15, 1983, and was ordained a priest on April 21, 1991. He served as a Secretariat attaché at the former Congregation for the Eastern Churches from December 2000 to July 2008. He received his Doctorate in Ecclesiology from the […]
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Angelus with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-angelus-with-pope-francis-517): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Angelus prayer led by Pope Francis. 
- [Vatican Office & Swedish Institute collaborate on caring for the planet](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-office-and-swedish-institute-collaborate-on-caring-for-the-planet-516): A Vatican office with the collaboration of a Swedish institute presented a booklet on caring for the planet. “Our Common Home: Bridging Science and Faith for a More Sustainable World” aims to connect protecting the environment with the messages of Pope Francis from his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’.  Vatican official from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Michele Robibaro, joins to tell us more about this booklet and how it was presented. The project explains how people and communities can take action to build a more sustainable and socially just future. Robibaro talks more about this and what he […]
- [Quebec cardinal: ‘We’re not managers, we’re not the boss’ of laypeople](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/quebec-cardinal-were-not-managers-were-not-the-boss-of-laypeople-515): The Catholic cardinal of Quebec said Tuesday that pastors are to be shepherds who help their people grow in a relationship with Jesus Christ, not “the boss” or manager of laypeople. Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix spoke at a Feb. 14 press conference previewing a three-day Vatican meeting on how to improve collaboration among laypeople, priests, and bishops. Lacroix, the archbishop of Quebec and primate of Canada, will be giving a talk on the second day of the Feb. 16-18 conference on the role of pastors in effective co-responsibility. “What is our role as priests and bishops in this beautiful adventure?” […]
- [Salesian priest named prefect of Vatican library](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/salesian-priest-named-prefect-of-vatican-library-514): Pope Francis has appointed Salesian Father Mauro Mantovani the next prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library. The Italian priest, 57, succeeds Father Cesare Pasini, who served as prefect from 2007 and recently turned 73 years old. As prefect, Mantovani will help run the Vatican’s library alongside Archivist and Librarian Archbishop Angelo Vincenzo Zani, who was named to that role in September 2022. Zani was formerly secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education. The Vatican Library preserves thousands of manuscripts and over 1 million printed books, most of which are available for study by researchers and scholars. Mantovani, a member of […]
- [Discover the Italian city of Terni, the hometown of Saint Valentine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/discover-the-italian-city-of-terni-the-hometown-of-saint-valentine-513): St. Valentine of Terni: The Patron Saint of Love 
- [Pope Francis meets with Cardinal Becciu, on trial for finance-related charges](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-cardinal-becciu-on-trial-for-finance-related-charges-512): A recent official meeting between Cardinal Becciu and Pope Francis raised many eyebrows amongst Vatican observers here in Rome. In fact,  Pope Francis has met with Cardinal Becciu several times but this time, the meeting was officially announced. In an interview from 2021, the Holy Father did disclose that he liked the Cardinal as a person. It is well known that he went to Becciu’s home to celebrate mass together. Briefly after, the Cardinal had to resign from all his offices.    At that time he was the Prefect for the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the Vatican’s department for vetting sainthood. Before that he held a high office in the Secretariat of State.  Many media outlets refer to the ongoing court case as the […]
- [Pope Francis Celebrates the Brotherhood of Guadalupe Sanctuaries in Mexico and Spain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-the-brotherhood-of-guadalupe-sanctuaries-in-mexico-and-spain-511): In a letter published on Monday, Pope Francis celebrated the brotherhood of the sanctuaries dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe in Spain and Mexico, which took place on February 13th.  Pope Francis directed this message to the Archbishop of Toledo (Spain), Mons. Francisco Cerro Chaves, and Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, Archbishop of Mexico.  In his letter, published by the Holy See Press Office, the Holy Father noted, “Mary, our Mother, is always a bond of communion for her people.”  For Pope Francis, “this has been expressed in many places in the world with the invitation to build a temple that […]
- [Pope Francis highlights the importance of culture and faith in education during audience with Georgian university delegation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-highlights-the-importance-of-culture-and-faith-in-education-during-audience-with-georgian-university-delegation-510): Pope Francis recently met with a delegation from the Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University in Tbilisi, Georgia to highlight the importance of education. He emphasized its role in leading people from the darkness of ignorance to the brightness of knowledge. During the audience, Pope Francis drew attention to the significance of culture and faith in a world that is increasingly plagued by forgetfulness, indifference, and hate. According to the Pope, education is a crucial means of reaching self-knowledge, as reflected in the Georgian word “gantleba,” which derives from the word “light.” The Pope explained that education helps to turn on the lamp […]
- [Pope Francis asks Our Lady to accompany families with rare diseases](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-asks-our-lady-to-accompany-families-with-rare-diseases-509): This morning, February 13th, Pope Francis received a delegation from the Italian Federation of Rare Diseases and encouraged them to stay united in their suffering.  The Pope emphasized the need to “share” and come together in these situations: “When a father and mother discover that their child is suffering from a rare disease, [they need to] know other parents who have lived and are living the same experience.”  The Holy Father assured the delegation that this is a “necessity,” although at first, it is a “forced path, an escape from the anguish of being alone and unarmed against the enemy.”  […]
- [LIVE | General Audience with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-general-audience-with-pope-francis-508): LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from Paul VI Hall. 
- [The Forgotten Souls of South Sudan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/forgotten-souls-of-south-sudan-506): Pope Francis recently shone a spotlight on South Sudan in East Africa, when he visited the fledgling country to plea for peace.  Established in 2011, South Sudan is the youngest country in the world and has seen civil unrest and bloody conflict for years. Pope Francis’ visit was hugely symbolic, as he showed the Church’s wish to see the country and its people grow and prosper as they continue to build their nation. But as is normally the case with these papal visits, they are carefully choreographed and specifically stage-managed to show the very best a country has to offer. […]
- [Vatican Radio: 92 Years of Broadcasting for the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-radio-92-years-of-broadcasting-for-the-catholic-church-505): On February 12th, 1931, exactly at 4:30 p.m., Pope Pius XI inaugurated Vatican Radio by delivering the first ever radio message by a Pope in Latin, in the presence of the inventor of radio and the maker of the station, the Italian scientist Guglielmo Marconi. Therefore, today marks the 92nd anniversary of the first radio broadcast by a Pope and the beginning of Vatican Radio’s broadcasts. In addition to Marconi, the inauguration was also attended by the then Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, who would become Pope Pius XII eight years later, and the Jesuit priest […]
- [Pope Francis urges support for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-support-for-earthquake-victims-in-turkey-and-syria-504): Pope Francis prayed Sunday for the people of Turkey and Syria who are suffering after devastating earthquakes killed more than 28,000 people. “Dear brothers and sisters, let us continue to be close with prayer and concrete support to the earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey,” the pope said in his Angelus address on Feb. 12. Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis described how he was moved by the images of pain and suffering from the catastrophe that he saw on television and urged people to “pray and think of what we can do for them.” The […]
- [Pope Francis prays for Bishop Alvarez sentenced to jail in Nicaragua](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-bishop-alvarez-sentenced-to-jail-in-nicaragua-503): Pope Francis has issued a call to political leaders in Nicaragua to engage in a sincere search for peace and to open their hearts to truth and justice. The Pope’s appeal comes in the wake of the recent imprisonment of Bishop Rolando Alvarez of Matagalpa and the expulsion of 222 political dissidents, including several priests and seminarians. Pope Francis expressed his deep sadness at the news from Nicaragua and said that he is praying for Bishop Alvarez, who has been sentenced to 26 years in prison. The Pope called on the faithful to join him in praying to the Lord […]
- [Pope Francis: The commandments should not be confined to formal observance, but lived out with love](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-explains-that-gods-commandments-do-not-lock-in-suffocating-safes-502): While leading the Angelus prayer this Sunday, February 12th, Pope Francis encouraged people to fulfill God’s commandments as children of God the Father and not as “servants of a ‘master god.'” “The commandments that God has given us should not be confined to the suffocating strongboxes of formal observance; otherwise, we remain in external religiosity and a detached religiosity, servants of a ‘master god’ instead of children of God the Father,” he said. He said this while reflecting on the passage from the Gospel of Matthew in which Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the […]
- [Pope Francis names Bishop Frank Leo to lead Archdiocese of Toronto in Canada](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-bishop-frank-leo-to-lead-archdiocese-of-toronto-in-canada-501): Pope Francis on Saturday appointed Bishop Francis (Frank) Leo to lead the Archdiocese of Toronto, Canada’s largest Catholic diocese. Leo has been an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Montréal, Québec, since September 2022. He also served in various diplomatic posts for the Vatican from 2008-2012. The archbishop-designate succeeds Cardinal Thomas Collins, who has led the Toronto archdiocese since 2007. Pope Francis accepted the 76-year-old Collins’ resignation on Feb. 11 for reasons of age. Leo, 51, will be installed as archbishop in a ceremony at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica. The date has not yet been announced. The Metropolitan Archdiocese of […]
- [Vatican invites Rome poor to a day at the circus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-invites-rome-poor-to-a-day-at-the-circus-500): The Vatican’s charity office has invited around 2,000 poor and marginalized people to a circus performance in Rome on Saturday. “Making it possible to participate in this performance is a way to give a few hours of contentment to those who are confronted with a hard life and need help to nurture hope,” Pope Francis’ almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, said this week in an announcement about the initiative. The Vatican said volunteers, including sisters from the Missionaries of Charity, will accompany the circus guests, some of whom are homeless and either living on the streets or in a shelter. Prisoners, […]
- [LIVE | Holy Mass on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-holy-mass-on-the-feast-of-our-lady-of-lourdes-498): Join us for a special event! Tune in for the live stream of the Holy Mass on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes from the Sanctuary of Lourdes. Experience the holiness and devotion as we come together to celebrate this important occasion. Don’t miss out on this spiritual journey, and make sure to tune in at the designated time. See you there! #OurLadyofLourdes #SanctuaryofLourdes #HolyMass
- [Did you know there is a Lourdes Grotto replica in the Vatican?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/did-you-know-there-is-a-lourdes-grotto-replica-in-the-vatican-497): The Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens is a true gem within the walls of the Vatican City State. It is a miniature replica of the famous grotto in Lourdes, France, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. This special place was created as a retreat for prayer and contemplation and is located in a secluded area of the Vatican Gardens, away from the busy hub of the city.  The Bishop of Tarbes, Monsignor Francis Xavier Schoepfer, began the initiative to build the replica of the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens, with the support […]
- [Communicating the Gospel in a Secularized World: Insights from Vatican and Catholic Media Leaders](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/communicating-the-gospel-in-a-secularized-world-insights-from-vatican-and-catholic-media-leaders-496): Join journalists from around the world as they gather at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes to discuss the important topic of communicating the Gospel in today’s secularized world. Hear from experts in the field, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, Katie Prejean McGrady, Host of the Katie McGrady Show on the Catholic Channel, Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communications, and more.  The event, organized by the Communications Department for the Holy See and the Federation of Catholic Media, focuses on the major challenges facing the Church and society, including the abuse crisis, […]
- [Hands Off Africa!: Pope Francis concludes his peace pilgrimage to D. R. Congo and South Sudan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hands-off-africa-pope-francis-concludes-his-peace-pilgrimage-to-d-r-congo-and-south-sudan-495): Pope Francis has concluded his 5-day Apostolic Voyage to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Despite his health issues, Pope Francis embarked on this “ecumenical peace pilgrimage” with a mission to promote peace and hope. During his time in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Pope met with leaders of the nation, condemned the “economic colonialism” of the West and showed solidarity with the victims of violence.  The Pope’s visit to South Sudan was marked by his emphasis on the role of women in transforming the country and promoting peace. The Church has been instrumental in mediating peace […]
- [Pope Francis in Africa: Discover the Catholic Community that takes care of abandoned children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-africa-discover-the-catholic-community-that-takes-care-for-abandoned-children-494): Join us as we speak with Fr. Pierre Etienne from the Chemin Neuf Community in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This Catholic community, with an ecumenical vocation, has been serving the poor in Kinshasa for almost 50 years. During the Pope’s 40th Apostolic trip, members of the community attended some of the papal events.  Fr. Pierre Etienne shares with us the unique and important work of Chemin Neuf in caring for abandoned children on the streets of Kinshasa and reuniting them with their families. Despite the seemingly impossible task in a city of 15 million, Fr. Pierre Etienne explains how […]
- [Remembering Benedict XVI: A Conversation with Bishop Jose Munilla on the Legacy of Pope Emeritus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/remembering-benedict-xvi-a-conversation-with-bishop-jose-munilla-on-the-legacy-of-pope-emeritus-493): In this heartwarming video, Bishop Jose Ignacio Munilla speaks about the legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and shares his personal anecdotes about the late Pope. Bishop Munilla reflects on Benedict XVI’s impact on the Church, including his role in adding Eucharistic Adoration to World Youth Days. The bishop also discusses Benedict’s last words, “Lord, I love you,” and how they serve as a testament to his life of love and truth. Join us as we remember and celebrate the life of Benedict XVI, one of the greatest theologians of the last century and a doctor of the Church.
- [Pope Francis' visit to South Sudan resumes peace talks: A historic moment for the country](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-visit-to-south-sudan-resumes-peace-talks-a-historic-moment-for-the-country-492): Pope Francis’ recent visit to South Sudan has had a significant impact on the country’s peace talks. The South Sudanese President, Salva Kiir, announced during the visit that he would resume his participation in the Rome Peace Talks, a Church-led peace process. The talks had been suspended a few months prior, with each side accusing the other of acting in bad faith. However, Kiir stated that due to Pope Francis’ visit, he would lift the suspension and come back to the negotiation table.  The Rome Initiative was created to bring inclusivity to the peace talks and reconciliation process in South […]
- [How Pope Benedict XVI is Remembered in His Native Germany](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-pope-benedict-xvi-is-remembered-in-his-native-germany-491): This Saturday marks the 10th anniversary of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. During a meeting on February 11th, 2013 Pope Benedict announced his resignation in Latin. It took effect a few weeks later. He retained the title of Pope Emeritus until his death late last year.  But how is he remembered in his native country of Germany? EWTN Vatican Producer and Correspondent for CNA Deutsch, Rudolf Gehrig, joins to tell us where he is at in Germany right now and why it is so important for the faithful. Today, many still do not understand why Pope Benedict resigned nearly […]
- [Pope Francis meets the Order of Malta, Ganswein celebrates a Mass for Benedict XVI at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-the-order-of-malta-ganswein-celebrates-a-mass-for-benedict-xvi-at-the-vatican-490): This week has been eventful in the Vatican, with important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican that are worth mentioning. In this edition of Vaticano Updates, we will take a look at the top five stories that made headlines in the Vatican and the Catholic Church.  European Continental Assembly of the Synod in Prague  The Continental Assembly of the Synod in Europe took place in Prague, Czech Republic, from February 5th to 12th. 200 participants attended the event to promote dialogue at the continental level on the text of the Document for the Continental Stage. The aim of […]
- [European Catholics debate final outcome of Synod on Synodality assembly in Prague](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/european-catholics-debate-final-outcome-of-synod-on-synodality-assembly-in-prague-489): European Catholics debated Thursday morning the contents of a final document that will influence the discussions of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican in the fall. On the final day of public speeches in Prague on Feb. 9, the 200 delegates at the European Continental Assembly were asked if the assembly’s final document — drafted by a six-member committee — was faithful to what was discussed in the previous three days of the assembly. Ukrainian Bishop Oleksandr Yazlovetskiy, a Latin auxiliary bishop of Kyiv, was one of the first to take the floor, raising an objection to the repeated […]
- [Cardinal Grech at European assembly: ‘The synod is not there to destroy Catholic identity’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-grech-at-european-assembly-the-synod-is-not-there-to-destroy-catholic-identity-488): The chief organizer of the Catholic Church’s Synod on Synodality said Wednesday night that the global synod process is meant to uphold what makes the Catholic Church distinctive, not “to destroy Catholic identity.” In a homily in Prague’s St. Vitus Cathedral on Feb. 9, Cardinal Mario Grech noted that some have wrongly understood the synod as “a battle of the conservatives against the liberals.” The secretary general for the Synod of Bishops added that others have misunderstood the synod as a process to change the Church and to “blur the distinction between what is within the Catholic tradition and what […]
- [Pope Francis meets with Cardinal Becciu amid ongoing Vatican finance trial](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-cardinal-becciu-amid-ongoing-vatican-finance-trial-487): Pope Francis met at the Vatican Thursday morning with Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who is on trial for charges related to Vatican finances. The meeting appeared on the top of Pope Francis’ list of official audiences for Feb. 9, published by the Vatican every day at noon Rome time. The editors of the news aggregation website Il Sismografo called the official nature of the meeting “puzzling” given that the pope and the cardinal have been in contact other times since Becciu’s fall from grace in 2020. Becciu served as “sostituto,” or second-ranking official at the Secretariat of State, from 2011 to […]
- [Cardinal Zen candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zen-candidate-for-the-nobel-peace-prize-486): Cardinal Joseph Zen is among the six residents of Hong Kong nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of their activism in the field of human rights. The group was proposed by six members of the US Congress “because they are ardent defenders of Hong Kong’s autonomy, human rights, and the rule of law.” The Hong Kong authorities arrested the Cardinal last year for “foreign interference” put in jail. He is now undergoing a trial in Hong Kong because of his role in a fund to help pay the legal expenses of those arrested in the Hong Kong protests. […]
- [Discover the Patron Saints of the World Youth Day in Lisbon 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/discover-the-patron-saints-of-the-world-youth-day-in-lisbon-2023-485): As preparations continue for the World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal, young people from around the world have been given the opportunity to draw inspiration from thirteen holy men and women who are being held up as examples of holiness. Cardinal Manuel Clemente, the Patriarch of Lisbon, says that these patrons “have shown that life in Christ fills and saves the youth of all times.” In a recent press statement, Cardinal Clemente explored the contribution that each of the thirteen holy individuals can make to the lives of young people. He highlighted the Virgin Mary as the patroness par […]
- [Ten years ago today, Pope Benedict XVI resigned from the pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ten-years-ago-today-pope-benedict-xvi-resigned-from-the-pontificate-484): Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from the papacy ten years ago today, in a surprising and historic decision, on February 11th, 2013. Benedict was about to turn 86 and said that, due to his advancing age, he no longer had the strength to exercise the Petrine ministry adequately. Peter’s seat, he said, would be vacant from February 28, 2013, from 8:00 p.m. (Rome time) until the conclave decided on a new Pope. Benedict XVI announced his resignation during the public consistory for canonizing the 800 martyrs of Otranto, Mother Laura, the first Colombian saint, and Mother Lupita of Mexico. […]
- [Pope Francis to preside at Ash Wednesday Mass and procession in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-preside-at-ash-wednesday-mass-and-procession-in-rome-483): Pope Francis will mark the start of the Lenten season with a series of special events in Rome, beginning with the celebration of Holy Mass and Ash Wednesday procession on February 22nd. The Office for Liturgical Celebrations announced that Pope Francis would preside at the first Lenten station of the year at 4:30 p.m. at the church of San Anselmo on the Aventine Hill. A traditional penitential procession will follow this to the Basilica of Santa Sabina, where the Pope will celebrate Mass at 5:00 p.m. and bless the ashes to be imposed on the faithful. The Lenten stations are […]
- [Benedict XVI describes ‘Protestantization’ of the Eucharist in posthumous publication](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvi-describes-protestantization-of-the-eucharist-in-posthumous-publication-482): In a 2018 essay published after his death, Pope Benedict XVI said a Protestant-like understanding of the Eucharist and strong calls for intercommunion are often found together. Commenting on the current situation of eucharistic life in the Catholic Church, the pope emeritus said: “One process of great impact is the almost complete disappearance of the sacrament of penance.” There is also the understanding of Communion as merely “a supper,” he added. “In such a situation of a very advanced Protestantization of the understanding of the Eucharist, intercommunion appears natural.” Benedict’s essay on the Eucharist is part of a series of […]
- [Pope Francis in video message: Human trafficking ‘disfigures’ human dignity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-video-message-human-trafficking-disfigures-human-dignity-481): In a video message released on the ninth World Day of Prayer and Reflection Against Human Trafficking, Pope Francis said human trafficking “disfigures” human dignity. The annual day of prayer takes place on Feb. 8, the day the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita. The Holy Father began his message by addressing this year’s theme — Journeying in Dignity — and specifically encouraged young people to “care for dignity, yours and that of every person you meet.” “I understand that it was you who chose ‘Journeying in Dignity’ as your theme,” he said. “This is very important: It points […]
- [Pope Francis Reflects on Apostolic Journey to Africa: Emphasizes God's Hope in the Small and Humble](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reflects-on-apostolic-journey-to-africa-emphasizes-gods-hope-in-the-small-and-humble-480): Pope Francis recently spoke about his 40th Apostolic Journey to Africa, where he visited the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. During the General Audience on February 8, the Pope focused his catechesis on the significance of his trip, which he described as fulfilling two dreams: to visit the Congolese and South Sudanese people and to promote peace in the region. Pope Francis emphasized the importance of peace, recalling his meetings with victims of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who shared “shocking testimonies” with him. He also addressed the youth of the country, encouraging them to follow […]
- [Pope Francis's sorrow for Turkey and Syria: "With emotion, I pray for them"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-franciss-sorrow-for-turkey-and-syria-with-emotion-i-pray-for-them-479): Pope Francis expressed his condolences and support for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria at the end of the General Audience. The magnitude of 7.8 earthquakes has killed at least 9,500 people and left 380,000 homeless in Turkey alone. Pope Francis expressed his distress for those who have seen their homes and cities collapse and their loved ones die before their eyes. “My thoughts go at this time to the people of Turkey and Syria, who were hard hit by the earthquake that left thousands dead and injured. With emotion, I pray for them and […]
- [Vatican to investigate Diocese that supports traditional Mass in France](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-investigate-diocese-that-supports-traditional-mass-in-france-478): The Vatican will conduct an apostolic visitation (investigation) in the Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon, where there are many vocations and the bishop has expressed his support for the traditional Latin Mass. The investigation, which will begin on February 13 and be led by Archbishop Antoine Hérouard with the assistance of Bishop Joël Mercier. A communiqué from the Apostolic Nunciature of France, published by the Diocese on its website, states that the apostolic visitation is “by mandate of Pope Francis” and comes after “a certain number of difficulties encountered in the diocese.” The apostolic visitation, which the Dicastery for Bishops will conduct, […]
- [Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Moves Away from Calendar Affiliated with Russia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ukrainian-catholic-church-moves-away-from-calendar-affiliated-with-russia-477): The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church recently announced a shift away from a Church calendar affiliated with Russia, causing Ukrainian Greek Catholics to celebrate Christmas on December 25th instead of January 7th. This change aligns the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church with the Gregorian calendar, used by most of the world’s Catholics and Protestant Christians. Despite the change in Christmas celebrations, the Ukrainian Catholic Church will still observe Easter on a later date than most other Christians, as it has in the past. This disparity in the dates of Easter celebrations stems from the Orthodox Churches in Ukraine, which follow the Julian […]
- [The German Church & Homosexuality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/german-church-and-homosexuality-476): Analysis of Church doctrine on homosexuality after Pope Francis calls for an end to criminalization of homosexual acts and controversial moves by Church leaders in Germany to support gay unions. Vatican Bureau correspondent Rudolf Gehrig explains.
- [The continental stage of the Synod starts in Prague: "Christ is the hope of Europe"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/continental-stage-of-the-synod-starts-in-prague-christ-is-the-hope-of-europe-475): The continental stage of the Synod of the Catholic Church in Europe started yesterday in Prague, with the aim of reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of the Church on the continent. During the opening ceremony, the Archbishop of Prague, Cardinal Dominik Duka, emphasized that “Christ is the hope of Europe” and that the Synod is an opportunity to “revitalize the Church.” The Synod, which will last until March 4, will be attended by more than 200 bishops, cardinals, and representatives of various organizations of the Catholic Church. The event aims to reflect on the situation of the Church in […]
- [The drama of "internally displaced people" in South Sudan and the hope given by the Pope's visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/drama-of-internally-displaced-people-in-south-sudan-and-the-hope-given-by-the-popes-visit-474): “We are meeting with you today and would like to give wings to your hope. We believe in it. We believe that now, even in the camps for displaced persons, where the situation in the country unfortunately forces you to stay, a new seed that will bear fruit can be born, as from the bare earth.” These were the words Pope Francis spoke to the 2,500 displaced people at the “Freedom Hall” during his visit to South Sudan. To understand the dramatic living conditions of the approximately 35,000 “internally displaced persons” in Juba, for EWTN Vatican, we interviewed Father Federico […]
- [Former Vatican official: Eucharistic adoration was life for Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/former-vatican-official-eucharistic-adoration-was-life-for-benedict-xvi-473): Msgr. Alberto José González Chaves, a Spanish priest of the Archdiocese of Toledo and former Vatican official, reflected on the importance of Eucharist adoration for Benedict XVI. In an interview with EWTN News, Bishop Gonzalez explained that for Benedict XVI, “adoration is life because his life was an adoration.” The Spanish priest recalled that the late Pontiff first placed “the primacy and absolute protagonism of God” and the need for men to turn to Him. Bishop Gonzalez, appointed Chaplain to His Holiness in 2011, remembered how Benedict XVI considered adoration to be “a transformation with the One with whom we […]
- [The Unique Private Train of the "Pope King" - Blessed Pius IX](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/unique-private-train-of-the-pope-king-blessed-pius-ix-472): In the era of papal travels around the world, it may make one smile that it takes a Pontiff more than half an hour to cover the 19 kilometers of the Rome-Frascati line by train. But in the mid-19th century it was undoubtedly a sign of modernity that a descendant of the Apostle Peter was promoting the construction of railways. And that he personally used the brand new means of transport. Certainly the “King Pope” did not travel on public trains.  Pope Mastai Ferretti had his own train, three carriages that would make a crowned head envious, gifts from papal […]
- [Five facts about Blessed Pius IX: The Pope who died "prisoner" in the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/five-facts-about-blessed-pius-ix-the-pope-who-died-prisoner-in-the-vatican-471): On February 7, the Church celebrates the memory of Blessed Pius IX, a determined Pope who made important proclamations and died “prisoner” in the Vatican for the freedom of the papacy and the Church. 1.- The dogma of the Immaculate Conception Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary on December 8, 1854. For the faithful, the belief that they had held for centuries – that the Virgin was conceived without original sin – was finally confirmed by the Church and became a truth of faith through this dogma. 2. The First Vatican Council and the […]
- [Pope Francis Returns to Rome from Africa with Some Guests on the Flight](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-returns-to-rome-from-africa-with-some-guests-on-the-flight-470): Pope Francis says Christians in war-torn South Sudan can make “a decisive contribution to changing history.” All they have to do is refuse to respond to evil with more evil. During the final Mass on Sunday of his 2 nation trip to Africa, the Holy Father said South Sudan’s faithful are called to be “light that shines in the darkness.” Adding that they can lay down their weapons in the name of Jesus.  Pope Francis then traveled back to the Vatican but he was not alone. Returning from his trip to Africa, the Pope spoke to journalists as usual. This […]
- [President of the "Pope's hospital" resigns from her position: the reasons for her resignation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/president-of-the-popes-hospital-resigns-from-her-position-the-reasons-for-her-resignation-469): Mariella Enoc, president of the Bambino Gesù pediatric hospital in Rome, known as the “Pope’s hospital,” resigned from the position she had assumed in 2015. The news was confirmed by a hospital press release and by Vatican News. In her message, Enoc noted that, in recent days, she had met with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and last Saturday afternoon with Pope Francis to express to them that “it would be useful for the good of the hospital to bring forward the end” of her mandate. This is to “make sure that the great undertaking of a new […]
- [The University of the Popes - the Pontifical Gregorian University](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/university-of-the-popes-the-pontifical-gregorian-university-468): The Pontifical Gregorian University has educated 28 Saints and 16 Popes. The first Jesuit educational institution, it was founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, himself. Now, there are 189 Jesuit universities around the world. 
- [Pope Francis on homosexuals & the new prefect of the Vatican Dicastery of Bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-homosexuals-and-the-new-prefect-of-the-vatican-dicastery-of-bishops-467): Hello and welcome to this week’s Vaticano Updates – the most important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican.  Top 1: Synod organizers: “Don’t impose an agenda on discussions” Cardinals organizing the Synod on Synodality have written a letter to all of the world’s bishops sharing urgent considerations for the Continental Assemblies, seven of which are set to take place by the end of March. In the letter Cardinal Mario Grech and Cardinal Jean Claude Hollerich stressed that the Synod of Bishops is not meant “to address all the issues that are debated in the Church.” They also reminded […]
- [Earthquake in Turkey and Syria: Pope Francis' condolences](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/earthquake-in-turkey-and-syria-pope-francis-condolences-466): More than 1,350 people died in a violent earthquake that struck southern Turkey and Syria overnight. At magnitude 7.8 on the Richter Scale, the earthquake caused the collapse of the Cathedral of the Annunciation, in the town of Iskenderun on the eastern most coast of the Mediterranean. The Italian Bishops’ Conference and the Order of Malta immediately activated their disaster relief networks. Pope Francis sent his condolences to both affected countries in a telegram signed by Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin.   In the telegram addressed to Archbishop Marek Solczybski, apostolic nuncio to Turkey, the Pope assured his spiritual closeness […]
- [The Mellini's, the family dedicated to creating mosaics for the world's most important churches](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mellinis-the-family-dedicated-to-creating-mosaics-for-the-worlds-most-important-churches-465): In this workshop, the artist Massimo Mellini and his team produce stunning large-scale mosaics and stained-glass windows for Cathedrals and Churches across the world. Like this one in Houston, Texas, that covers the entire ceiling of the new cathedral…  But before you can look up at these awe-inspiring works in the windows and on the ceilings of churches and cathedrals, they start here, one little piece at a time.  The work is painstaking. A full mosaic can contain millions of pieces… and each and every piece has to be selected from thousands of potential colors and shades, and then cut, […]
- [Catholic Media gathered in Lourdes to reflect on the future of Catholic Journalism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-media-gathered-in-lourdes-to-reflect-on-the-future-of-catholic-journalism-464): From the 25th to the 27th of January 2023, the 26th International St. Francis de Sales Days took place at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes France. The event was organized by the communications department for the Holy See, the Federation of Catholic Media, and SIGNIS: the World Catholic Association for Communication.  The international conference invited 230 Catholic media professions from around the world to take part in a pilgrimage at the shrine and provided the setting for journalists who represented 25 different countries to meet one another and discuss important topics facing the Church and wider society today.  […]
- [Sit down with the secretary of Saint John Paul II & discover why Africa is the future of Catholicism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sit-down-with-the-secretary-of-saint-john-paul-ii-and-discover-why-africa-is-the-future-of-catholicism-463): Africa’s growing importance for the Catholic Church in the coming decades comes down to two major factors. First, the conversion of sub-Saharan Africa at the start of the 20th century is bearing fruits. Secondly, the growth of Africa’s population in the 21st century is unique among all regions of the world. These two factors coming together signals that many of the missionaries of the 21st century will be coming from Africa.  The globe’s second-largest continent by land mass, Africa was in 2020 home to a population of 1.3 billion people. Fifty percent of that population is Christian; 17% are Catholic. […]
- [Women Developing an Interreligious Network](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/women-developing-an-interreligious-network-462): Last week at the Pontifical Urban University, a three-day conference was held to give more space to the contribution of women in interreligious dialogue. The event was organized by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations.  Over the course of the days, there were several sessions that covered discussions on female figures in Scripture and religious teachings for a culture of encounter, as well as sharing experiences and contributions from saints and sages.  During the second day of the conference, the participants were received an audience with Pope Francis, who congratulated them on the initiative. […]
- [Pope Francis: Partisans have used Benedict XVI’s death ‘to serve their own interests’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-partisans-have-used-benedict-xvis-death-to-serve-their-own-interests-461): Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s death was used by people in a self-serving way, Pope Francis said aboard the papal plane returning from South Sudan on Sunday. “I think Benedict’s death was instrumentalized by people who want to serve their own interests,” he said during an in-flight press conference Feb. 5. People who instrumentalize such a good and holy person, Francis added, are partisans and unethical. There is a widespread tendency to make political parties out of theological positions, he said. “I leave it alone. These things will fall on their own, or if they don’t fall they will move on […]
- [Pope Francis’ in-flight press conference: God accompanies people with same-sex attraction](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-flight-press-conference-god-accompanies-people-with-same-sex-attraction-460): On his return flight from South Sudan on Sunday, Pope Francis said that God loves and accompanies people with same-sex attraction.  When asked by a journalist what the pope would say to families in Congo and South Sudan who reject their children because they are gay, Pope Francis responded that the catechism teaches that people with same-sex attraction should not be marginalized.  “People with homosexual tendencies are children of God. God loves them. God accompanies them,” the pope said during an in-flight press conference on his return from Juba on Feb. 5. “To condemn someone like this is a sin. […]
- [Pope at Mass in South Sudan: In the name of Jesus, lay down the weapons of hatred](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-at-mass-in-south-sudan-in-the-name-of-jesus-lay-down-the-weapons-of-hatred-459): At a Mass in South Sudan on Sunday, Pope Francis urged Christians in the war-torn African country to make “a decisive contribution to changing history” by refusing to repay evil with evil. “In the name of Jesus and of his Beatitudes, let us lay down the weapons of hatred and revenge, in order to take up those of prayer and charity,” Pope Francis said in his homily in Juba on Feb. 5. “I gather here with you in the name of Jesus Christ, the God of love, the God who achieved peace through his cross. … Jesus, crucified in the […]
- [Pope Francis at ecumenical prayer service in Sudan: Those who choose Christ choose peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-ecumenical-prayer-service-in-sudan-those-who-choose-christ-choose-peace-458): During an ecumenical prayer service in South Sudan, Pope Francis called for Christian unity amid the violence in the country and urged the faithful to work and pray for peace to settle ongoing political conflicts. Pope Francis spoke alongside Church of England Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Moderator Iain Greenshields during the event. The three faith leaders prayed for peace together as a sign of unity. About 50,000 people attended the ecumenical prayer service, according to estimates from local authorities. A young woman at the ecumenical prayer service in Juba, Sudan. Vatican […]
- [Priest, 5 students arrested for chants against president after Pope Francis event in DRC](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/priest-5-students-arrested-for-chants-against-president-after-pope-francis-event-in-drc-457): A Catholic priest and five students were arrested after an event Thursday morning with Pope Francis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, allegedly for criticizing the country’s president. The students and Father Guy Julien Muluku, a Congolese member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, were detained nearly 34 hours before being released shortly before 10 p.m. on Feb. 3. The arrest and subsequent release was confirmed to CNA by the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The six were arrested around 12 p.m. by the president’s intelligence service after Pope Francis’ gathering with Congolese youth at Martyrs’ […]
- [Pope Francis meets 2,500 refugees in South Sudan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-2500-refugees-in-south-sudan-456): Pope Francis was greeted by cheers and ululations on Saturday as he arrived at a meeting with roughly 2,500 South Sudanese refugees. “You are the seed of a new South Sudan, a seed for the fertile and lush growth of this country,” the pope said, addressing people who are living in refugee camps after being forced to leave their homes because of conflict or flooding. The meeting with internally displaced persons (IDPs) took place at Freedom Hall in South Sudan’s capital of Juba, where Pope Francis is undertaking a pilgrimage of peace from Feb. 3-5. Pope Francis met 2,500 internally […]
- [Full homily from Pope Francis' last Mass in South Sudan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-homily-from-pope-francis-last-mass-in-south-sudan-455): Bandeko, bobóto [Brothers and sisters, peace be with you] R/ Bondeko [Fraternity] Bondéko [Fraternity] R/Esengo [Joy] Esengo, joy: to see and encounter you is a great joy. I have very much looked forward to this moment; we had to wait for a new year! Thank you for being here! The Gospel has just told us that the joy of the disciples on the evening of Easter was also great, and that this joy exploded “when they saw the Lord” (Jn 20:20). In this atmosphere of joy and wonder, the Risen Jesus speaks to them. What does he tell them? Above […]
- [‘No more bloodshed,’ Pope Francis begs South Sudan’s leaders](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/no-more-bloodshed-pope-francis-begs-south-sudans-leaders-454): On the first day of his peace pilgrimage, Pope Francis begged the leaders of South Sudan to work together to put an end to bloody conflict and violence in their country. “In the name of God, of the God to whom we prayed together in Rome, of the God who is gentle and humble in heart, the God in whom so many people of this beloved country believe, now is the time to say ‘No more of this,’ we say no more, without ‘ifs’ or ‘buts,’” the pope said Feb. 3, addressing South Sudan’s president and vice presidents in the […]
- ["And Who Am I?" - Lenten Reflections on Giacomo Leopardi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/and-who-am-i-lenten-reflections-on-giacomo-leopardi-663): Join the Diocese of Rome on a Lenten journey of depth and inwardness through the works of Giacomo Leopardi, a renowned 19th-century Italian poet. In this initiative, Fr. Fabio Rosini, Director of the Diocese of Rome Office for Vocations, introduces each evening while reflections of the texts are shared by professor and essayist Franco Nembrini. This is a wonderful challenge to read Leopardi’s masterpieces in preparation for Easter, and to make contact with the deepest part of ourselves. Don’t miss out on this moment of reflection and conscious preparation toward Easter with the entire diocese of Rome.
- [Ten Years With Pope Francis, A Great Communicator: An Interview with Alessandro Gisotti](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ten-years-with-pope-francis-a-great-communicator-an-interview-with-alessandro-gisotti-662): As we approach the ten-year anniversary of Pope Francis’ election, join us for an insightful interview with Alessandro Gisotti, the former Interim Director of the Holy See Press Office, and the current Editorial Vice Director of Vatican Media. In this interview, Gisotti shares his firsthand experience and impressions of Pope Francis’ unique communication style, his love for the poor, and engagement with members of the public and political leaders. Learn about the core message of Pope Francis’ pontificate, the importance of discernment and prayer, and the value he places on the human person. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a […]
- [The Maid: Film Depicting Spanish Saint's Fight for Women's Rights in the 19th Century](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/maid-a-powerful-film-about-the-spanish-saint-who-fought-for-womens-rights-in-the-19th-century-661): Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day with the premiere of the inspiring film, ‘The Maid’ (La Sirvienta). Directed by Pablo Moreno and produced by Bosco Films, this film tells the story of Vicenta María López de Vicuña, the Spanish saint who founded the Religious of Mary Immaculate and fought for the rights and dignity of women in the 19th century. Despite being born into a privileged family, Vicenta María dedicated her life to helping and promoting dignified work for women, particularly in domestic service. Her legacy continues through the work of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, who strive to […]
- [Discovering Vocations: Insights from Roman Nights Panelists](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/discovering-vocations-insights-from-roman-nights-panelists-660): Join us as we delve into the topic of vocations with panelists from the Roman Nights event hosted by EWTN Vatican Bureau. Sr. Emanuela Edwards, Fr. Joseph Roesch, and Luigi Di Costanzo share their personal experiences and insights on the similarities and differences between religious and lay vocations, and how they discovered their own calling. This inspiring discussion reminds us that a vocation is simply doing what the Lord has called us to do, and that we are all called to an adventure with Him. Don’t miss this chance to discover your own project, calling, and vocation!
- [The Architecture of Peace: Experts discuss war and peace in the modern world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/architecture-of-peace-experts-discuss-war-and-peace-in-the-modern-world-659): Join us for a symposium on war and peace in the modern world where church leaders, scholars, and experts in the defense industry discuss the current geopolitical architecture that governs international relations and how peace can be achieved. Featuring speakers such as Bishop Stepan Sus, Dr. Andrea Gilli, and Senior Researchers at NATO Defense College, this three-day event at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum campus in Rome promises to be a thought-provoking forum on achieving peace in the face of conflicts such as the ongoing war in Ukraine. Hear from experts on the challenges of achieving peace and learn about […]
- [121 Cardinals from every corner of the Earth. Pope Francis redesigns the Sacred College](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/121-cardinals-from-every-corner-of-the-earth-pope-francis-redesigns-the-sacred-college-658): Pope Francis is a surprising Pontiff in his choices, but nonetheless methodical in terms of consistory timings: the Pope, in fact, has often conferred the cardinal’s red hat on bishops of non-traditionally cardinal seats but has wanted to celebrate one consistory per year, except for the break in 2021. He has presided over eight of them, creating a total of 121 cardinals, of whom 95 were electors at the time of their appointment, coming from 56 different nations. Pope Francis’ first consistory dates back to February 22, 2014, 11 months after his election to the throne of Peter. The Pope […]
- [By the numbers: How the Catholic Church has changed during Pope Francis’ pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/by-the-numbers-how-the-catholic-church-has-changed-during-pope-francis-pontificate-657): Pope Francis was elected to the papacy 10 years ago, on March 13, 2013. How has the worldwide Catholic Church changed since then? Statistically speaking, the Church has grown, keeping pace with and even exceeding overall world population growth. The total number of Catholics worldwide grew from ​​1.253 billion in 2013 to 1.378 billion in 2021, an increase of nearly 10%. During the same period, the world’s population as a whole grew by 9.1%, according to the World Bank. Despite this increase, the Church performed 2 million fewer baptisms in 2020 than in 2013. The number of marriages declined by […]
- [‘Not an easy job’: Pope Francis asks for prayers on 10th anniversary as pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/not-an-easy-job-pope-francis-asks-for-prayers-on-10th-anniversary-as-pope-656): Pope Francis asked for prayers as he spoke about the future of the Church and his pontificate so far in an interview published in the early hours of Sunday. Speaking to the Italian daily Il Fatto Quotidiano, Francis declined to evaluate his pontificate so far, saying the Lord will judge his life one day based on whether he practiced the Corporal Works of Mercy as taught by Jesus. “The Church is not a business, or an NGO, and the pope is not an administrator who has been commissioned to balance the numbers at the end of the year,” he said, […]
- [Pope Francis: People are looking for ‘an oasis in the Church’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-people-are-looking-for-an-oasis-in-the-church-655): People are looking for an oasis in the Catholic Church from which to slake the thirst left by busyness, indifference, and consumerism, Pope Francis said on Sunday. The pope’s March 12 Angelus message, delivered from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, focused on the story of Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well, specifically his request to her to “Give me a drink.” “This Sunday,” Francis said to approximately 20,000 people gathered in the square, “the Gospel presents us one of the most beautiful and fascinating encounters Jesus has.” Jesus’ request for water to the Samaritan woman “is […]
- [Pope Francis as diplomat: the principles that have guided his 10-year-old pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-as-diplomat-the-principles-that-have-guided-his-10-year-old-pontificate-654): In his public diplomatic efforts in the war in Ukraine, Pope Francis has repeatedly said that he is ready to go to Kyiv, but only if that trip can be combined with a trip to Moscow. This is the latest demonstration of the pope’s strong preference in diplomatic matters: He does not want to take sides but rather engage in conversation with all the interlocutors, even if this willingness to dialogue at all costs risks being misinterpreted. Throughout the 10 years of his pontificate, Pope Francis has abandoned the traditional diplomatic prudence of the Holy See, opting instead for a […]
- [PHOTOS: A look back at 10 years of Pope Francis’ participation in World Youth Days](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-a-look-back-at-10-years-of-pope-francis-participation-in-world-youth-days-653): In the 10 years of his papacy, the Holy Father has exhorted young people at World Youth Days (WYD) to answer the Gospel call and accept Jesus into their hearts.  Below are 10 times Pope Francis spoke to young people at the gathering and encouraged them to answer Jesus’ call to discipleship. WYD 2013: ‘Go and make disciples of all nations!’ For Pope Francis’ first World Youth Day, he took a seven-day apostolic journey to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he addressed millions of attendees. The theme that year was “Go and make disciples of all nations!” from the Gospel of Matthew. […]
- [‘I regret to inform you’: Pope Francis rebuffs Cardinal Becciu in letters read during ongoing finance trial](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/i-regret-to-inform-you-pope-francis-rebuffs-cardinal-becciu-in-letters-read-during-ongoing-finance-trial-652): Prior to the start of his trial on financial malfeasance charges, Cardinal Angelo Becciu tried to get Pope Francis to confirm that he had authorized the financial transactions that led to Becciu’s prosecution. The pope refused. “I regret to inform you that I cannot comply with your request,” the pope wrote back. The correspondence between the two, which took place in July 2021, was read and displayed in a Vatican court March 9 — an unexpected turn of events coming during the 50th hearing of the trial. Promoter of Justice Alessandro Diddi obtained the three letters directly from the “sovereign […]
- [Pope Francis: Gender ideology is ‘one of the most dangerous ideological colonizations’ today](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-gender-ideology-is-one-of-the-most-dangerous-ideological-colonizations-today-651): Pope Francis has said that gender ideology is “one of the most dangerous ideological colonizations” today. In an interview with journalist Elisabetta Piqué for the Argentine daily newspaper La Nación, Pope Francis explained the reasoning behind his strong statement. “Gender ideology, today, is one of the most dangerous ideological colonizations,” Francis said in the interview published on the evening of March 10. “Why is it dangerous? Because it blurs differences and the value of men and women,” he added. “All humanity is the tension of differences. It is to grow through the tension of differences. The question of gender is […]
- [Synodal Showdown: 4 Key Questions as the German Synodal Way Begins Its Final Assembly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synodal-showdown-4-key-questions-as-the-german-synodal-way-begins-its-final-assembly-650): Will the German bishops cross the Vatican’s line? And why are the ‘good’ bishops still participating? Here are storylines to follow during the ongoing assembly in Frankfurt. The fifth and final assembly of the controversial Synodal Way in Germany began Thursday in Frankfurt. The March 9-11 gathering will complete a phase that first began in December 2019. But could this conclusion merely be the opening chapter of a problematic style of “synodality” in the Catholic Church in Germany? Most significantly at the Frankfurt assembly, synodal delegates are expected to vote on taking steps to establish a permanent, partially lay-led Synodal […]
- [Praying for Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/praying-for-pope-francis-649): Ten years ago this Monday, March 13, at 8:22pm Rome time, the 266th Peter walked out for the first time onto the Balcony of Blessing in the center of the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. After greeting us, he led us in prayer for the recently retired Pope Benedict XVI. Before he gave us his customary first blessing as the new Bishop of Rome, he asked us a “favor.”  He humbly implored, “I ask you to pray to the Lord, that he will bless me,” and he bowed his head in silence as those in a hushed […]
- [Pope Francis says imprisonment of Nicaraguan bishop reminds him of Hitler’s dictatorship](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-imprisonment-of-nicaraguan-bishop-reminds-him-of-hitlers-dictatorship-648): Pope Francis called Nicaragua’s Daniel Ortega “unstable” and likened Nicaragua’s Sandinista government to Nazi Germany in an interview published Friday. Speaking about Nicaragua’s Bishop Rolando Álvarez, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison by Ortega’s dictatorship last month, Pope Francis said: “It is something out of line with reality; it is as if we were bringing back the communist dictatorship of 1917 or the Hitler dictatorship of 1935.” “They are a type of vulgar dictatorships,” he added, also using the Argentine word “guarangas,” meaning “rude.” Pope Francis said: “With much respect, I have no choice but to think that […]
- [Pope Francis discusses revising priestly celibacy in new interview](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-discusses-revising-priestly-celibacy-in-new-interview-647): In a new interview, Pope Francis has discussed the possibility of revising the Western discipline of priestly celibacy. “There is no contradiction for a priest to marry. Celibacy in the Western Church is a temporary prescription: I do not know if it is settled in one way or another, but it is temporary in this sense,” Pope Francis said in an interview published on March 10. “It is not eternal like priestly ordination, which is forever, whether you like it or not. Whether you leave or not is another matter, but it is forever. On the other hand, celibacy is […]
- [Raffaella Petrini, number two at the Vatican, explains the role of women in the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/raffaella-petrini-number-two-at-the-vatican-explains-the-role-of-women-in-the-church-646): Sister Raffaella Petrini, the second in command at the Vatican, reflected on the role of women in the Church for the future and their contribution due to their innate gifts, including caring for others. The Franciscan nun, who holds a degree in Political Science, has been the Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City since 2021, making her the highest-ranking woman in the management of the Holy See. On International Women’s Day, Sister Raffaella gave a lecture at the University of the Holy Cross in Rome, where she spoke about the role of women in the future of […]
- [Vatican vs Holy See: What's the difference?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-vs-holy-see-whats-the-difference-645): Are you confused about the Vatican and the Holy See? Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different things. The Vatican is the smallest state in the world, while the Holy See is the central government of the Church. In this video, we explain the difference between them and why it matters in understanding the Catholic Church and its role in the world.
- [LIVE from the Vatican | Angelus with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-angelus-with-pope-francis-644): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Angelus prayer led by Pope Francis.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!
- [St. Peter's Basilica to hold monthly Eucharistic adoration on portico](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-peters-basilica-to-hold-monthly-eucharistic-adoration-on-portico-643): St. Peter’s Basilica will now host an hour of Eucharistic adoration on its front portico once a month. Beginning March 14, adoration will take place every second Tuesday from 8-9 p.m. on the parvise in front of the Vatican basilica leading to St. Peter’s Square. The holy hour, according to a press release, is part of the pastoral initiatives of the basilica. The March 14 adoration will be led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, OFM Conv., who is the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica. The prayer will be offered for Pope Francis in light of his 10th anniversary as pope. St. […]
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis’ Cuts Free & Discounted Rent for Cardinals & Hungary trip](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-cuts-free-and-discounted-rent-for-cardinals-and-hungary-trip-642): Welcome to Vaticano Updates, where we bring you the latest news from the Holy Father and the Vatican. In this episode, we cover Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of March, his prayers for victims of a deadly train crash in Greece, and his decision to cut free and discounted rent for cardinals and Vatican managers. We also share details about a new book that contains the Pope’s answers to frequently asked questions and a preview of his upcoming visit to Hungary in April. Stay tuned for more updates from the Vatican!
- [Pope Francis underlines ‘universal value’ of Jerusalem in speech to Palestinians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-underlines-universal-value-of-jerusalem-in-speech-to-palestinians-641): Pope Francis underlined the “universal value” of Jerusalem in a meeting with members of a Vatican-Palestinian interreligious dialogue group on Thursday. “Jesus wept over Jerusalem,” the pope said in the Apostolic Palace on March 9. “We should not pass over these words in haste. These tears of Jesus should be contemplated in silence.” “How many men and women, Jews, Christians, and Muslims, have wept and in our day continue to weep for Jerusalem. At times, we too are moved to tears when we think of the Holy City, for she is like a mother whose heart cannot be at peace […]
- [Polish bishops reject accusations of cover-up of abuses against John Paul II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/polish-bishops-reject-accusations-of-cover-up-of-abuses-against-john-paul-ii-640): Mons. Stanislaw Gądecki, President of the Polish Episcopal Conference, has described a “biased evaluation” in a TV report that accuses Saint John Paul II of having covered up abuses against minors by priests when he was Archbishop of Krakow. “It is surprising that attempts are being made to discredit John Paul II himself and his legacy, all in the name of concern for truth and good”, Mons. Gądecki lamented in a statement released on 9 March. The Archbishop of Krakow also stated that “the authors of the discrediting opinions have presented a biased and often ahistorical evaluation of Karol Wojtyla, […]
- [Pope Francis' Liturgical Calendar for April 2023: A Busy Month Ahead](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-liturgical-calendar-for-april-2023-a-busy-month-ahead-639): The Vatican has released the liturgical calendar of Pope Francis for the month of April 2023. According to the calendar, it will be a hectic month for the Pope, with a series of important liturgical events scheduled throughout the month. The month-long schedule will begin with the Easter ceremonies on April 2nd, Palm Sunday, which will be celebrated by commemorating the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem and Holy Mass at St. Peter’s Square at 10 am. Other significant events on the calendar include the chrism Mass on April 6th at 9:30 am, the Passion of the Lord on April 7th at […]
- [Vatican takes climate activists to trial for damage to base of famous statue in Vatican Museums](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-takes-climate-activists-to-trial-for-damage-to-base-of-famous-statue-in-vatican-museums-638): The Vatican held a hearing Thursday to try three climate activists for criminal damage to a famous statue in the Vatican Museums. Guido Viero, 61, and Ester Goffi, 26, were ordered to appear before the Vatican City State’s tribunal on March 9. Viero and Goffi superglued their hands to the marble base holding Laocoön and His Sons, an ancient marble sculpture on display in the Vatican Museums, on the morning of Aug. 18, 2022.  They are accused of damaging the base of the statue through the use of “particularly tough and corrosive synthetic adhesive.” Laura, who video recorded the demonstration […]
- [Pope Francis Praises the Role of Women in the Church on Women's Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praises-the-role-of-women-in-the-church-on-womens-day-637): Pope Francis praised the role of women in the Church as part of his remarks on International Women’s Day. Vatican officials and others reflected on the important role played by women in the Church. It was part of a conference preparing for a gathering next year called “Women in the Church: Builders of Humanity.” Director of the Institute for Advanced Studies on Women of the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, Anita Cadavid, joins to tell us more about this conference. The conference is in preparation for the gathering next year. Cadavid shares more about this upcoming 2024 meeting and what it […]
- [Roman Nights: Exploring the Theme of Vocations in Today's World - What Happened to Our Vocations?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/roman-nights-exploring-the-theme-of-vocations-in-todays-world-what-happened-to-our-vocations-636): Join us for an engaging evening at the International Center for Mission and Formation, hosted by the EWTN Vatican Bureau. The March edition of Roman Nights will focus on the theme of “vocations,” featuring distinguished speakers including Luigi De Costanzo, Director of ELIS Innovation Hub, Sr. Emanuela Edwards, member of the Missionaries of Divine Revelation. The Missionaries of Divine Revelation are the official guides of the Vatican Museums for “Art and Faith” tours. And Fr. Joseph Roesch, Vicar General of the congregation of “Marians of the Immaculate Conception” founded in Poland in 1670 by St. Stanislao Papczynski.  Our panel will […]
- [Blessed Carlo Acutis, The Tech Teen who found Jesus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/blessed-carlo-acutis-the-tech-teen-who-found-jesus-635): Welcome to Vaticano, the weekly show that brings you the latest news and stories from the Vatican and around the world. In this week’s episode, we are excited to share with you the inspiring story of the first millennial blessed Carlo Acutis.  Join us as we travel from Italy to the United States, Cambodia to Argentina, to learn about how Carlo’s charisma continues to inspire young people worldwide. We’ll also make a stop in a special season to see how the city is preparing for his beatification.  Through interviews with those who knew him and those who have been touched […]
- [Pope Francis strengthens the number and importance of women working in the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-strengthens-the-number-and-importance-of-women-working-in-the-vatican-634): Never before have so many women worked in the Vatican as during the pontificate of Pope Francis. In the past ten years, more than 300 women have been hired in Vatican City and the Holy See. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Vatican News published a study on the growth in the number of women working inside the Vatican, which currently stands at 1,165. March 13 will mark ten years since Francis was elected Pope, a period in which the presence of women in the world’s smallest country has increased considerably. According to the study, the percentage of women […]
- [Inside the Vatican Museums](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inside-the-vatican-museums-633): Welcome to Vaticano, the show that takes you behind the scenes of the Vatican and brings you the latest news and events from the Holy See. In this week’s episode, we’re excited to give you an exclusive look at the Vatican Museums.  Join us as we explore the world’s most precious collection of art and learn about the most interesting job in the world – the role of the key keepers who are responsible for opening and closing the museum’s doors every day.  We’ll take you on a journey through the halls and galleries, including the pearl of the Vatican, […]
- [Polish bishops: New allegation that JPII covered up sex abuse based on reports from communist secret police](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/polish-bishops-new-allegation-that-jpii-covered-up-sex-abuse-based-on-reports-from-communist-secret-police-632): The Polish Bishops’ Conference says that “further archival research” is needed to fairly assess a new allegation, based on communist secret police records, that St. John Paul II covered up child sexual abuse by a priest while serving as the archbishop of Krakow, Poland, prior to becoming pope.  The allegation was included in a documentary broadcast March 6 on Polish television channel TVN24. The same TV report also cited two other instances where St. John Paul II, then Archbishop Karol Wojtyla, allegedly relocated Father Eugeniusz Surgent and Father Jozef Loranc to new parishes despite being aware that they had been […]
- [Pope Francis meets with two Nigerian girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-two-nigerian-girls-who-were-kidnapped-by-boko-haram-631): Pope Francis met Wednesday with two young Nigerian girls who suffered horrendous violence at the hands of the Boko Haram terrorist group. Sixteen-year-old Maryamu Joseph, who escaped from the Boko Haram in July after being held against her will for nine years, greeted the pope with Janada Marcus, also a victim of Boko Haram kidnapping, at the end of his general audience on March 8. Both girls saw members of their families murdered by the Boko Haram. Marcus’ father was beheaded by a machete in front of her in 2018. Joseph saw her brother killed and cut into pieces in […]
- [A new(ish) statute for the Vatican bank: Here’s what it means](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/newish-statute-for-the-vatican-bank-heres-what-it-means-630): Pope Francis on Tuesday issued a new statute for the so-called Vatican bank (officially the Institute for Religious Works, or IOR), but in fact, it closely resembles the regulation approved more than three years ago “ad experimentum” — on an experimental basis. Evidently, the pope was satisfied with the results of the experiment. The intent is to align the rules of the IOR with last year’s apostolic constitution Praedicate evangelium, which regulates the functioning of the dicasteries and entities of the Curia.  The new statute does include some minor adjustments, such as redefining some of the offices of the institute. […]
- [Pope Francis: There is no option to be passive Catholics when it comes to evangelization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-there-is-no-option-to-be-passive-catholics-when-it-comes-to-evangelization-629): Pope Francis said Wednesday that there is no option to be “passive subjects” when it comes to evangelization because every baptized Catholic has a mission to actively proclaim the Gospel. “There are not those who preach, those who proclaim the Gospel in one way or another, and those who keep silent. No. Every baptized person … whatever his position in the Church or level of education in the faith, is an active subject of evangelization,” he said on March 8. “Are you Christian? ‘Yes, I received Baptism …’ And do you evangelize?” the pope asked. Pope Francis greets pilgrims in […]
- [Women in Power at the Vatican. Here are the Top Ranked Women Chosen by Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/women-in-power-at-the-vatican-here-are-the-top-ranked-women-chosen-by-pope-francis-628): Since his election to the See of Peter, Pope Francis has been emphasizing the crucial role of women in the Church. In a recent interview with Reuters, the Holy Father announced that two women were appointed to the committee for the first time to elect bishops in the Congregation for Bishops. This move is a part of the Pope’s broader efforts to empower women and create more opportunities for them in the Church. In addition, the new Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium allows lay people, both men, and women, to take the head of a dicastery, which is a significant development […]
- [What are World's Pressing Diplomatic Challenges? A Conversation with Mons. Gallagher](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/interview-with-archbishop-paul-gallagher-secretary-for-relations-with-states-627): In a recent interview with Mons. Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, some of the world’s most pressing diplomatic challenges were discussed. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to the climate change crisis and conflicts in the Middle East, parts of Africa, and Latin America, Gallagher provided valuable insights into the current state of international affairs. Drawing from his personal experiences in Ukraine, he highlighted the need for diplomacy and back channels to find lasting peace in the region. Gallagher also touched on the Vatican’s role in brokering peace talks in South Sudan and the importance of local church […]
- [Pope on Migrants: "Journeys of Hope to No Longer Turn to Journeys of Death"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-on-migrants-journeys-of-hope-to-no-longer-turn-to-journeys-of-death-626): Pope Francis says that the presence of migrants is “an opportunity for human growth, encounter and dialogue between cultures and religions.” Following his appeal at Sunday’s address to pilgrims, the Holy Father called for “journeys of hope to no longer turn into journeys of death.” Through a message released by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy Father called for welcome and solidarity for refugees. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, joins to tell us more about the Holy Father’s message. As Cardinal Parolin addressed the topic and used strong words, Thonhauser discusses how the cardinal is also part […]
- [Pope Francis Renews the Vatican Bank](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-renews-the-vatican-bank-624): The Vatican has released a document on March 7 outlining changes that will take place at the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), aimed at complying with the provisions of Pope Francis’ apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium. In a chirograph published on Tuesday, the Holy See confirmed the renewal of the IOR, also known as the Vatican Bank. The new statute includes a more agile governance structure to prevent conflicts of interest and greater transparency in its activities. It comes almost a year after the Holy Father called for the renewal of the Roman Curia. In the document released this […]
- [Rupnik concelebrated Mass in a basilica in Rome despite restrictions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rupnik-concelebrated-mass-in-a-basilica-in-rome-despite-restrictions-623): Father Marko Rupnik concelebrated Mass at a basilica in Rome on Sunday despite restrictions prohibiting “any public ministerial and sacramental activity.” The Jesuit priest and artist who has been accused of sexually and psychologically abusing consecrated women stood at the altar of the Basilica of Santa Prassede, a historic church popular with pilgrims located near the Basilica of St. Mary Major, at the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass on March 5, according to the Italian newspaper Domani. When asked about the Mass, Rupnik’s superior, Jesuit Father Johan Verscheuren, said that Rupnik is only allowed “to concelebrate Masses in the context of […]
- [Pope Francis: Mastering Communication - Interview with Former Spokesman Gisotti](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-pontificate-and-communication-style-an-interview-with-alessandro-gisotti-622): Alessandro Gisotti, who has been serving as director ad interim of the Holy See Press Office, shares his insights into Pope Francis’ pontificate and communication style in an interview with Andreas Thonhauser. Gisotti describes Pope Francis as a communicator who focuses on the importance of relationships with people and emphasizes the value of every person. He believes that Pope Francis’ message revolves around the concept of a merciful God who loves everyone and can change our lives forever. Gisotti also sheds light on the perception of Pope Francis in the secular media, where his profound spirituality may not be fully appreciated […]
- [Pope Francis adds Hollerich and four other cardinals to his council of advisers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-adds-hollerich-and-four-other-cardinals-to-his-council-of-advisers-621): Pope Francis appointed five new members to his council of cardinals advisers on Tuesday, including Synod organizer Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich and Canadian Cardinal Gérald C. Lacroix. The Vatican announced on March 7 the nine members of Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals tasked with assisting the pope “in the governance of the universal Church.” The pope has nominated Brazilian Cardinal Sérgio da Rocha, Spanish Cardinal Juan José Omella Omella, and Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, the president of the Governorate of Vatican City State, to be new members of the council, along with Hollerich and Lacroix. With the new appointments, Honduran Cardinal […]
- [The Pope's Spiritual Leadership](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-does-the-vatican-choose-a-good-bishop-interview-with-cardinal-ouellet-620): Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, recently shared his thoughts on the legacy of Pope Francis as the tenth anniversary of his papacy approaches. According to Cardinal Ouellet, Pope Francis’ pastoral style has significantly impacted the Church, reaching the hearts of the people of God and stirring hope and interest not only within the Church but also outside its walls. He praised the pope’s initiatives for the poor and his ambition for interreligious dialogue, including the declaration of Abu Dhabi, which is essential for world peace. Cardinal Ouellet also acknowledged the pope’s extensive travels, which he […]
- [Pope Francis to lead Lenten initiative "24 hours for the Lord"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-lead-lenten-initiative-24-hours-for-the-lord-618): The Vatican confirmed on Tuesday that the Lenten initiative “24 hours for the Lord”, promoted by Pope Francis, will take place from Friday, March 17 to Saturday, March 18. The Pope will preside over this tenth edition on March 17 at 4:30 PM (local time) at the parish of Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale in Rome, Italy, instead of at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Holy Father will begin the day with the traditional penitential liturgy, and it is expected that he will subsequently initiate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. From the Vatican, the proposal is renewed to dioceses and parishes, […]
- [In Netflix special, Chris Rock likens abortion to hiring a hitman, echoing Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-netflix-special-chris-rock-likens-abortion-to-hiring-a-hitman-echoing-pope-francis-617): Award-winning comedian Chris Rock compared paying for an abortion to hiring a hitman during a new Netflix special, echoing rhetoric used by Pope Francis, who has made that comparison in the past. During his March 4 special, “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage,” the comedian, who is known for courting controversy, turned to an issue that most celebrities won’t touch: abortion. “There’s a part of me that’s pro-life,” he said, before using humor to remind the audience that abortion “is killing a baby.”  “I believe women should have the right to kill babies,” Rock said. “That’s right, I’m on your side. I […]
- [How to choose a good bishop? How the Vatican selects potential candidates](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-to-choose-a-good-bishop-how-the-vatican-selects-potential-candidates-616): Cardinal Mark Ouellet, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, steps down three years after the mandatory retirement age of 75. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, caught up with the Canadian church leader to reflect on his time in these important roles. 
- [Pope Francis explains 3 essential keys for the formation of seminarians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-explains-3-essential-keys-for-the-formation-of-seminarians-615): “Listening to the Lord, Witnessing, and Walking Together”: these are the three keys that Pope Francis spoke about today to priests, deacons, and seminarians gathered at the Vatican.  On the morning of Monday, March 6, Pope Francis received in audience the Community of the “St. Mary’s Seminary ” of the Diocese of Cleveland (United States), on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of its foundation.  In his speech to those present at the Vatican, the Holy Father highlighted three characteristics of the synodal process “essential for your formation as future priests and ministers of the Gospel.”   Listening   Firstly, the […]
- [Discovering the History and Significance of Madonna del Buon Consiglio Church in Venere](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/discovering-the-history-and-significance-of-madonna-del-buon-consiglio-church-in-venere-614): Join us on a journey to the hidden village of Venere in Abruzzo, Italy, where we explore the history and significance of the Madonna del Buon Consiglio Church. This small shrine, dating back to the Middle Ages, is the destination of many pilgrimages and is said to hold the same name as the iconic image in Genazzano. We learn about the connection between the two sanctuaries, the significance of the unique title “Our Lady of Good Counsel,” and the story of how the church survived a devastating earthquake. Unfortunately, since its renovation in the 1990s, it has become a victim […]
- [Prayer Vigil for Ukraine: Honoring Victims of War on Anniversary of Russian Invasion in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/prayer-vigil-for-ukraine-honoring-victims-of-war-on-anniversary-of-russian-invasion-in-rome-613): On February 24th, a prayer vigil was held in Rome to honor the victims of the war in Ukraine, on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion. The vigil was attended by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis and Bishop Dioniso Lachovicz, among other faithful, who stressed the importance of fighting for peace and reconciliation with God’s help. Refugees from Ukraine also attended the vigil, highlighting the global concern for the situation in Ukraine. The event was a powerful reminder that prayer can unite people towards a common aim, and that peace is possible with collective efforts.
- [Understanding the Holy See's Role at the United Nations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/understanding-the-holy-sees-role-at-the-united-nations-612): In this video, Fr. Roger Landry, who served as Attaché to the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York from 2015 to 2022, explains the Holy See’s unique role at the United Nations. The Holy See Mission is focused on sharing centuries of Catholic Church’s experiences and placing this knowledge at the disposal of the United Nations to assist in achieving peace and justice.  Father Landry discusses how the Holy See represents not just a religion but a state, bringing to the UN 2000 years of Catholic social doctrine and the lived experiences of Catholics […]
- [Vatican Push for Peace in Ukraine: The Church's Diplomatic and Humanitarian Initiatives](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-push-for-peace-in-ukraine-the-churchs-diplomatic-and-humanitarian-initiatives-611): From the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pope Francis has condemned the war and called for an end to the violence. But the Church has not stopped at prayer and spiritual support. The Holy See has launched its own offensive to ease the plight of the Ukrainian people and bring a stop to the conflict.  This video documents the Church’s diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives, including the Pope’s visit to the Russian Embassy, the Secretariat of State’s advocacy for a peaceful solution, and Cardinal Konrad Krajewski’s delivery of aid in the name of Pope Francis. It also features interviews […]
- [Providing Aid and Comfort: Pope Francis' Representatives on the Ground in Turkey and Syria](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/providing-aid-and-comfort-pope-francis-representatives-on-the-ground-in-turkey-and-syria-610): Pope Francis has repeatedly offered words of comfort to the Turkish and Syrian people following the devastating earthquake that hit southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6th. As rescue operations give way to long-term recovery, Papal representatives have been on the ground in both countries, providing aid and comfort to the victims.  Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, traveled to Syria and Turkey from February 17-21 to express the Holy Father’s closeness to the people severely affected by the recent disastrous earthquake. In this video, we highlight the efforts of the Papal […]
- [Pope Francis' Spiritual Exercises, Centralization of Vatican Finances & New Blessed](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-spiritual-exercises-centralization-of-vatican-finances-and-new-blessed-609): Welcome to this week’s episode of Vaticano Updates, where we bring you the most important news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. In this episode, we cover the top 5 news stories, including Pope Francis’ dedication to spiritual exercises during the first full week of Lent, the centralization of Vatican finances, the necessity of Vatican trials due to the conduct of some church members, the Pontifical Academy for Life’s evaluation of the ethics of emerging technologies, and the approval of a miracle paving the way for the beatification of Elisabetta Martinez.
- [What do Pope Francis’ latest financial measures mean?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-do-pope-francis-latest-financial-measures-mean-608): A new rescript from Pope Francis will mean an increase in the cost of housing for senior Vatican officials, a belt-tightening measure that is part of a broader effort to centralize the assets of the Holy See. Dated Feb. 13, the rescript was not published in the bulletin of the Press Office of the Holy See but was instead pinned up inside the Vatican, where it was photographed and published for the first time in the blog Messa in Latino, and soon after publicized by Vatican News. The document explains that Pope Francis has decided to abolish “any arrangement for […]
- [5 times Benedict XVI spoke about the importance of faith formation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-times-benedict-xvi-spoke-about-the-importance-of-faith-formation-607): Benedict XVI spoke on several occasions about the importance of forming oneself in the faith in order to live it and transmit it effectively to others. Here are some of them: 1) “The summit of personal formation”   During the assembly “Family and Christian Community: Formation of the Person and Transmission of the Faith” held in Rome during the first year of his pontificate, Benedict XVI explained that the family and the Church are called to collaborate to fulfill the fundamental task of “the formation of the person and the transmission of the faith.” He explained that education in the […]
- [Amsterdam Guide Discovering the Clandestine Churches](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/amsterdam-guide-discovering-the-clandestine-churches-606): Looking for a hidden gem in Amsterdam? Look no further than the city’s hidden churches! These beautiful places of worship were once illegal and almost immoral to be Catholic, but today they are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.  Join us on a journey through the narrow streets of Amsterdam as we explore these hidden churches, tucked away behind the facades of normal houses. Learn about the history of the Catholics in the Netherlands, their fight for the right to worship, and how they were able to practice their faith in secret.  But these churches aren’t […]
- [Liturgical Dilemma for Diocesan Bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/liturgical-dilemma-for-diocesan-bishops-605): A dispute about dispensations developed into a diktat from the dicastery that has put dioceses in a difficult dilemma. Liturgical discipline is delicate. The request to Pope Francis, from the Dicastery for Divine Worship (DDW), to tighten the screws on the implementation of Traditionis Custodes — granted by the Holy Father on Feb. 20  — means that Rome has decided that it is a priority to get the “extraordinary form” or Tridentine Mass out of parish churches. Hence the dilemma for diocesan bishops.  In most dioceses, the number who frequent the older form of the Mass is very small, even […]
- [Pope Francis: Look for the beauty of Jesus’ transfiguration in everyday life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-look-for-the-beauty-of-jesus-transfiguration-in-everyday-life-604): During his Sunday morning Angelus address, Pope Francis urged the faithful to reflect on the miracle of the Transfiguration and to see the same beauty in the faces of the people we interact with every day.  In the March 5 address, the pope discussed the “beauty” shown in Sunday’s Gospel reading of Matthew 17:1–9. In this passage, Peter and James and his brother John witness Christ “transfigured before them” with his face shining “like the sun” and his clothes “dazzling white” as he conversed with Moses and Elijah on the top of a mountain.  Pope Francis said that we must […]
- [Pope Francis: "Women have the ability to have three languages: mind, heart, and hands](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-women-have-the-ability-to-have-three-languages-mind-heart-and-hands-603): “Women have the ability to have three languages at the same time: that of the mind, that of the heart, and that of the hands. And they think what they feel, feel what they think, and do what they feel and think. I’m not saying that all women do it, but they have that ability, they have it. This is great.” The Pope welcomed these words to the editorial staff of the monthly magazine “Women Church World” of “L’Osservatore Romano”. The occasion was given by the tenth anniversary of the monthly supplement of “L’Osservatore Romano”. “I read Women Church World, […]
- [LIVE from the Vatican | Angelus with Pope Francis | March 5th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-angelus-with-pope-francis-march-5th-2023-602): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Angelus prayer led by Pope Francis.    Images – Vatican Media
- [10 Years of Pope Francis: A look at His Major Trips](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/10-years-of-pope-francis-a-look-at-his-major-trips-601): Pope Francis has made it a cornerstone of his papacy to visit the peripheries of society, where he has become a champion of the marginalized and oppressed. His first international trip outside of Rome was to the Italian island of Lampedusa, where he used the rhetoric of the “throwaway culture” versus the “culture of encounter” that has become a central theme of his social and political agenda. Since then, Pope Francis has made 40 international trips, traveling to the far corners of the globe to promote peace, ecumenical outreach, and inter-religious dialogue. He has visited countries such as Myanmar, Albania, […]
- [Pope Francis meets again with Benedict XVI's former secretary, Archbishop Gänswein](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-again-with-benedict-xvis-former-secretary-archbishop-gaenswein-600): Pope Francis received German Archbishop Georg Gänswein in an audience at the Vatican on Saturday, March 4. Gänswein served as the personal secretary of Pope Benedict XVI for many years. “The Holy Father Francis received His Excellency Monsignor Georg Gänswein, titular Archbishop of Urbisaglia, Prefect of the Pontifical Household, in an audience this morning,” said the Vatican Press Office, without giving further details of the meeting. This is the second time that the Pope has received Benedict XVI’s secretary in an audience in recent months. The previous meeting took place on Monday, January 9, and like this occasion, no details […]
- [This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of March](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-march-599): Pope Francis’s prayer intention for the month of March is for victims of abuse. “In response to the cases of abuse, especially to those committed by members of the Church, it’s not enough to ask for forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness is necessary but it is not enough,” the Holy Father said in a video released by the Vatican March 2. “Asking for forgiveness is good for the victims, but they are the ones who have to be at the center of everything,” Pope Francis said. “Their pain and their psychological wounds can begin to heal if they find answers — […]
- [Pope Francis in Hungary: What is the situation of the Catholic Church?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christ-is-our-future-is-the-motto-for-pope-francis-trip-to-hungary-next-month-598): The Vatican has unveiled the logo and slogan for Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Hungary, where he will be making his 41st trip abroad. The motto for the visit, “Christ is our future,” will accompany the Holy Father’s trip to Budapest, the Hungarian capital. The logo features the Budapest Chain Bridge, which symbolizes the Pope’s belief in the importance of building bridges among people. Domonkos Pulay with EWTN Hungary has shared insights on what we can expect from this apostolic journey. The Pope’s last visit to Hungary was over a year and a half ago, and Budapest is eagerly preparing […]
- [Why is Pope Francis going to Hungary in 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-is-pope-francis-going-to-hungary-in-2023-597): Pope Francis is set to make a three-day Apostolic Journey to Hungary from 28 to 30 April 2023. His trip will only include Budapest and will not visit the Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma, as previously planned, or the Primatial See of Esztergom, where the Basilica is currently closed for renovations. Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed that the Pope had accepted the invitation of civil and ecclesiastical authorities to visit Budapest. During his trip, Pope Francis will deliver five speeches and one homily, with all three days focused on the city of Budapest. The first day […]
- [Pope Francis Cuts Housing Perks for Cardinals & Vatican Managers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-cuts-housing-perks-for-cardinals-and-vatican-managers-596): Pope Francis has announced a new measure aimed at saving money in the Vatican. Cardinals and other high-level officials will no longer be able to live in Vatican-connected apartments for free or at special prices. This decision comes two years after the Holy Father announced that he was cutting Cardinals’ salaries by 10 percent. The move is just one of many changes that have been implemented by Pope Francis to restructure the financial management of the Vatican. The Vatican has faced significant financial challenges in recent years, and Pope Francis has been vocal about the need for change. Last year, […]
- [Pope Francis' denunciation: 'The world is always at war'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-denunciation-the-world-is-always-at-war-595): The Pope was interviewed yesterday in a collaborative effort between Belgium’s Catholic weekly magazines: Tertio (Flemish-speaking) and Dimanch (French-speaking). It was also published yesterday in L’Osservatore Romano and Vatican News. The Pope spoke out on several issues.  “The day after the invasion began, I personally went to the Russian Embassy. [This was] something that had never been done by a pope and that a pope normally does not do. I also expressed my willingness to go to Moscow and make sure that the conflict would not continue. From its inception until now, the Vatican has always been at the center […]
- [The Angelicum Hosts Conference on Catholic-Jewish Relations Since Vatican II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/angelicum-hosts-conference-on-catholic-jewish-relations-since-vatican-ii-593): The Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, ‘also known as’ Angelicum , located in Rome, hosted a one-day conference on Wednesday, March 1st, focused on exploring the relationship between members of the Catholic and Jewish faiths. The event, which drew experts from around the world, sought to examine the challenges that have arisen since the end of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. The conference was organized by the university’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies, which is committed to promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. Among the topics discussed were the theological and historical roots of the relationship between Catholics and Jews, the challenges and opportunities presented by the post-Vatican […]
- [Despite ‘no’ from Vatican, German bishops moves forward with plans for synodal council](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/despite-no-from-vatican-german-bishops-moves-forward-with-plans-for-synodal-council-592): Despite repeated warnings from the Vatican, a letter by the president of the German Bishops’ Conference published Wednesday confirms that plans for a German synodal council are progressing.  In the letter— dated Feb. 23 and published March 1 — Bishop Georg Bätzing writes that the German bishops take the Vatican’s “concerns” about a German synodal council seriously.  The message is addressed to Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and to the prefects of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Jesuit Cardinal Luis Ladaria, and the Dicastery for Bishops, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, PSS. The German bishop tells the cardinals […]
- [What is the Vatican's Reserved Affairs Commission responsible for?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-the-vaticans-reserved-affairs-commission-responsible-for-591): The Holy See Press Office reported on February 28 that Pope Francis has appointed Maximino Caballero Ledo as a new member of the Reserved Affairs Commission. But what exactly is this Commission responsible for?  The Vatican’s Reserved Affairs Commission was mentioned for the first time in legislation in Pope Francis’s motu proprio of June 1, 2020, regarding the awarding of public contracts from the Holy See and the Vatican City State.   It was in article 4.1 on transparency, control, and competition rules, where the need to create a control commission to supervise the contracts of the Holy See was specified.  […]
- [An Asteroid is named after a Pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/asteroid-is-named-after-a-pope-590): The Pontiff who commissioned the Gregorian Calendar, Pope Gregory XIII, will now have an asteroid named after him, as reported by the Vatican Astronomical Observatory, Specola Vaticana, in a press release sent to journalists last Tuesday, February 28.   One of the small rocky objects orbiting the Sun will be named Ugo Boncompagni , the baptismal name of Pope Gregory XIII.   Gregory XIII led the calendar reform, commissioning the astronomer Fr. Christopher Clavius to work on the project known as the “Gregorian calendar”, which was instituted by via papal bull in 1582. He also began the tradition of papal astronomers and […]
- [March 2nd, 1939: the election of Pope Pius XII](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/march-2nd-1939-the-election-of-pope-pius-xii-589): It was a lightning conclave that opened on March 1st, 1939, and closed the following day, March 2nd, with the white smoke announcing the election of Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli as the Roman Pontiff. For his papal name, he chose Pius XII. He was the successor to Pope Pius XI who had died on February 10 of that year. On March 2nd, 1939, 62 Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church gathered in the Sistine Chapel, with Cardinal Gennaro Granito Pignatelli di Belmonte as Dean and Eugenio Pacelli as Camerlengo. There were three rounds of voting, making it the shortest conclave in […]
- [Pope Francis cuts free and discounted rent for cardinals, Vatican managers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-cuts-free-and-discounted-rent-for-cardinals-vatican-managers-588): Pope Francis has cut housing perks for Vatican managers and cardinals in order to save the Church money. Reuters and Vatican News reported March 1 that cardinals and other high-level positions at the Vatican will no longer be able to live in Vatican-connected apartments for free or at special prices. The Vatican owns an extensive amount of real estate both in and outside Vatican walls. Apartments are principally managed by APSA (the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See). The pope’s decision to drop housing benefits for upper management was communicated in a note from the Vatican’s new prefect […]
- [Pope Francis' Spiritual Exercises & Centralization of Vatican Finances](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-spiritual-exercises-and-centralization-of-vatican-finances-587): Pope Francis Dedicates Lenten Retreat to Spiritual Exercises Pope Francis recently dedicated the first full week of Lent to spiritual exercises, inviting cardinals living in Rome as well as the heads of dicasteries to participate in the retreat “in a personal way” from February 26 to March 3. During this week, the Pontiff had no official appointments, allowing him to fully engage in the retreat and deepen his spirituality. This move is in line with Pope Francis’ emphasis on the importance of spiritual growth and introspection. The Pope has often spoken about the need for individuals to prioritize their spiritual […]
- [Lent at the Vatican: Exploring the Traditions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lent-at-the-vatican-exploring-the-traditions-586): Join us on a journey through the Rome’s and Vatican’s centuries-old Lenten tradition of visiting a different station church each day during the 40-day period of spiritual preparation for Easter.  We’ll explore the history and significance of the first station church of Saint Sabina on the Aventine Hill. We’ll also delve into other Lenten traditions in Rome, such as the Fioretto and the special blessing given with a relic of the Holy Face on Passion Sunday. Experience the spiritual and cultural richness of Rome during the Lenten season, leading up to the peak of Holy Week celebrations.
- [Argentina: New book gives Pope Francis’ responses to issues he’s most often asked about](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/argentina-new-book-gives-pope-francis-responses-to-issues-hes-most-often-asked-about-585): A new Spanish-language book whose English title is “The Shepherd: Francis’ Challenges, Reasons, and Reflections on His Pontificate,” written by Argentine journalist Sergio Rubín and his Italian colleague Francesca Ambrogetti contains Pope Francis’ answers to questions he is frequently asked. The book reviews the almost 10 years of Francis’ pontificate based on conversations that Rubín, a journalist from the Grupo Clarín media group and Ambrogetti, a member of the ANSA agency, had with the pontiff. The two co-authored “The Jesuit,” the first biographical book on Jorge Bergoglio, the future Pope Francis, published prior to his election to the papacy. The […]
- [A Major Moment in Church History: The Resignation of Pope Benedict A Decade Ago](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/major-moment-in-church-history-the-resignation-of-pope-benedict-a-decade-ago-ewtn-news-nightly-584): Today is the anniversary of a major moment in recent Church history. Ten years ago, on February 28, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation became effective and he left the Vatican to go to Castel Gandolfo. EWTN Vatican Journalist Rudolf Gehrig traveled to Pope Benedict’s hometown and met with a journalist who was very close to the late Pope. The journalist said all the conspiracy theories are not true and that Pope Benedict was in fact very ill. The late Pope had heart disease, blindness in one eye, constant headaches and early stages of Parkinson’s. Benedict also noticed that his memory […]
- [Pope Pius XII & the Americans](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-pius-xii-and-the-americans-583): Join us as we delve into the Vatican Archives to uncover the transformative leadership of Pope Pius XII and his diplomatic relations with the United States. Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, as he was known at the time, visited the United States in 1936, becoming the highest-level Vatican official to do so. His warm and collaborative relationship with four sitting U.S. presidents set the stage for closer ties between the two superpowers. We spoke with Professor Fr. Roberto Regoli, a historian of Church History at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, to gain insight into the diplomatic relations between the Holy See […]
- [From Pius XII to Pope Francis: A brief history of general audiences](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-pius-xii-to-pope-francis-a-brief-history-of-general-audiences-582): Papal audiences with the public are a relatively new Vatican custom. The first Wednesday catechesis was held in April 1939 with Pope Pius XII, and the first meetings were specifically for newly married couples. The weekly audiences continued until World War II and the occupation of Rome in 1943 made it impossible. They recommenced with Pope John XXIII, who held his first public audiences with Catholic teachers and other Catholics while at Castelgandolfo, the papal summer residence. Today, the audience, held in the Italian language, also includes summaries of the pope’s catechesis in English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Arabic, and […]
- [Roman Lent Walking Tour](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/roman-lent-walking-tour-580): Join us on a journey through Rome’s 40 churches, tracing the footsteps of early Christians and exploring the rich history and relics that these sacred spaces contain. Starting at the iconic Orange Garden park next to the Santa Sabina church, we take you through a customized Google map of the city’s churches, allowing you to plan your own pilgrimage. From the Basilica of San Giorgio al Velabro to the Basilica of San Clemente, we show you the beauty of each church and give you a glimpse into the ancient ruins and modern-day Rome that surround them. Whether you’re looking for […]
- [Pope Benedict’s Resignation: Debate Continues 10 Years On](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-benedicts-resignation-debate-continues-10-years-on-579): The 10th anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s abdication announcement — Feb. 11, 2013 — passed with little comment, given the attention paid just a month earlier upon his death. But the anniversary of the abdication itself, Feb. 28, offers an opportunity to revisit the decision in light of new information. On the occasion of the fifth anniversary in 2018, I wrote, given that no one had ever resigned the papacy in serene circumstances, that the default position must be that Benedict was wrong to do so, and the burden of argument lay upon those who considered it the right thing […]
- [Father Giuseppe Lais and the Specola Vaticana, a lifetime of service](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/father-giuseppe-lais-and-the-specola-vaticana-a-lifetime-of-service-578): Who was Father Giuseppe Lais?   An Italian Oratorian, who lived from 1845-1921, he remained faithful to his dual vocation as a priest and scientist in difficult times.  The oldest of thirteen children, he was born in Rome in April 1845 to Giovanni and Elena Langeli. While still a student at the Roman College, he attracted the attention of the director of the astronomical observatory, the Jesuit Father Angelo Secchi (1818-1878), one of the pioneers of modern astrophysics. After completing his university studies with a degree in philosophy and mathematics and a diploma in engineering-architecture, he was immediately called by Secchi […]
- [Pope Francis to visit Hungary in April](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-visit-hungary-in-april-577): The Vatican announced Saturday that Pope Francis will visit Hungary for the second time, from April 28-30. According to the Feb. 27 announcement, the three-day papal trip to Budapest will include meetings with Hungary President Katalin Novák, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a private visit with children at the Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann Institute, and meetings with poor people and migrants, young people, clergy, academics, and members of the Society of Jesus. Pope Francis returns to the central European country after a short visit in 2021 for the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress. The pope spent just under seven hours in Budapest to […]
- [After Pope Francis’ visit, South Sudan relief charity sees renewed interest and prayers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/after-pope-francis-visit-south-sudan-relief-charity-sees-renewed-interest-and-prayers-576): Earlier this month, Pope Francis became the first pope — indeed, the first Western leader — to visit South Sudan. Amid an enthusiastic welcome, more than 100,000 people attended his papal Mass Feb. 5 in the capital city of Juba, during which the pope made an impassioned plea for peace in the war-torn nation. For workers at a relief agency that has supplied aid to the people of South Sudan for 25 years, the pope’s visit was a galvanizing event that shed an international spotlight on a beloved but severely ailing country — the most dangerous country in the world […]
- [Pope Francis' Lenten message 2023: Balancing asceticism and synodality amidst current challenges](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-lenten-message-2023-balancing-asceticism-and-synodality-amidst-current-challenges-575): In his recent Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of both asceticism and synodality in the Easter penitential season. Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, shared the Pope’s message, which calls for a continued commitment to synodality despite difficulties.  The Lenten message also acknowledges current global challenges, including the pandemic, wars, and natural disasters, and emphasizes the need for Lenten asceticism to overcome our own lack of faith and resistance to following Jesus on the way of the cross. Join us in reflecting on Pope Francis’ […]
- [Remembering the Blessed Judge Rosario Livatino: A Martyr in the Fight Against the Mafia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/remembering-the-blessed-judge-rosario-livatino-a-martyr-in-the-fight-against-the-mafia-574): On January 21, 2023, a pilgrimage in honor of judge Rosario Angelo Livatino was held in Rome. Livatino, a martyr in the fight against the mafia, was assassinated on September 21, 1990, by the Sicilian mafia. This event brought a particular relic, the blood-soaked shirt the judge was wearing the day of his assassination.  Livatino was born in Sicily, in the province of Agrigento, and dedicated his life to the search for truth. He was an inflexible and incorruptible man, and his death has inspired the work of many judges fighting against organized crime. Join us as we remember Judge […]
- [What is Transhumanism: The philosophical and scientific movement of augmenting human capabilities](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-transhumanism-the-philosophical-and-scientific-movement-of-augmenting-human-capabilities-573): If you could live forever, would you? If you could have all the knowledge accumulated by humans readily available to be downloaded into your brain, would you?   These are some of the questions being posed by transhumanists. Transhumanism is a philosophical and scientific movement that advocates the use of current and emerging technologies—such as genetic engineering, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology—to augment human capabilities and improve the human condition.  Fr. Michael Baggot is a professor at the Regina Apostolorum here in Rome who has researched on transhumanism. We spoke to him about the goals of transhumanism and what the Church can […]
- [Discover the Miraculous Icon of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, Italy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/discover-the-miraculous-icon-of-our-lady-of-good-counsel-in-genazzano-italy-572): Our Lady of Good Counsel is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary, often referring to the episode of the Wedding at Cana, during which Mary utters the last words attributed to her by the Gospels, “Do whatever he tells you,” the most excellent of counsels. The Madonna del Buon Consiglio, Our Lady of Good Counsel, is also the title given to the Virgin Mary after a painting said to be miraculous was found in the 13th century in an Augustinian church in the town of Genazzano, about 30 miles southeast of Rome.  Join us in exploring the unique […]
- [What have the Jesuits done about Rupnik? A timeline](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-have-the-jesuits-done-about-rupnik-a-timeline-571): The Society of Jesus said Feb. 21 it had received 15 credible accusations of abuse against Father Marko Rupnik and would be taking steps to begin an internal procedure against the Jesuit priest and artist. The process could result in disciplinary actions up to and including the 68-year-old Rupnik’s expulsion from the Jesuit order. In the Feb. 21 declaration, Rupnik’s superior, Father Johan Verschueren, said, “I feel it is my duty to deal seriously with this case and others like it that have arisen and are arising, out of respect for, and in protection of, truth and justice for all […]
- [Pope Francis: The devil uses ‘three widespread and dangerous temptations’ to divide us](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-devil-uses-three-widespread-and-dangerous-temptations-to-divide-us-570): On the first Sunday of Lent, Pope Francis warned of three “widespread and dangerous temptations” that the devil uses to separate us from God and divide us from each other. In his Angelus address on Feb. 26, the pope said that the devil uses three “powerful poisons” to attack and divide Christian communities: attachment to material things, mistrust, and the thirst for power. “[These] are three widespread and dangerous temptations that the devil uses to divide us from the Father and to make us no longer feel like brothers and sisters among ourselves, to lead us to solitude and desperation. […]
- [This was Pope Francis’ spontaneous prayer for Ukraine on anniversary of war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-was-pope-francis-spontaneous-prayer-for-ukraine-on-anniversary-of-war-569): Pope Francis said a spontaneous prayer for peace during a Vatican event for the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Friday. After saying a few words about the war in Ukraine, the pope invited those present to pray with him. “Holy Father, who art in heaven, look at our miseries, look at our wounds, look our pain. Look also at our selfishness, our petty interests, and the capacity we have to destroy ourselves,” he prayed. “Heal us. Heal our hearts, heal our minds, heal our eyes that they may see the beauty that you have made and […]
- [Pope Francis: Conduct by some Church members has made Vatican trials ‘painfully necessary’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-conduct-by-some-church-members-has-made-vatican-trials-painfully-necessary-568): Pope Francis said Saturday that Vatican trials for cases of grave financial mismanagement have become unavoidable in recent years. “The problem is not the trials, but the facts and conduct that determine them and make them painfully necessary,” the pope told a group of Vatican magistrates on Feb. 25. “In fact,” he added, “such behaviors by members of the Church seriously harm its effectiveness in reflecting divine light.” Pope Francis addressed the Vatican’s recent legal disputes in a speech to members of the city state’s tribunals for the opening of its 94th judicial year. The Vatican is in the midst […]
- [The Vatican Push for Peace in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-push-for-peace-in-ukraine-567): Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for peace and an end to the violence in the region. His prayers for the Ukrainian people have been accompanied by diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives, as the Holy See seeks to ease their plight and bring an end to the conflict. One of the most notable actions taken by Pope Francis was his visit to the Russian Embassy to the Holy See on the day after the invasion. This was an unprecedented breach of diplomatic protocol, but the Pope felt that it was necessary to plead for […]
- [Professor Stanisław Grygiel, Longtime Friend of John Paul II, Dies at 89](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/professor-stanislaw-grygiel-longtime-friend-of-john-paul-ii-dies-at-89-566): The Polish academic and married father of two passed away Feb. 20 in Rome where he had lived since 1980.
- [Pope Francis' Prayer for Peace in Ukraine: 1st Anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prayer-for-peace-in-ukraine-first-anniversary-of-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-564): In this video, we reflect on the sad one year anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion in Ukraine and how the Holy See, led by Pope Francis and Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, launched its own offensive to ease the plight of the Ukrainian people and bring an end to the war.  We discuss the church’s diplomatic efforts and the humanitarian aid provided by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski on behalf of Pope Francis. We also share Pope Francis’ recent call to end the horrors of war and pray for peace. Join us in remembering the victims of the […]
- [Holy See and the Sultanate of Oman Establish Diplomatic Ties](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-see-and-the-sultanate-of-oman-establish-diplomatic-ties-563): The Holy See and Oman have established full diplomatic relations, leaving only six countries worldwide without any diplomatic connection to the Vatican. The announcement on Feb. 23 did not come as a surprise because in November, during Pope Francis’ trip to Bahrain, there had been contact between the Vatican and Oman’s Foreign Ministry.  The joint communiqué of the Holy See and the Sultanate of Oman said the action is aimed at “promoting mutual understanding and further strengthening friendship and cooperation” following “the principles of sovereign equality, independence, territorial integrity, and noninterference.” Establishing an apostolic nunciature in Oman means that diplomatic […]
- [Pope Francis approves miracle to pave way to Beatification of Elisabetta Martinez](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-approves-miracle-to-pave-way-to-beatification-of-elisabetta-martinez-562): Today Pope Francis approved a miracle to advance the cause of canonization of Venerable Servant of God Elisabetta Martinez, an Italian nun and founder of the Congregation of the Daughters of Santa Maria di Leuca. The miracle involved the healing of an unborn baby girl in Rimini, Italy. Ultrasound imagery in 2017 revealed to the child’s mother that her baby was suffering from several severe life-limiting and potentially life-ending conditions. These conditions included thrombosis, complete calcific occlusion of the left fetal umbilical artery, extensive placental infarction, and severe intrauterine fetal growth retardation associated with brain sparing condition. A family friend […]
- [Vatican Group Dedicated to Defending Human Life Gathers in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-group-dedicated-to-defending-human-life-gathers-in-rome-561): A Vatican group dedicated to defending human life gathered in Rome earlier this week for its general assembly. A news conference today highlighted the gathering. Participants were primarily from the academic field. They took part in the 2 day workshop.  The primary focus was “emerging technologies” and how they can be used for the common good. Professor Roger Strand from the University of Bergen in Norway, joins to tell us more about the general assembly, how it went and what some of the highlights were. During the news conference he spoke about the spiritual dimension to medicine and health science. […]
- ["Peace means having my son back"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/one-year-of-war-in-ukraine-interview-with-the-ukrainian-ambassador-to-the-holy-see-560): Andrii Yurash is the Ukrainian Ambassador to the Holy See. He spoke with EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser on the 23rd of February, 2023, in a filmed interview in Rome. They discussed the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the efforts of the Holy See towards peace, and the hopes that the ambassador has for the future of his country. The ambassador called for the international community, including the Vatican, to play an active role in working for peace in the region. But true peace, he said, requires justice, the return of occupied territories, and the rebuilding […]
- [Pope Francis says that Pope's Ministry is for life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-that-popes-ministry-is-for-life-559): In a recent conference exploring opportunities for collaboration between priests and laypeople, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of working together to care for the Church. The pontiff urged the faithful to use both their practical and spiritual skills to help advance the mission of the Church, stating that “we are not guests in the Church, but at home.”  For too long, the roles of priests and laypeople have been viewed as separate and distinct. However, Pope Francis is calling for a new era of unity and collaboration, recognizing that both groups have important contributions to make. Laypeople bring their unique […]
- [The Dream of a United Europe: Insights from the New President of COMECE](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dream-of-a-united-europe-insights-from-the-new-president-of-comece-768): The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union has elected Bishop Mariano Crociata as its new president, replacing Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich. In this video, we explore Bishop Crociata’s thoughts and insights on his new role and the urgent issues facing Europe, such as unity and peace. We also hear from COMECE Secretary General Father Manuel Barrios Prieto on the challenges facing European bishops in the context of the war in Ukraine and other emergencies. Additionally, we share Pope Francis’ message to European bishops during the General Assembly, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence and the value of respecting […]
- [Restoring an Ancient Masterpiece: The Story of the "Crocifisso di Sant'Eutizio"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/restoring-an-ancient-masterpiece-the-story-of-the-crocifisso-di-santeutizio-767): In 2016, a devastating earthquake destroyed the Crocifisso di Sant’Eutizio, a masterpiece painted by Nicholas of Ulysses of Siena in 1472, and reduced it to 30 fragments. However, the Vatican Museums took on the challenge of restoring this ancient artwork, and after five years of meticulous work, it is finally ready to be displayed in exhibition. Join EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, as he interviews Dr. Barbara Jatta, Director of the Vatican Museums, and Dr. Francesca Persegati, Director of Paintings and Wood Materials Restoration Laboratory, about the restoration process of the Crocifisso di Sant’Eutizio. Discover what makes this artwork […]
- [Pope Francis blessed satellite set to launch his words into space](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-blessed-satellite-set-to-launch-his-words-into-space-766): On June 20, 2023, a nanobook carrying a message of hope and peace will enter into orbit, as part of the “Spei Satelles” mission. The book contains the most important words and images of Pope Francis during the Statio Orbis in St. Peter’s Square on March 27, 2020, when he went alone into the square to pray for all of humanity, struck by COVID. This initiative, promoted by the Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See, will be launched from the Vandenberg launch pad in California, aboard a rocket built by the Politechnic University of Turin and operated by the […]
- [Violence Against Women is Blasphemy Against God | Pope Francis and Ambassadors Call for Action](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/violence-against-women-is-blasphemy-against-god-pope-francis-and-ambassadors-call-for-action-765): In a panel discussion organized by the British Embassy to the Holy See and the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations, Pope Francis and ambassadors spoke out against sexual violence against women, calling it blasphemy against God. The conference aimed to raise awareness of sexual violence as a weapon of war and highlighted the need for a stronger global response to this horrific crime. Ambassador Christ Trott emphasized the vital role played by religious networks in supporting survivors, while Dott. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect for the Dicastery of Communications of the Holy See, spoke about the power of communication to weave […]
- [Pope Francis to Star in New Disney Documentary on Hulu](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-star-in-new-disney-documentary-on-hulu-ewtn-news-nightly-764): Pope Francis will soon be the star of a Disney documentary. The broadcast, called “The Pope: Answers” is set to air next week on Hulu. It features a conversation between Pope Francis and members of Generation Z, tackling everything from the Church’s stance on LGTBQ issues to abortion and clergy abuse. This upcoming release from Disney sounds like it will touch on some pretty controversial issues such as abortion, same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria. Executive Editor and Washington Bureau Chief for EWTN News, Dr. Matthew Bunson, joins to share his thoughts on EWTN News Nightly.
- [Vatican’s liturgy czar rejects German Church’s plans for laity to preach homilies, conduct baptisms](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-liturgy-czar-rejects-german-churchs-plans-for-laity-to-preach-homilies-conduct-baptisms-763): The Vatican’s liturgy czar has intervened against the implementation of resolutions of the German Synodal Way that demand laypeople should be able to regularly baptize and preach the homily at Mass in churches across Germany.  In a letter to the German Bishops’ Conference president dated March 29, Cardinal Arthur Roche said neither was possible — despite at least one German diocese already announcing both practices. The written intervention by the Vatican’s prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments was addressed to Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg, reported CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner, which has obtained a […]
- [This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of April](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-april-762): The Vatican said Friday that Pope Francis may be discharged from the hospital on Saturday, after responding well to treatments yesterday and sharing a pizza dinner with those assisting him. In two brief statements in the early afternoon March 31, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni also said Pope Francis is scheduled to be present at the Vatican’s Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square on April 2. Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Wednesday afternoon with difficulty breathing. He was later diagnosed with bronchitis. “Yesterday passed well, with a normal clinical progression,” Bruni said around 12:30 p.m. on […]
- [Vatican: Pope Francis had pizza dinner, may leave hospital tomorrow](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-pope-francis-had-pizza-dinner-may-leave-hospital-tomorrow-761): The Vatican said Friday that Pope Francis may be discharged from the hospital on Saturday, after responding well to treatments yesterday and sharing a pizza dinner with those assisting him. In two brief statements in the early afternoon March 31, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni also said Pope Francis is scheduled to be present at the Vatican’s Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square on April 2. Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Wednesday afternoon with difficulty breathing. He was later diagnosed with bronchitis. “Yesterday passed well, with a normal clinical progression,” Bruni said around 12:30 p.m. on […]
- [Interview with Dr. Barbara Jatta, the first woman to hold the position of Director of Vatican Museums](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/barbara-jatta-interview-760): In an interview with Colm Flynn, EWTN News Rome Correspondent, Dr. Barbara Jatta, the director of the Vatican Museums, shared her experience and insight into her role overseeing more than 200,000 pieces and seven miles of corridors and hallways. She expressed her gratitude for her position, which she has held since January 2017, and reflected on her appointment as the first woman to hold this position a decade ago. Jatta also discussed the increasing opportunities for women in the Vatican and noted that Pope Francis has been instrumental in driving this change. The Director of the Vatican Museums also shared […]
- [Cardinal O’Malley ‘surprised, disappointed’ by abuse expert’s criticism of Vatican commission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-omalley-surprised-disappointed-by-abuse-experts-criticism-of-vatican-commission-759): Cardinal Sean O’Malley said Thursday he strongly disagrees with a critique of the Vatican’s safeguarding commission by abuse expert and recently resigned member Father Hans Zollner. In a new statement March 30, O’Malley, who heads the commission, said: “I am surprised, disappointed, and strongly disagree with [Zollner’s] publicly-issued assertions challenging the commission’s effectiveness.” The 56-year-old Zollner, a founding member of the Vatican’s Commission for the Protection of Minors, said in a statement March 29 that “structural and practical issues” within the commission had led him “to disassociate” from it. A statement from commission president O’Malley issued a few hours earlier […]
- [Update: Pope Francis rested well, continuing treatment in hospital, Vatican says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/update-pope-francis-rested-well-continuing-treatment-in-hospital-vatican-says-758): Pope Francis will continue to receive treatment after being hospitalized for a respiratory infection on Wednesday, a Vatican spokesman said Thursday. “His Holiness Pope Francis rested well overnight. The clinical picture is progressively improving and he is continuing his planned treatment,” Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said in a brief statement issued just after 12:30 p.m. on March 30. “This morning after having breakfast, [Pope Francis] read some newspapers and resumed work,” Bruni added. “Before lunch, he went to the chapel of his private apartment, where he spent time in prayer and received the Eucharist.” On March 29 […]
- [Vatican: ‘Doctrine of discovery’ is not Catholic teaching](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-doctrine-of-discovery-is-not-catholic-teaching-757): Two Vatican departments issued a joint statement Thursday on the “doctrine of discovery” and the dignity and rights due indigenous peoples. The statement said the legal concept of the “doctrine of discovery” is “not part of the teaching of the Catholic Church” and historical research shows certain papal documents “written in a specific historical period and linked to political questions, have never been considered expressions of the Catholic faith.” “In no uncertain terms, the Church’s magisterium upholds the respect due to every human being,” the document said. “The Catholic Church therefore repudiates those concepts that fail to recognize the inherent […]
- [International Association of Charities Elects New President in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/international-association-of-charities-elects-new-president-in-rome-756): The International Association of Charities gathered in Rome to elect a new president. More than 150 delegates from the group, the oldest lay association in the history of volunteerism, discussed the association’s most important issues. They are focused on topics like climate and helping the poor. The theme of the meeting was “Citizens of the World, on the Road United in Hope.” A member of the executive board of the International Association of Charities, Suzanne Johnson, joins to tell us more about this assembly in Rome and the election of the new president. The association is inspired by the example […]
- [Pope Francis’ health: Here’s a timeline of his medical issues in recent years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-health-heres-a-timeline-of-his-medical-issues-in-recent-years-755): Here is a timeline charting Pope Francis’ recent health concerns:
- [Abuse expert leaves Vatican commission for protection of minors, citing concerns](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/abuse-expert-leaves-vatican-commission-for-protection-of-minors-citing-concerns-754): Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, an internationally-renowned expert in protecting children and vulnerable adults from clerical sex abuse, has resigned from his position on the Vatican’s safeguarding commission. The move was announced by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors on Wednesday. The 56-year-old Zollner, a founding member of the commission, said in a statement March 29 that “structural and practical issues” within the commission had led him “to disassociate” from it. “The protection of children and vulnerable persons must be at the heart of the Catholic Church’s mission,” he said. “That was the hope I and many others have […]
- [Pope Francis hospitalized with a respiratory infection, Vatican says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-hospitalized-with-a-respiratory-infection-vatican-says-753): Pope Francis will be hospitalized for “some days” after being diagnosed with a respiratory infection, the Vatican said Wednesday. “In recent days Pope Francis has complained of some difficulty breathing and this afternoon went to [Gemelli Hospital] to carry out some medical tests. The results of these tests showed a respiratory infection (a COVID-19 infection was excluded) that will require some days of opportune medical treatment in the hospital,” Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said Wednesday evening. “Pope Francis is touched by the many messages he received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” Bruni added. […]
- [Vatican: Pope Francis at Rome hospital to undergo checkups](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-pope-francis-at-rome-hospital-to-undergo-checkups-752): Pope Francis has been undergoing some medical checkups at one of Rome’s most prominent hospitals since Wednesday afternoon, according to a Vatican spokesman. Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni issued a brief statement the afternoon of March 29 to say the pope was at Gemelli Hospital “for some previously scheduled checkups.” Gemelli is the same hospital where Pope Francis was hospitalized in July 2021 when he underwent surgery on his colon for diverticulitis, or inflammation of the intestinal wall. In an interview with the Associated Press in January, Pope Francis disclosed that the diverticulosis had “returned.” At the same […]
- [Pope Francis mourns ‘senseless act of violence’ at Nashville Christian school](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-mourns-senseless-act-of-violence-at-nashville-christian-school-750): Pope Francis has expressed his sorrow over a shooting at a private Presbyterian Christian school in Nashville. A person took the lives of three 9-year-old students and three adult staff members at Covenant School March 27 before being shot in a gunfight with Nashville police. “Deeply saddened to learn of the recent shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, His Holiness Pope Francis asks you to convey his heartfelt condolences and the assurance of his prayers to all affected by this senseless act of violence,” the pope’s March 29 message said. The telegram was addressed to Bishop Mark Spalding of […]
- [Pope Francis: ‘The true Christian is one who receives Jesus within’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-true-christian-is-one-who-receives-jesus-within-749): Pope Francis on Wednesday spoke against a comfortable Christianity that keeps Jesus at arm’s length, rather than inviting him into the heart to change it. “If one of us says, ‘Ah, thank you Lord, because I am a good person, I do good things, I do not commit major sins…’ this is not a good path, this is the path of self-sufficiency, it is a path that does not justify you, it makes you turn up your nose,” the pope said during his weekly public audience March 29. He called this attitude being “an elegant Catholic, but an elegant Catholic […]
- [Pope Francis Donates 10 Thousand Medicines to Earthquake Victims in Turkey](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-donates-10-thousand-medicines-to-earthquake-victims-in-turkey-748): As reported by the Vatican on Tuesday, March 28th, Pope Francis has sent 10,000 medicines to the victims of the earthquake in Turkey. The Pope’s almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, along with the Turkish Embassy to the Holy See, have been responsible for coordinating this third package of aid sent to the Turkish country. This is a new gesture of closeness from the Holy Father with those affected by the devastating earthquake that shook the border area between Turkey and Syria on February 6th, with a toll of more than 50,000 deaths. From the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, this […]
- [LIVE | Pope Francis' Holy Mass on Palm Sunday & Angelus Prayer 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peters-square-palm-sunday-holy-mass-presided-over-by-pope-francis-747): LIVE | Join us for the Holy Mass on Palm Sunday with Pope Francis followed by the Angelus prayer from St. Peter’s Square.   
- [‘For love of the pope’: Latin Mass supporters post billboards near Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/for-love-of-the-pope-latin-mass-supporters-post-billboards-near-vatican-746): A group of Traditional Latin Mass supporters in Italy has sponsored a billboard campaign in a neighborhood near the Vatican. The campaign includes about a dozen billboards in four different designs. They were put up March 28 and will stay in place for 15 days, according to its organizers. Each billboard features a quotation in support of the Latin Mass from either Pope Benedict XVI, St. John Paul II, or Pope Pius V. Across the top, the billboards say: “For love of the pope. For the peace and unity of the Church. For the liberty of the Traditional Latin Mass.” […]
- [Vatican Museum Exhibit Chronicles Restored Cross Demolished During Earthquake](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-museum-exhibit-chronicles-restored-cross-demolished-during-earthquake-745): Finally tonight, a new exhibit at the Vatican Museums takes a closer look at the restoration of a cross that was destroyed in a recent earthquake. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, interviews Barbara Jatta, Director of the Vatican Museums, on the exhibition titled “Fragments Of Hope” which is currently underway at the Vatican Museums and chronicles the extraordinary restoration of the painted cross of the Abbey of St. Eutizio, which fell apart in the 2016 earthquake that struck central Italy. 
- [Cardinal Hollerich: There’s ‘space to expand’ Church teaching on all-male priesthood](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-hollerich-theres-space-to-expand-church-teaching-on-all-male-priesthood-744): Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, SJ, the archbishop of Luxembourg and a key leader of the Synod on Synodality, said the Catholic Church’s teaching on a male-only priesthood is not infallible and a future pope could allow women priests. The cardinal, 64, addressed the topic of the ordination of women, homosexuality, women in the Church, obedience to the pope, and the German “Synodal Way” in an interview with Glas Koncila, a Croatian Catholic weekly, published March 27. “Pope Francis does not want the ordination of women, and I am completely obedient to that. But people continue to discuss it,” Hollerich said. The […]
- [A bell blessed by Pope Francis will be the voice of the unborn in Africa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bell-blessed-by-pope-francis-will-be-the-voice-of-the-unborn-in-africa-743): Pope Francis blessed a bell known as “The Voice of the Unborn,” which was donated by the “Yes to Life” Foundation and will be sent to Zambia, a country in southern Africa, to raise awareness about the importance of life. This special blessing took place on the morning of Wednesday, March 22, before the start of the General Audience of Pope Francis. “As a sign of the need to protect human life from conception to natural death, the ‘Yes to Life’ Foundation dedicates to Zambia the bell ‘The Voice of the Unborn’ that I blessed this morning,” explained the Pontiff. […]
- [Pope Francis Releases Update on Legislation to Counter Clergy Sexual Abuse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-releases-update-on-legislation-to-counter-clergy-sexual-abuse-742): Pope Francis has released an updated version of his landmark legislation to counter clergy sexual abuse. Over the weekend, the Holy Father addressed the Church’s method for handling abuse, done by lay leaders of international organizations recognized by the Vatican. The new guidelines reaffirm the commitment to investigating cases of misconduct and harassment. It also provides protection for potential whistle blowers. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, joins to tell us more about this decree. He shares more about these new Church norms and why they were only introduced on an experimental basis up until now. Thonhauser explains how the […]
- [Pope Francis: An ethical AI respects human dignity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-an-ethical-ai-respects-human-dignity-741): Pope Francis said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning could be beneficial to society as long as they respect human dignity. “The fundamental value that we must recognize and promote is that of the dignity of the human person,” the pope said during a March 27 audience at the Vatican with participants in the Minerva Dialogues. Organized by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, the Minerva Dialogues is a meeting of scientists, engineers, business leaders, lawyers, philosophers, Catholic theologians, ethicists, and members of the Roman Curia to discuss digital technologies. Pope Francis meets with participants of the […]
- [Pope Francis to bless satellite set to launch his words into space](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-bless-satellite-set-to-launch-his-words-into-space-740): Pope Francis on Wednesday will bless a satellite that will launch his words into space on June 10. The “Spes Satelles,” Latin for “Satellites of Hope,” will be launched on a rocket taking off from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. According to the Vatican, the miniaturized satellite will hold a copy of a book documenting the pope’s urbi et orbi blessing of March 27, 2020, when, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he blessed the world from St. Peter’s Square with the words “Lord, may you bless the world, give health to our bodies, and comfort our […]
- [10 things you did not know about Mother Angelica, founder of EWTN](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/10-things-you-did-not-know-about-mother-angelica-founder-of-ewtn-738): As we mark the seventh anniversary of the passing of Mother Angelica, founder of EWTN, we remember this remarkable woman and praise the Lord for the great things He has done through her, bringing many to the knowledge of Jesus. Mother Angelica passed away on Easter Sunday, March 27th, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. She was 92 years old and died of natural causes. Although she was a public figure, there are details of her life that are not well known. That’s why we bring you a list of 10 facts you probably didn’t know about this amazing woman: 1.Mother Angelica’s […]
- [Seven years ago, our beloved Mother Angelica, founder of EWTN, passed away](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/seven-years-ago-our-beloved-mother-angelica-founder-of-ewtn-passed-away-737): On a day like today, March 27, 2016, at sunset, our dear Mother Angelica of the Annunciation, a Poor Clare nun and founder of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), which has become the largest Catholic media conglomerate in the world, passed away at the age of 92 after a 15-year struggle with the aftermath of a stroke.  Mother Angelica passed away around 5:00 p.m. “Mother Angelica. A holy woman,” said Pope Francis about the EWTN founder on July 5, 2016. Rita Rizzo, the name given to Mother Angelica by her parents, was born on April 20, 1923, in the […]
- [‘Rise again’: Jesus gives life when hope seems lost, Pope Francis says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rise-again-jesus-gives-life-when-hope-seems-lost-pope-francis-says-736): On the fifth Sunday of Lent, Pope Francis challenged the faithful to do as they did when they were little children learning how to walk: letting God take them by the hand. That way, the pope assured, even when they fall or feel discouraged, they won’t be alone. On the contrary, “it is precisely in these moments that he comes closer than ever to restore us to life,” the pope said in his Angelus address March 26. Speaking from the window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, the pope pointed to the Gospel of the day, which narrates the resurrection of […]
- [Pope Francis accepts resignation of vice president of German bishops’ conference](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-vice-president-of-german-bishops-conference-735): Pope Francis accepted the resignation of a German bishop on Saturday who played a key role in the German Synodal Way and had come under pressure over his handling of clerical sexual abuse in his diocese.  Bishop Franz-Josef Bode had previously refused to step down, despite an abuse report finding he had mishandled cases in his diocese in northwestern Germany.  The Holy See announced March 25 that Pope Francis had accepted the bishop of Osnabrück’s request to resign, CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner, reported. There was no indication prior to Saturday’s announcement that Bode had offered to resign. The 72-year-old bishop had […]
- [Pope Francis extends ‘Vos estis’ decree to counter both lay and clerical abuse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-extends-vos-estis-decree-to-counter-both-lay-and-clerical-abuse-734): Pope Francis permanently decreed Saturday an updated version of Vos estis lux mundi, his landmark legislation to counter sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.  The decree promulgated March 25 extends the Church’s norms for handling of abuse to cover lay leaders of international associations of the faithful recognized by the Vatican.  Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”) reaffirms an obligation to report cases of “vulnerable adult” victims of abuse, including violence against religious women by clerics and cases of harassment of adult seminarians or novices by a superior. It also includes protections for people who witness […]
- [Pope Francis' 10-Year Reign: A Canonization of Saints for the Periphery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-10-year-reign-a-canonization-of-saints-for-the-periphery-733): As Pope Francis marks his 10-year anniversary as the head of the Catholic Church, one notable aspect of his papacy is his frequent canonization of Saints. In the past decade, Pope Francis has canonized men and women from different eras and social backgrounds, but what they all have in common is their dedication to serving the poor and marginalized in society. On May 12, 2013, Pope Francis carried out his first canonization, which included two Latin American religious sisters, Laura Montoya and Maria Guadalupe Garcia Savala. He also canonized Antonio Primalto and his 800 companions, who were murdered in the […]
- [European Bishops Elect New Leader of COMECE](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/european-bishops-elect-new-leader-of-the-comece-732): The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) has a new president. Bishop Mariano Crociata, a 70-year-old Italian, was elected during the group’s 2023 assembly held this week in Rome. He is replacing Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich from Luxembourg, whose five-year term has ended. Bishop Crociata is not new to leadership roles within the Catholic Church. From 2008-2013, he served as Secretary General of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, and recently, he has been serving as Vice President of the European bishops. COMECE represents the Catholic Church in many European institutions, and Bishop Crociata’s election comes at a critical […]
- [Pope Francis asks to renew consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary every March 25](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-asks-to-renew-consecration-to-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary-every-march-25-731): Pope Francis has invited Catholics to annually renew an act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25.   The call was made during the Pope’s general audience, where he recalled his historic act of consecration made last year. The solemnity of the Annunciation on Saturday marks one year since Pope Francis consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Blessed Virgin Mary in St. Peter’s Basilica with a prayer asking for peace in the world.   The Pope called on parish communities and prayer groups to annually renew the Marian consecration, saying, “Let us not tire of entrusting […]
- [On this day in 1944 the Ulma family was martyred by the Nazis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/on-this-day-in-1944-the-ulma-family-was-martyred-by-the-nazis-730): The anniversary of the martyrdom of the first unborn child on the way to sainthood marks a moment to pray for the protection of every human life, according to the postulator for the Ulma family. On March 24, 1944, all nine members of the Ulma family were killed by the Nazis — including a child still in the womb — for hiding a Jewish family in their home in Poland. Members of the Ulma family at their home and farm. On March 24, 1944, all nine members of the Ulma family were killed by the Nazis for hiding a Jewish […]
- [Boko Haram: The Persecution of Christians in Nigeria](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/boko-haram-the-persecution-of-christians-in-nigeria-729): Nigeria is the largest mixed Muslim/Christian nation in the world, with almost 50% of its population identifying as Christians. However, the rise of the extremist group Boko Haram has made Nigeria one of the most dangerous countries for Christians in the world. The group seeks to overthrow the current Nigerian government and establish an Islamic regime. Boko Haram has targeted secular schools and churches, and their attacks have resulted in the deaths of over 75,000 Nigerians. In this video, Alessandro Monteduro, Director of Aid to the Church in Need, shares his insights on the situation in Nigeria. He also discusses […]
- [Join Pope Francis in 24 Hours of Prayer and Reconciliation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/join-pope-francis-in-24-hours-of-prayer-and-reconciliation-728): Join Pope Francis and millions of Catholics worldwide in the 10th edition of “24 Hours for the Lord” on Laetare Sunday. This initiative, promoted by the Dicastery for Evangelization, invites faithful and pilgrims to stop by at any moment for adoration and the opportunity to go to confession. At the Penitential Liturgy in Rome’s parish of Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale, Pope Francis reminded us that the sacrament of Reconciliation is a festal encounter that heals the heart and leaves us with inner peace. 
- [The Ulma Family: A Heroic Couple with 7 Children Beatified for Giving Refuge to Jews During WWII](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ulma-family-a-heroic-couple-with-7-children-beatified-for-giving-refuge-to-jews-during-wwii-727): Join us in honoring the heroic Ulma family, also known as “The Samaritans of Markowa,” who will be beatified by the Church for their selfless actions during World War II. Despite the risks, Józef and Wiktoria Ulma and their seven children, including an unborn child, hid eight Jews in their home in Markowa, Poland. This act of love and compassion led to their tragic deaths at the hands of the Nazi regime. The Ulmas’ bravery and sacrifice are a reminder of the importance of valuing and protecting every human life. Learn more about their inspiring story and the beatification process […]
- [Cardinal Ouellet discusses the appointment of bishops and Pope Francis' pastoral style](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-ouellet-discusses-the-appointment-of-bishops-and-pope-francis-pastoral-style-725): In this interview, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, outgoing prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, speaks to EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, and Catholic News Agency’s Senior Rome Correspondent, Hannah Brockhaus, about the process of appointing bishops, the impact of Latin American culture on Pope Francis’ leadership, handling controversial topics, and the preparation of potential candidates for the episcopate. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on the inner workings of the Vatican and the Church’s pastoral mission.
- [Update on Pope Francis' Traditionis Custodes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/update-on-pope-francis-traditionis-custodes-724): In 2021, Pope Francis caused controversy with his motu proprio, Traditionis Custodes, which severely restricted the celebration of Holy Mass in the Tridentine rite. Recently, on February 21, 2023, the Holy Father published a rescript to clarify some points that had caused difficulties in the application of the motu proprio. In this video, Msgr. Markus Graulich SDB, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, explains the new developments and sheds light on the background of Traditionis Custodes, including the concerns of Pope Francis about the celebration of the extraordinary form and its relation to the Second Vatican Council.
- [Vatican News: Attacks on Clergy, Disney Special with Pope Francis & Vatican Embassy Close Nicaragua](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-attacks-on-clergy-disney-special-with-pope-francis-and-vatican-embassy-close-nicaragua-723): In this week’s Vaticano Updates, we cover the most important news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. Learn about the recent attack on a bishop and two priests in Jerusalem, the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War, the upcoming Disney+ special with the Pope, the closure of the Vatican’s diplomatic headquarters in Nicaragua, and the anniversary of the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments in the Catholic Church and beyond.
- [Human Rights Abuses in Nicaragua Prompt the Vatican to Close Its Embassy There](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/human-rights-abuses-in-nicaragua-prompt-the-vatican-to-close-its-embassy-there-722): Nicaragua’s government, led by President Daniel Ortega, continues to escalate its efforts to silence those who speak out against his regime. His targets include the Catholic Church and Church leaders. The moves have prompted the Vatican to close its embassy and now US lawmakers have taken note. New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith, who is a leading Congressional voice on human rights, chaired a hearing looking deeper into the crisis. He says that he hopes the testimony will highlight the abuse by Nicaraguan President Ortega and his government and pressure the Biden Administration and other world leaders to act.  Congressman Smith […]
- [Pope Francis Among World Leaders Marking Today, World Water Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-among-world-leaders-marking-today-world-water-day-721): Pope Francis is among the world leaders marking today as global World Water Day. Established in 1993, this day celebrates creation and raises awareness of the 2 billion people living without access to safe drinking water. The Holy Father says he is praying for the success of a UN conference on water, taking place this week in New York. Senior Advocacy Officer for Food Security at Caritas Internationalis, Musamba Mubanga, joins to tell us more about World Water Day and why it started.  At the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis spoke about World Water Day. Mubanga shares what […]
- [A consistory by the end of 2023?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/consistory-by-the-end-of-2023-720): By the end of the year, the number of cardinal electors in a future conclave will drop to 114 from the current 123. Nine cardinals will turn 80 in the coming months, thus losing their chance to participate in a forthcoming papal election. Making predictions about Pope Francis – it is well-known – is virtually impossible. However, IF the pontiff decides to preside over a new consistory during 2023, in that case, two possible dates could be either the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul – June 29 – or the Solemnity of Christ the King, which this […]
- [Pope Francis puts a priest, three religious women, and two laywomen on path for sainthood](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-puts-a-priest-three-religious-women-and-two-laywomen-on-path-for-sainthood-719): Pope Francis on Thursday declared a priest, three religious sisters, and two laywomen as venerable servants of God, moving them each a step closer to canonization. “Venerable” is the title given to a candidate for sainthood whose cause has not yet reached the beatification stage but whose heroic virtue has been declared by the pope. Each now needs a miracle attributed to his or her intercession to be approved by the Vatican in order to be beatified. Here are their stories: Father Carlo Crespi Croci (1891–1982)   Father Carlo Crespi Croci served as a priest for the Salesian Society of St. John […]
- [Prosecutors drop case of alleged ‘cover up’ against Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/prosecutors-drop-case-of-alleged-cover-up-against-benedict-xvi-718): A potential legal case against Pope Benedict XVI over his handling of abuse during his time as archbishop of Munich has been dropped. The public prosecutor’s office in Munich said on Tuesday it had “discontinued its investigations” against Cardinals Joseph Ratzinger and Friedrich Wetter, reported CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner. The accusations had been investigated in the wake of the Munich abuse report, which raised allegations that “there could be misconduct on the part of Church officials in positions of responsibility.” Cardinal Ratzinger, who would later become Pope Benedict XVI, served as archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1977 […]
- [Discovering Pier Giorgio Frassati: Film sheds light on humanity, holiness of Italian blessed](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/discovering-pier-giorgio-frassati-film-sheds-light-on-humanity-holiness-of-italian-blessed-717): That Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati liked to go mountain climbing is not a surprise to those who know even a little about the 20th-century Italian youth’s story. “To the Top,” a new docudrama produced in cooperation with EWTN, uses this aspect of the blessed’s life as a focal point to better understand both Frassati’s humanity and his holiness. “Pier Giorgio Frassati was one of these strong and powerful figures that we could really present to the audience of EWTN,” the film’s writer and director, Daniela Gurrieri, told EWTN News during production in August 2022. “The audience will discover many aspects […]
- [Pope Francis invites Catholics to renew consecration to Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-invites-catholics-to-renew-consecration-to-immaculate-heart-of-mary-on-march-25-716): Pope Francis has invited Catholics to annually renew an act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25. The solemnity of the Annunciation on Saturday marks one year since Pope Francis consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Blessed Virgin Mary in St. Peter’s Basilica with a prayer asking for peace in the world. At the end of his general audience on March 22, the pope recalled his historic act of consecration and called on parish communities and prayer groups to annually renew the Marian consecration. “Saturday will mark the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, and […]
- [Pope Francis' Message on World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2023 to focus on right to stay](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-message-on-world-day-of-migrants-and-refugees-2023-to-focus-on-right-to-stay-715): The 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on 24 September, we will focus on the right to choose migration as an option for livelihood and personal development. This year’s theme, “Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay,” emphasizes the right to be able to remain in one’s homeland, a right that has not yet been codified by international law.
- [Gänswein to Costa Rica? Doubts about news of new position for Benedict XVI's secretary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/gaenswein-to-costa-rica-doubts-about-news-of-new-position-for-benedict-xvis-secretary-714): The news caused excitement, but sources in the Vatican have cast doubt on a report that Pope Francis will appoint Archbishop Georg Gänswein as the next Vatican ambassador to Costa Rica, according to CNA Deutsch. The Spanish news site “Religión Digital” reported on Tuesday that Benedict XVI’s long-time private secretary will take over the post of Apostolic Nuncio in the Central American nation. According to “ecclesiastical sources”, the Holy See contacted the country’s authorities last week regarding this appointment, the online portal reported. Due to its history, Costa Rica is a strongly Catholic country, whose roots date back to the […]
- [Pope Francis: Christian witness requires consistency between how one lives and what one proclaims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-christian-witness-requires-consistency-between-how-one-lives-and-what-one-proclaims-713): To effectively witness to the Gospel, Christians need to be consistent in what they believe, how they live, and what they preach, Pope Francis said Wednesday. “The witness of an authentically Christian life involves a journey to holiness,” Pope Francis said on March 22. Speaking at his weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square, the pope underlined that Christian witness must include “professed faith” of what the Church teaches that transforms both one’s relationships and “the values that determine our choices.” “Witness, therefore, cannot be separated from consistency between what one believes, what one proclaims, and how one lives,” he said. […]
- [The Holy Family's Journey to Egypt & its Growing Popularity for Christians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-familys-journey-to-egypt-and-its-growing-popularity-for-christians-712): The Pontifical Oriental Institute recently organized a conference in Rome that delved into the story of the Holy family’s journey to Egypt, and its contemporary significance. Professor Paolo Branca, a member of the Karol Wojtyla International Association, moderated a discussion at the conference, which examined the presence of the Holy family and Jesus in Egypt. Egypt has historically been a place of refuge for many, including the Holy family who fled there to escape King Herod. Today, Egypt remains a welcoming place for migrants, and it is becoming increasingly popular as a Christian pilgrimage destination. The conference also discussed spiritual […]
- [Vatican’s ambassador during Iraq war: Under Saddam Hussein ‘the Church was respected’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-ambassador-during-iraq-war-under-saddam-hussein-the-church-was-respected-711): The papal nuncio who served in Iraq at the time of the U.S. invasion 20 years ago told Vatican News that Christians in Iraq were worse off after Saddam Hussein was removed from power. Cardinal Fernando Filoni was appointed by Pope John Paul II in 2001 as the Vatican’s ambassador to Iraq and Jordan. He told Vatican News that when war broke out on March 20, 2003, he remained at his post at the papal nunciature in Baghdad. “I remember this period as one of the most tough periods of my life,” Filoni said. “This was the moment in which […]
- [Meet the new Nigerian secretary for the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-new-nigerian-secretary-for-the-vatican-dicastery-for-evangelization-710): From a childhood as a war refugee to a career as a Holy See diplomat, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu will now take on a new leadership role in one of the most important dicasteries in the Roman Curia. The Nigerian archbishop was recently appointed by Pope Francis as a secretary for the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization. The dicastery is tasked with “the work of evangelization, so that Christ, the light of the nations, may be known and witnessed to by word and deed, and the Church, his mystical body, may be built up.” In an interview with EWTN last week, Nwachukwu, […]
- [Disney doc features Pope Francis’ talk with Gen Z on LGBTQ issues, abortion, and more](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/disney-doc-features-pope-francis-talk-with-gen-z-on-lgbtq-issues-abortion-and-more-709): Disney will release a new documentary April 5 titled “The Pope Answers,” airing an extended conversation between Pope Francis and 10 members of Generation Z, discussing the Church’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues, abortion, clergy abuse, feminism, and more. Shot in Rome and directed by left-leaning Spanish filmmakers Jordi Évole and Marius Sanchez, the documentary is entirely in Spanish and will be released exclusively on Hulu in the U.S. Évole’s production company Producciones del Barrio (Neighborhood Productions) is known for such documentaries as “Mr. Trump, Pardon the Interruption,” investigating the impact of Trump’s border policies on Hispanic communities, and “What You […]
- [Secretary of Benedict XVI explains why he destroyed his personal documents](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/secretary-of-benedict-xvi-explains-why-he-destroyed-his-personal-documents-708): Monsignor Georg Gänswein, the personal secretary of Pope Benedict XVI for decades, explained that he destroyed the late Pontiff’s most confidential and private documents due to an explicit request from him. In statements to Italian media on Sunday, March 19, the German Archbishop also clarified that there are no unpublished writings of Pope Emeritus and that the last one was Benedict XVI’s book published posthumously under the title “What is Christianity.” “A shame? Yes, I also told him, but he gave me this indication that there is no turning back. There are no unpublished writings left,” said Monsignor Gänswein. The […]
- [The Holy Stairs of Rome: Climbing the Pilate's Stairs on Your Knees](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-stairs-of-rome-climbing-the-pilates-stairs-on-your-knees-707): Rome is a city full of religious and cultural treasures that have endured over time, but one of the most important is often overlooked. Tucked away on the right side of the Basilica of St. John Lateran is a building that holds one of the most significant relics in all of Christianity – the Holy Stairs. Christian tradition holds that Jesus Christ climbed these stairs before his crucifixion, and they led to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. For the first time in 300 years, the bare marble stairs have been uncovered a few days before Easter. Now, they […]
- [Vatican Largely Silent as China Forces Catholics to ‘Adapt to Socialist Society’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-largely-silent-as-china-forces-catholics-to-adapt-to-socialist-society-706): As the Chinese Communist Party continues to enforce its Sinicization program, placing ever tighter controls on religions and co-opting them to promote Marxist doctrine, the Vatican remains largely silent publicly despite the program’s total incompatibility with the Catholic faith. In an address on March 5 to open China’s National People’s Congress, outgoing Chinese Premier Li Keqiang boasted of how much the Sinicization of religions has been implemented, saying it has been carried out “gradually” and stressing the necessity that the CCP “actively guide religions to adapt to socialist society.” The overall goal of Sinicization is the forcible acculturation and assimilation […]
- [Pontifical University organizes meetings for young people in preparation for WYD 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-university-organizes-meetings-for-young-people-in-preparation-for-wyd-2023-705): The Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome (Italy), through the Faith and Culture Center “Alberto Hurtado,” will host several lectures in preparation for the upcoming World Youth Day, which will take place from August 1st to 6th in Lisbon (Portugal). In collaboration with the Embassy of Portugal to the Holy See, the Gregorian University will hold three meetings where several Cardinals will dialogue with various personalities. The first one will take place next Friday, March 31st, and will feature the participation of Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, who will speak on the topic […]
- [Mons. Gänswein seeks Benedict XVI's 5 heir cousins](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mons-gaenswein-seeks-benedict-xvis-5-heir-cousins-704): Five German cousins of Benedict XVI are the direct heirs to the private properties of the Emeritus Pope, who passed away on December 31, 2022. This was confirmed by his former personal secretary, Mons. Georg Gänswein, to Italian media after a Mass held in Rome, Italy last Sunday, at the parish of Santa Maria Consolatrice, the Church of which Cardinal Ratzinger was titular. The archbishop explained that he thought there were two direct heirs. However, he was surprised to learn that there are three more, previously unknown. “This has been very interesting for me. I thought I had two relatives, […]
- [LIVE | General Audience with Pope Francis | 22nd March 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-general-audience-with-pope-francis-703): LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square
- [The last diplomat from the Vatican leaves Nicaragua](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/last-diplomat-from-the-vatican-leaves-nicaragua-701): The Holy See reported on Saturday that the Vatican’s diplomatic headquarters in Nicaragua was forced to close. “Yesterday, March 17, the chargé d’affaires of the apostolic nunciature in Nicaragua, Monsignor Marcel Diouf, left the country for Costa Rica. The closure of the diplomatic headquarters of the Holy See occurred as a result of a request from the Nicaraguan government on March 10, 2023,” Vatican News reported. The Vatican news outlet indicated that “by virtue of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, custody of the apostolic nunciature and its assets was entrusted to the Italian Republic.” “Before his departure, Diouf was […]
- [Pope Francis Praises the Work of Humanitarian Group with Migrants & Refugees](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praises-the-work-of-humanitarian-group-with-migrants-and-refugees-700): Pope Francis praised the work being done by one group on behalf of migrants and refugees. In a meeting over the weekend at the Vatican, the Holy Father said a lot is being done by the Humanitarian Corridors project. He says it is protecting the vulnerable and breaking down the walls of indifference. The initiative is organized by Catholic and Evangelical groups, the Church in Italy and various governments in Europe. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, joins to tell us more about this audience. He explains why the situation is so problematic and shares more about the illegal migration […]
- [Pope Francis’ Impact on the Digital Landscape](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-impact-on-the-digital-landscape-699): It was almost two thousand years ago that St. Paul the Apostle stood in ancient Athens, and boldly proclaimed the Gospel.   The proclamation of the Gospel is inseparably part of the DNA of the Church. This has not changed over the years. What has changed, however, are the means of communication.  For centuries, popes could communicate mainly by writings. In 1931, that changed when Pius XI founded the “Vatican Radio” station. For the first time, people around the world could hear the voice of Peter’s successor over the radio.  Almost 50 years later, Pope John Paul II founded the Vatican […]
- [Celebrating 10 Years of Pope Francis: His Impact on the World](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/celebrating-10-years-of-pope-francis-his-impact-on-the-world-698): On March 13, 2013, Pope Francis was elected as the new head of the Catholic Church. This marked a historic moment in the Church’s history, and over the last ten years, Pope Francis has traveled the world, advocating for the poor, challenging injustices, and promoting interreligious dialogue. In this video, we explore the impact of Pope Francis’s papacy and his contributions to the Church, including his efforts towards reforming the Curia and integrating the principle of synodality. Join us as we celebrate ten years of Pope Francis’s leadership and reflect on his legacy.
- [The Atlas of Pope Francis: Exploring His Geopolitical Approach and International Impact](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/atlas-of-pope-francis-exploring-his-geopolitical-approach-and-international-impact-697): Join us as we delve into Father Antonio Spadaro’s new book, “The Atlas of Francis. Vatican and International Politics,” which examines the extraordinary vision and geopolitical approach of Pope Francis. We’ll explore the Holy Father’s actions through his apostolic journeys, synodal events, and international policy, and discuss how he has become the only moral leader figure of global impact in a world plagued by war and apocalyptic perspectives.  We’ll also hear from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Holy See, and Giorgia Meloni, the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, on the importance […]
- [The Inspiring Life of Blessed Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inspiring-life-of-blessed-cardinal-stefan-wyszynski-696): Join us for a journey through the life of Blessed Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, the former Primate of Poland, in our newly released docudrama, “Tu Amerai” (You shall Love). The film showcases the major chapters of Cardinal Wyszyński’s life, highlighting his heroic role in defending the faith and the faithful during the Communist regime. Without Cardinal Wyszyński, there would be no John Paul II, and this film emphasizes the important role he had in mentoring the young Cardinal Wojtyła and laying the groundwork for Poland’s liberation from communism.  Join Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, […]
- [St. Patrick's Church in Rome Becomes the Parish for the American Community](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-patricks-church-in-rome-becomes-the-parish-for-the-american-community-695): Two miles from the Vatican is the Church of St. Patrick in Rome, the parish of the American Community living in the city. The parish for U.S. residents and American Pilgrims to Rome is just a few blocks away from the U.S. Embassy to Italy. The Church, built in the Neo-Renaissance style, was founded in 1911, thanks to the work of Fr. Patrick Glynn, an Irish Augustinian from Limerick. The façade is covered with Romanesque-Byzantine motifs. The interior has three naves and a coffered ceiling. The mosaics that adorn the Church were made by the early-20th century artist Rodolfo Villani […]
- [Apostolic Nuncio on the Tenth Anniversary of Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/apostolic-nuncio-on-the-tenth-anniversary-of-pope-francis-694): This week marks the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ election as leader of the Catholic Church. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, reflects on the Holy Father’s impact in his first ten years. Hosted by Montse Alvarado, EWTN News In Depth welcomes guests in a discussion of current events in the Church, politics, and culture, all through the lens of the Catholic faith. The show airs on EWTN Fridays at 8pm ET. It re-airs on Saturdays at 1am ET & Sundays at 11am ET
- [Pope Francis: The differences of others are an occasion to love better](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-differences-of-others-are-an-occasion-to-love-better-693): We should treat the physical and social differences of others as a chance to love, not as an inconvenience, Pope Francis said in his Angelus address on Sunday. The pope’s weekly message focused on the day’s Gospel reading, which recounts Jesus’ miraculous healing of the blind man. Francis pointed out the reactions of the different characters in the story and invited people to reflect on how they might respond in a similar situation. “How do we welcome the difficulties and differences of others? How do we welcome the people who have many limitations in life, either physical like this blind […]
- [Fatherhood: A Crucial Role in Our Society](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fatherhood-a-crucial-role-in-our-society-692): In this video, we delve into the importance of fatherhood in today’s society and the lessons we can learn from St. Joseph, patron saint of fathers. According to the United States Census Bureau, nearly twenty million children grow up without their fathers, and the absence of father figures in the home has led to young children and teens displaying an increase in depression, anxiety, and social isolation. To better understand the current crisis in families today and what men in particular can learn from St. Joseph’s example, we spoke with Msgr. Pietro Bongiovanni, priest at the Sanctuary of San Salvatore […]
- [LIVE from the Vatican | Angelus with Pope Francis | March 19th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-angelus-with-pope-francis-march-19th-2023-691): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Angelus prayer led by Pope Francis. Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are! Images – Vatican Media
- [Pope Francis hears confessions at Roman parish: God lifts us up when we hit ‘rock bottom’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-hears-confessions-at-roman-parish-god-lifts-us-up-when-we-hit-rock-bottom-690): Pope Francis heard confessions at a parish in Rome on Friday and encouraged people to remember that God “holds out his hand and lifts us up whenever we realize that we are ‘hitting rock bottom.’” In the presence of eucharistic adoration, the pope presided over a Lenten penitential service on March 17 to open “24 Hours for the Lord,” an initiative in which certain Catholic churches around the world will remain open 24 consecutive hours with round-the-clock confession and adoration. “Brothers, sisters, let us remember this: The Lord comes to us when we step back from our  presumptuous ego. … […]
- [LIVE | Pope Francis' Audience to Refugee Families through Humanitarian Corridors | March 18th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-audience-to-refugee-families-through-humanitarian-corridors-march-18th-2023-689): LIVE from Paul VI Hall | Join us for Pope Francis’ Audience to Refugee Families through Humanitarian Corridors. Credit Vatican Media
- [No, Pope Francis didn’t really hint that the requirement for priestly celibacy will be lifted](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/no-pope-francis-didnt-really-hint-that-the-requirement-for-priestly-celibacy-will-be-lifted-688): On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his election to the See of Peter, Pope Francis sat down with Infobae — a news agency from Argentina — to reminisce about his pontificate and to discuss issues affecting the Church and the world. During the interview, he said: “There is no contradiction for a priest to marry.” He called priestly celibacy “a temporary prescription” and said that it’s a prescription that could be reviewed. The Holy Father made clear what he meant by his words. He said that celibacy is a “temporary prescription” inasmuch as “it is not eternal like priestly […]
- [LIVE | '24 Hours for the Lord': Celebration of Reconciliation with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-24-hours-for-the-lord-celebration-of-reconciliation-with-pope-francis-687): LIVE | Join us for the ‘24 Hours for the Lord’, the Celebration of Reconciliation presided over by Pope Francis from the San Giuseppe al Trionfale Parish, in Rome.
- [Pope expresses concern over Lebanon crisis after meeting with prime minister](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-expresses-concern-over-lebanon-crisis-after-meeting-with-prime-minister-686): Pope Francis and other high authorities of the Vatican met with Najib Mikati, the interim Prime Minister of Lebanon, to discuss, among other topics, the unprecedented socioeconomic crisis facing the country and the urgency of holding new elections. The Holy See Press Office reported on March 16 that during a meeting at the Secretariat of State, “the Holy See’s concern for the difficult socioeconomic situation that the Lebanese population is experiencing” was reiterated. In recent years, corruption, political stalemate, and economic collapse have plunged three-quarters of Lebanon’s six million inhabitants, including one million Syrian refugees, into poverty. Aid to the […]
- [Why did Pope Francis choose St. Joseph's Day to begin his pontificate?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-did-pope-francis-choose-st-josephs-day-to-begin-his-pontificate-685): Ten years ago, Pope Francis began his pontificate on the Solemnity of St. Joseph. In this note, we explain why the Pontiff chose this date, its close relationship with the Holy Custodian, some of his reflections, and how he has contributed to spreading devotion to St. Joseph, especially now that the Church celebrates the Year of St. Joseph called by the Holy Father. On December 8, 2020, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis published the apostolic letter Patris corde (With a Father’s Heart) on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as Patron […]
- [G.K. Chesterton's Life and Work Permeates Classrooms Nationwide](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/gk-chestertons-life-and-work-permeates-classrooms-nationwide-684): The life and work of a beloved Catholic author is continuing in the classroom. The Chesterton Schools Network, named for G.K. Chesterton, began in 2013. It seeks to help Catholic schools establish a classical education model and the Network is now part of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton. Currently, more than 100 of its students are on a pilgrimage to Rome. Joining us tonight is Dale Ahlquist, President of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton, who shares more about the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton and their Catholic schools. He also gives us insight into their motto, ‘Culture of […]
- [Exploring the Holy Relics of the Passion of Christ in Rome's Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/exploring-the-holy-relics-of-the-passion-of-christ-in-romes-basilica-of-the-holy-cross-in-jerusalem-683): Welcome to our latest video tour of the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem! In this video, we take you on a journey through the chapel of the relics, where the most important and symbolic relics of the passion of Jesus Christ are kept.  For centuries, the popes would walk barefoot to pay homage to these relics on Good Friday, and today, people from all over the world come to kneel and pray in front of them.  In the small chapel of the relics, you can find the precious reliquaries that house the holy relics, including a fragment of […]
- [Why Did the Order of the Holy Sepulchre Choose Four Seasons to Manage Historic Landmark in Rome?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-did-the-order-of-the-holy-sepulchre-choose-four-seasons-to-manage-historic-landmark-in-rome-682): The iconic Palazzo della Rovere in Rome is about to reopen its doors to pilgrims and tourists, five years after the departure of the former managing company of the place, the Columbus Hotel, in 2018. The Order of the Holy Sepulchre (OESSH), owner of the palace — which is also its headquarters — has just entrusted its management to the international hotel group Fort Partners-Four Seasons. The order’s decision was anticipated in the Italian press last May, when three candidates were still in the running to take over the premises. The agreement, signed by both parts March 10, received the […]
- [A Via Crucis on Ponte Sant'Angelo in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/via-crucis-on-ponte-santangelo-in-rome-681):   For centuries, Rome has been a destination for those seeking spiritual renewal and connection with the Christian faith. As the birthplace of Christianity, Rome holds great significance to the Catholic Church and attracts pilgrims, tourists, and world leaders alike. One of the most stunning displays of the city’s religious heritage can be found on the Saint Angelo Bridge, where ten statues of angels holding instruments of the Passion were sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century. Each statue portrays a different expression, from serenity to compassion and pity, as pilgrims contemplate the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. In […]
- [Eucharistic Adoration at the Vatican & Pope on Gender Ideology](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-catholic-universities-and-gender-ideology-680): Join us for this week’s Vaticano Updates as we bring you the most important news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. In this episode, we’ll cover Cardinal Michael Czerny’s call for Catholic universities to respond to environmental issues, Pope Francis’ 10th-anniversary celebrations with a private Mass and a ‘popecast,’ his stance on gender ideology, and his comments on the imprisonment of Nicaraguan bishop. We’ll also discuss St. Peter’s Basilica’s new monthly eucharistic adoration on its front portico. Don’t miss this informative episode!
- [Secrets Revealed: Inside the Vatican Apostolic Archives](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/secrets-revealed-inside-the-vatican-apostolic-archives-679): In a special episode of Vaticano, Fr. Mitch Pacwa takes viewers on a journey through the Vatican Apostolic Archives. The episode aims to debunk the myths surrounding the archive, such as the idea that it houses dark secrets of the Church and the popes. Instead, it explores the archive’s role as an instrument of governance at the service of the Pope, the Holy See, and the Curia. The Vatican Apostolic Archives has a unique place in the world of document centers due to the chronological continuity of the documentary heritage it holds. With over 650 archive collections and 85 kilometers […]
- [Cardinal Parolin & Italian PM attend book presentation on the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-and-italian-pm-attend-book-presentation-on-the-vatican-678): On the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ election, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended at the presentation of a book on the Vatican and international politics. During his speech, Cardinal Parolin spoke of the “diplomacy of mercy” carried out over the past ten years by the Pope that allows the Holy See to play an impartial role in the international arena.  EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, joins to tell us more about this conference with the intervention also of Italian Prime Minister Meloni who recently met with Pope Francis. The situation in […]
- [Exploring the Unique Baroque Art and Spiritual Symbolism of Chiesa del Gesù in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/exploring-the-unique-baroque-art-and-spiritual-symbolism-of-chiesa-del-gesu-in-rome-677): Ascension of Faith: Exploring the Baroque Marvel of Chiesa del Gesù's Altar
- [The five stages of Pope Francis with the Patriarchs of the East](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/five-stages-of-pope-francis-with-the-patriarchs-of-the-east-676): On March 13, 2013, the world met Pope Benedict XVI’s successor, the new Supreme Pontiff, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who took the name, Francis. The Holy Father appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, greeting the crowd gathered in the square, and then began his pontifical itinerary. On the tenth anniversary of his election, we remember some of his most important meetings with the Catholic and Orthodox patriarchs of the East. Bartholomew at his inauguration Mass Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended Francis’ inauguration ceremony on March 19 of the same year. That day was historic for ecumenical relations, as it was […]
- [The Vatican responds to the decision of the German Church to bless homosexual unions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-responds-to-the-decision-of-the-german-church-to-bless-homosexual-unions-675): Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, rejected the decision of the Catholic Church in Germany to bless homosexual couples. The Cardinal made this statement in Rome during the presentation of the book “L’Atlante di Francesco. Vaticano e politica internazionale” (The Atlas of Francis: Vatican and International Politics) by Father Antonio Spadaro, director of the Jesuit magazine La Civiltà Cattolica. According to Vatican News, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni also participated in the March 14 presentation. Cardinal Parolin told journalists at the Jesuit headquarters that the Holy See had already expressed itself clearly on the matter. The Vatican’s Secretary […]
- [Pope Francis Discusses Volunteering with Missionary Group, Mision America](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-discusses-volunteering-with-missionary-group-mision-america-674): Pope Francis reminded the faithful that we are called to be missionaries. The Holy Father made the remarks late last week while meeting with members of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference and a group called Mision America. Pope Francis stressed that Jesus was sent by the Father and now sends us. Volunteer at Mision America, Maria De Juan Alvarez, joins to tell us more about this audience with the Pope and what the Holy Father said to her. Speaking of her organization, Alvarez is mainly focused on aid and development of countries in Latin America and Africa. She shares how Mision […]
- [PHOTOS: Nighttime eucharistic adoration in St. Peter’s Square](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-nighttime-eucharistic-adoration-in-st-peters-square-673): The Vatican held its first monthly eucharistic adoration in the area in front of St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday night. The first monthly eucharistic adoration in St. Peter’s Square, March 14, 2023. Daniel Ibanez/CNA     The March adoration was led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, OFM Conv, who is the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica. The holy hour was offered for Pope Francis in light of his 10th anniversary as pope. Eucharistic adoration at the Vatican on March 14, 2023, included music, Scripture readings, and prayers. Daniel Ibanez/CNA   Cardinal Mauro Gambetti lifts the Eucharist during benediction at the end […]
- [Pope Francis: A Christian life based on achieving higher positions is ‘pure paganism’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-a-christian-life-based-on-achieving-higher-positions-is-pure-paganism-672): Pope Francis said Wednesday that everyone in the Church is equal in dignity, thus a focus on hierarchical advancement is “pure paganism.” “Within the framework of the unity of the mission, the diversity of charisms and ministries must not give rise, within the ecclesial body, to privileged categories,” the pope said at his March 15 general audience in St. Peter’s Square. “There is no promotion here, and when you conceive of the Christian life as an advancement, that the one above commands others, because he has succeeded in climbing, that is not Christianity,” he said. “That is pure paganism.” At […]
- [Historic building near Vatican to become Four Seasons hotel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/historic-building-near-vatican-to-become-four-seasons-hotel-671): A Catholic order of knighthood has signed a leasing agreement that will allow a Four Seasons hotel to manage part of a historic building close to the Vatican. The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem signed an agreement with Fort Partners, a Miami-based development company, on March 10, according to a statement published Tuesday. The lease to Fort Partners includes an agreement to use that part of the building for a hotel under the management of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The other part of the building houses the headquarters of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. […]
- [‘Several’ French Bishops Ask Pope to Reformulate Catholic Doctrine on Homosexuality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/several-french-bishops-ask-pope-to-reformulate-catholic-doctrine-on-homosexuality-670): Some French bishops are “discreetly” rewriting the Catholic Church’s doctrine about homosexuality, according to a recent report by the daily newspaper La Croix, which refers to an internal movement within the local Church that wants to make “more audible” the way this topic is addressed.  The March 3 La Croix article states that the initiative stems from the French bishops’ ad limina visit to Rome in September 2021, during which some of them questioned the then-president of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Luis Ladaria, and subsequently Pope Francis himself, about paragraphs in the Catechism of the […]
- [Catholic universities should do more to respond to environmental issues, Vatican cardinal says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-universities-should-do-more-to-respond-to-environmental-issues-vatican-cardinal-says-668): The cardinal who is seen as Pope Francis’ point man on the environment said in an address at Gonzaga University last week that universities, especially Catholic universities, have a major role to play in constructing a plan to “care for our common home.” Canadian Jesuit Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, spoke at his alma mater in Spokane, Washington, on March 9. Noting that Catholics are called to celebrate nature as an “expression of the love of a personal God, who brought the universe into being,” Czerny said Pope Francis invites us to follow […]
- [A timeline of Pope Francis’ 10 years as pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/timeline-of-pope-francis-10-years-as-pope-667): Today marks the 10th anniversary of the election of Pope Francis as the 265th successor of St. Peter. Here is a timeline of key events during his papacy: 2013 March 13 — About two weeks after Pope Benedict XVI steps down from the papacy, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio is elected pope. He takes the papal name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi and proclaims from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica: “Let us begin this journey, the bishop and people, this journey of the Church of Rome, which presides in charity over all the Churches, a journey of […]
- [Pope Francis celebrates Mass, records ‘popecast’ for 10th anniversary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-mass-records-popecast-for-10th-anniversary-666): Pope Francis marked his 10th anniversary as pope Monday with a private Mass with cardinals and an appearance on what Vatican News has dubbed a “popecast.” The nine-minute podcast, released only in Italian, was published on the Vatican News website and on Spotify. “It seems like yesterday,” Francis said, referring to his election to the papacy on March 13, 2013. “The time is ‘pressurous,’” he continued, making up a word in Italian. “It’s in a hurry. And when you want to seize today, it is already yesterday.” These past 10 years were lived in this tension, he added. Pope Francis’ […]
- [In Poland, lawmakers condemn disputed report about John Paul II abuse cover-up](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-poland-lawmakers-condemn-disputed-report-about-john-paul-ii-abuse-cover-up-665): Polish lawmakers denounced a documentary alleging that when he was a cardinal and archbishop in Poland, Pope St. John Paul II covered up alleged child sexual abuse committed by priests. “There are those who are trying to stir up not a military conflict, but a culture war here in Poland,” Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in a video posted to Twitter March 8. “I stand in defense of our beloved pope, like most of my fellow citizens, because I know that as a nation we owe a lot to John Paul.” On Thursday, Poland’s Parliament passed a resolution in defense […]
- [Report: Nicaragua closes Vatican embassy in Managua, Nicaraguan embassy to Holy See](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/report-nicaragua-closes-vatican-embassy-in-managua-nicaraguan-embassy-to-holy-see-664): The president of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, has ordered the closing of the Vatican embassy in Managua and the Nicaraguan embassy to the Holy See in Rome, according to Reuters. The government of Nicaragua said March 12 the closures were a “suspension” of diplomatic ties with the Holy See, not an official breaking. The decision to close the two embassies follows just days after Pope Francis likened Nicaragua’s Sandinista government to Nazi Germany in an interview. He also called Ortega “unstable.” The Nicaraguan government expelled the Vatican ambassador from the country one year ago, a decision the Vatican called at the […]
- [The dream of Gerontius, music unites UK and the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dream-of-gerontius-music-unites-uk-and-the-vatican-875): "Dream of Gerontius" Concert in Rome - A Musical Meditation on the Fate of the Christian Soul
- [The Digital Pope: How Pope Francis is Using Social Media to Evangelize](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/digital-pope-how-pope-francis-is-using-social-media-to-evangelize-874): The Digital Pope
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis says he will travel to Mongolia & Defends St. John Paul II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-says-he-will-travel-to-mongolia-and-defends-st-john-paul-ii-873): Stay up-to-date with the latest news from Pope Francis and the Vatican with this week's Vaticano Updates.
- [Vatican Museums Nights are Back: Experience the Beauty and History of Art](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-museums-nights-are-back-experience-the-beauty-and-history-of-art-872): Night at the Vatican Museums
- [Vatican Secretary of State speaks out on the Case of Emanuela Orlandi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-secretary-of-state-speaks-out-on-the-case-of-emanuela-orlandi-871): Cardinal Pietro Parolin
- [Italian Government and Holy See Discuss Organization of Jubilee 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-government-and-holy-see-discuss-organization-of-jubilee-2025-870): Representatives from the Italian government and the Holy See recently met to discuss the upcoming Jubilee 2025, which will be celebrated in Rome by the universal Church.
- [Pope Francis Invites Survivors to Share Their Experience on Clergy Sex Abuse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-invites-survivors-to-share-their-experience-on-clergy-sex-abuse-869): Pope Francis urges journalists to promote truth and cooperation in addressing Church sex abuse scandals
- [Papal Foundation visits Rome, marks 35 years and $200 million in donations to the poor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-foundation-visits-rome-marks-35-years-and-200-million-in-donations-to-the-poor-868): Pope Francis meets members of the Papal Foundation in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall, April 28, 2022.
- [Pope Francis donates relic of the true cross for King Charles’ coronation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-donates-relic-of-the-true-cross-for-king-charles-coronation-867): A fragment on the true cross on which Jesus was condemned to death.
- [Pope Francis: ‘Every Christian is called to the witness of life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-every-christian-is-called-to-the-witness-of-life-866): Pope Francis ' general audience of April 19, 2023
- [LIVE from Rome: Holy Mass Commemorating Mother Angelica's 100th Birth Anniversary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-rome-holy-mass-commemorating-mother-angelicas-100th-birth-anniversary-864): Join EWTN's special Holy Mass as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mother Angelica, the beloved foundress of EWTN.
- [Here’s how Pope Francis could influence the choice of his successor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/heres-how-pope-francis-could-influence-the-choice-of-his-successor-863): Pope Francis delivered an address before praying the Regina Caeli on Divine Mercy Sunday April 16, 2023.
- [Opus Dei Prelate explains two essential criteria for the renewal of its Statutes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/opus-dei-prelate-explains-two-essential-criteria-for-the-renewal-of-its-statutes-862): Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz, Opus Dei Prelate.
- [French bishops vote to open sainthood cause of Henri de Lubac](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/french-bishops-vote-to-open-sainthood-cause-of-henri-de-lubac-861): French bishops have voted to open the sainthood cause of 20th-century theologian Henri de Lubac. The French bishops’ conference announced on March 31 that the opening of de Lubac’s cause for beatification was approved during the bishops’ plenary assembly in Lourdes. De Lubac is considered by many to be one of the most important theologians of the 20th century. The French Jesuit priest was a leading thinker in the ressourcement school of thought that encouraged a return to the writings of the Church Fathers in Catholic theology. He also founded the Communio journal together with Joseph Ratzinger and Hans Urs […]
- [On a day like today, 18 years ago, Benedict XVI was elected Pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/on-a-day-like-today-18-years-ago-benedict-xvi-was-elected-pope-860): On a day like today, 18 years ago, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected as the 265th successor of Saint Peter and presented to the world as Pope Benedict XVI. In his first words, the now-deceased Pope defined himself as a “simple and humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord.” “The fact that the Lord knows how to work and to act even with inadequate instruments comforts me, and above all, I entrust myself to your prayers. Let us move forward in the joy of the Risen Lord, confident of his unfailing help. The Lord will help us, and Mary, […]
- [Hungarian Ambassador Highlights Strong Christian Faith Ahead of Pope Francis Visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hungarian-ambassador-to-the-holy-see-sheds-light-on-pope-francis-upcoming-visit-and-hungarys-strong-christian-faith-859): The Hungarian Ambassador to the Holy See, Eduard Habsburg, sheds light on Hungary's strong Christian faith, coexistence of different Christian churches, and humanitarian work in an exclusive interview, as Pope Francis prepares for his upcoming visit to the country.
- [Pope Francis appoints Nigerian priest as sub-secretary of important Dicastery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-nigerian-priest-as-sub-secretary-of-important-dicastery-858): Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo, a Nigerian priest, as the new sub-secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Monsignor Ekpo was previously an official in the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State.
- [LIVE from the Vatican | General Audience with Pope Francis | April 19th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-general-audience-with-pope-francis-april-19th-2023-857): LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square.
- [Vatican creates an observatory to study possible apparitions of the Virgin Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-creates-observatory-to-study-possible-apparitions-of-virgin-mary-856): The Vatican creates an Observatory of apparitions and mystical phenomena linked to the Virgin Mary to study the various cases whose authenticity has not yet been approved by the Church.
- [Leading Vatican expert on child protection in the Catholic Church resigns citing lack of accountability and clarity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leading-vatican-expert-on-child-protection-in-the-catholic-church-resigns-citing-lack-of-accountability-and-clarity-855): Leading child protection expert in the Catholic Church, Father Hans Zollner, has resigned from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors after citing a lack of accountability, clarity, and organizational issues
- [Pope Francis introduces voting age limit for bishops of Eastern Catholic Churches](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-introduces-voting-age-limit-for-bishops-of-eastern-catholic-churches-854): Pope Francis meets participants in the plenary assembly of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches at the Vatican’s Clementine Hall, Feb. 18, 2022
- [Father Rupnik superior denies possible transfer of the priest from Rome to Milan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/father-rupnik-superior-denies-possible-transfer-of-the-priest-from-rome-to-milan-853): Father Marko Rupnik.
- [Discover the Vatican Museums at Night: Art, Music, and More](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/discover-the-vatican-museums-at-night-art-music-and-more-852): Explore the Beauty of the Vatican Museums by Night
- [Pope Francis: Jesus is found in the community of the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-jesus-is-found-in-the-community-of-the-catholic-church-850): Pope Francis delivered an address before praying the Regina Caeli on Divine Mercy Sunday April 16, 2023.
- [Pope Francis asks for prayers for Sudan as military factions battle for control](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-asks-for-prayers-for-sudan-as-military-factions-battle-for-control-849): Pope Francis at the Wednesday general audience on Dec. 28, 2022.
- [Pope Francis says he will travel to Mongolia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-he-will-travel-to-mongolia-848): Pope Francis greets pilgrims at the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on March 22, 2023.
- [The Vatican opens the wonders of its Vatican Gardens for Marian pilgrimages in May](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-opens-the-wonders-of-its-vatican-gardens-for-marian-pilgrimages-in-may-847): The Vatican Museums offers a series of Marian pilgrimages planned in the month of May in the Vatican Gardens, with the possibility of themed guided tours.
- [Pope Francis defends St. John Paul II against ‘offensive conjectures’ from brother of missing ‘Vatican girl’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-defends-st-john-paul-ii-against-offensive-conjectures-from-brother-of-missing-vatican-girl-846): Pope Francis on Sunday defended St. John Paul II against a recent accusation that the Polish pope secretly visited women at night. Speaking to the public on Divine Mercy Sunday, a day established by Pope John Paul II in 2000, Pope Francis called the insinuation “unfounded and offensive.” “Certain that I interpret the feelings of the faithful throughout the world, I address a grateful thought to the memory of St. John Paul II, at this time the object of unfounded and offensive conjectures,” he said. Pope Francis greeted groups that promote the spirituality of Divine Mercy after leading the Regina […]
- [St. Peter’s Basilica introduces new ‘prayer entrance’ amid influx of tourism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-peters-basilica-introduces-new-prayer-entrance-amid-influx-of-tourism-845): With 100,000 people cramming into St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the lines to enter the Vatican basilica have returned to their pre-pandemic wait times. In light of the influx of tourists to the Eternal City, the Vatican has introduced a separate “prayer entrance” for Catholics who want to enter St. Peter’s Basilica for Mass, confession, or adoration. The entrance, signaled only by a small sign, is immediately to the right of the barricades to enter through the metal detectors on the right side of the piazza.   In response to the long wait times to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, […]
- [Pope Francis: "Sometimes I get a little scared" to talk about the synodal spirit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sometimes-i-get-a-little-scared-to-talk-about-the-synodal-spirit-844): Pope Francis
- [Divine Mercy Feast: Saint Faustina Kowalska and The True Image of the Divine Mercy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/divine-mercy-feast-saint-faustina-kowalska-and-the-true-image-of-the-divine-mercy-843): Join us on a pilgrimage to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, to explore the origins of Divine Mercy Sunday and the fascinating story of Saint Faustina Kowalska. Discover the significance of the Divine Mercy devotion and the image of Divine Mercy, which was completed in Vilnius in 1934 under the strict supervision of Saint Faustina. Learn about her mystic visions of Jesus and the creation of the Divine Mercy chaplet, as well as the canonization of Saint Faustina by Saint John Paul II. Follow us on the Way of Mercy to the convent house where Saint Faustina received the words […]
- [Holy Week in Rome 2023: Celebrating Resurrection with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-week-in-rome-2023-celebrating-resurrection-with-pope-francis-842): Join us as we look back on the events that unfolded during Holy Week in Rome, and witness the message of hope and blessing that Pope Francis delivered to the faithful from all over the world who gathered in the Eternal City to commemorate this holy occasion. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, we’ll take you on a journey of faith and reflection, highlighting the Pope’s inspiring words of thanks to all priests, and his call to roll away the stone of the tombs where we often imprison our hope. Don’t miss the traditional “Urbi et orbi” blessing for the […]
- [The Untold Story Of Pope Benedict XVI: From Marktl am Inn To The Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/untold-story-of-pope-benedict-xvi-from-marktl-am-inn-to-the-vatican-841): A Deep Dive into the Life and Times of Pope Benedict XVI, Exploring His Journey and Resignation from the Papacy
- [Vatican announces date and theme for 2023 World Day for Grandparents and Elderly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-date-and-theme-for-2023-world-day-for-grandparents-and-elderly-840): Pope Francis greets an elderly couple at his general audience on Jan. 11, 2023
- [Chinese bishop appointed without Vatican Approval & Deadly Attacks on Christians in Nigeria](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chinese-bishop-appointed-without-vatican-approval-and-deadly-attacks-on-christians-in-nigeria-839): In this week’s Vaticano Update, we bring you the top news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. Pope Francis calls for prayer and rededication to peace in Northern Ireland on the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, while attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria during Holy Week leave almost 100 dead. We also look at the 60th anniversary of St. John XXIII’s “Pacem in Terris” and its continued relevance today, as well as the controversial appointment of a Chinese bishop in Shanghai without Vatican approval. Finally, Nigerian Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke criticizes the country’s recent general elections as “a dirty […]
- [Rome Celebrates Anniversary of Blessed Virgin's Apparition](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-celebrates-anniversary-of-blessed-virgins-apparition-838): There were celebrations throughout the city of Rome for an anniversary dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. On this day in 1947, a Protestant who later said he planned to assassinate the Pope saw the Blessed Virgin several times in Rome. She called herself the Virgin of Revelation and her words caused him to convert to Catholicism. 9 years later, Pope Pius XII approved the construction of a chapel on the site sometimes called Tre Fontane, because it is near 3 fountains. Member of the Missionaries of Divine Revelation, Sister Emanuela Edwards, joins to tell us what the celebrations were like. […]
- [On a day like today, the historic visit of St. John Paul II to the Synagogue of Rome took place](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/on-a-day-like-today-the-historic-visit-of-st-john-paul-ii-to-the-synagogue-of-rome-took-place-837): On April 13, 1986, St. John Paul II visited the Synagogue in Rome. For the first time in history a pope crossed the threshold of the Great Temple, making a gesture that his successors would later repeat.   The Chief Rabbi of Rome, Elio Toaff, welcomed St. John Paul II expressing “lively satisfaction” with the visit, describing it as a “gesture destined to go down in history.”   In his speech, St. John Paul II explained how the Jewish religion was in a way “intrinsic” to the Catholic religion. “We therefore have relations with you that we do not have […]
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Regina Coeli with Pope Francis | April 16th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-regina-coeli-with-pope-francis-836): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer led by Pope Francis.
- [Pope Francis pays tribute to a blessed aristocrat, "doctor of the poor," during his Hungary visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-pays-tribute-to-a-blessed-aristocrat-doctor-of-the-poor-during-his-hungary-visit-835): The Blessed László Antal János Lajos Batthyány-Strattmann
- [5 Keys in the Fight against the Devil, according to Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-keys-in-the-fight-against-the-devil-according-to-pope-francis-834): Reference image of Pope Francis.
- [Committee begins writing Synod on Synodality working document behind closed doors](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/committee-begins-writing-synod-on-synodality-working-document-behind-closed-doors-833): A committee of 22 people this week kicked off the writing process for the Synod on Synodality’s working document that will be the blueprint for discussions during the meeting of bishops in October.  According to a statement from the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops on April 12, a “group of experts from five continents” is meeting at the Vatican until April 19 “with the aim of starting the reflection that will lead at a later stage to the drafting of the Instrumentum Laboris, the working document for the first session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the […]
- [Pope Francis changes law regulating Vatican City court system](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-changes-law-regulating-vatican-city-court-system-832): Pope Francis revised a law regulating the Vatican’s judicial system on Wednesday, reversing some aspects of the pope’s prior reform of the Vatican City courts. The April 12 motu proprio eliminates the previous mandate for a full-time Vatican magistrate, allowing all members of the court to be able to take on other positions.  It also stipulates that the president of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the Curia’s highest canonical appeals court, will no longer be the de facto president of the Vatican court of cassation. The new changes mark the third motu proprio Pope Francis has issued to amend the […]
- [Pope Francis tells ‘keyboard warriors’ to put aside online polemics to proclaim the Gospel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-tells-keyboard-warriors-to-put-aside-online-polemics-to-proclaim-the-gospel-830): Pope Francis at his Wednesday general audience on April 12, 2023.
- [Ecumenism, opportunities towards the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ecumenism-opportunities-towards-the-1700th-anniversary-of-the-council-of-nicaea-829): Before Easter, a delegation from the Ecumenical Council of Churches visited the Vatican.
- [The Vatican Speaks Out Against Taking Land from Indigenous People](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-speaks-out-against-taking-land-from-indigenous-people-828): The Vatican has recently made a significant statement against the exploitation of lands and historical forced assimilation of native peoples. The statement addresses the “Doctrine of Discovery,” a colonial-era principle that allowed European powers to claim lands belonging to indigenous peoples. In the document, the Holy See states that taking land from original inhabitants has never been part of Church teaching and acknowledges that previous popes could have done more to address the rights of indigenous people. It also clarified that this doctrine has never been part of Church teaching and that missionaries have done a lot to promote and […]
- [Opus Dei celebrates a congress in Rome to adapt to Pope Francis' reforms](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/opus-dei-celebrates-a-congress-in-rome-to-adapt-to-pope-francis-reforms-827): El Papa Francisco con Mons. Ocáriz.
- [Vatican prosecutor: Pope Francis wants the truth about ‘Vatican girl’ case](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-prosecutor-pope-francis-wants-the-truth-about-vatican-girl-case-826): From the Netflix documentary series, "Vatican Girl: The Disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi"
- [Vatican expert explains the Pope's document addressing abuses in the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-expert-explains-the-popes-document-addressing-abuses-in-the-church-825): In a recent interview, H.E.R. Mons. Juan Ignacio Arrieta, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, spoke to Almudena Martínez-Bordiú, EWTN Vatican Correspondent, about Pope Francis’ Motu Proprio “Vos Estis Lux Mundi.” This Motu Proprio, which was published in 2019 and updated recently, aims to ensure that complaints of abuse and other issues reach those who need to judge them. In the interview, Arrieta discussed the changes that have been made to the Motu Proprio, including the inclusion of vulnerable adults and laypeople responsible for ecclesiastical movements. He also spoke about the harassment resulting from abuse of authority and […]
- [LIVE | Holy Mass on the 76th anniversary of the Apparition of Our Lady of the Three Fountains | April 12, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-holy-mass-on-the-76th-anniversary-of-the-apparition-of-our-lady-of-the-three-fountains-april-12-2023-824): Follow live with us from the Shrine of Our Lady of the Three Fountains in Rome the Holy Mass on the 76th anniversary of Our Lady of the Three Fountains in Bruno Cornacchiola. 
- [Our Lady who appeared to the man who wanted to assassinate the Pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/our-lady-who-appeared-to-the-man-who-wanted-to-assassinate-the-pope-823): More than 70 years ago, Bruno Cornacchiola was an Adventist who wrote an article against Marian dogmas and wanted to assassinate Pope Pius XII. However, an apparition of the Virgin Mary was the beginning of the path that led him to embrace the Catholic faith. The event occurred on April 12, 1947. On that day, Bruno took his three children, Isola, ten years old, Carlo, seven years old, and Gianfranco, four years old, to the park. While the children were playing, he wrote an article against Marian dogmas for his Adventist community. On their website, the Missionaries of Divine Revelation […]
- [Ireland marks anniversary of Good Friday Agreement, as Pope Francis prays for peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ireland-marks-anniversary-of-good-friday-agreement-as-pope-francis-prays-for-peace-822): Protestant graffiti in Belfast, Northern Ireland, 1974, during The Troubles
- [Pope Francis: Share the good news of Christ’s resurrection with others](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-share-the-good-news-of-christs-resurrection-with-others-821): Pope Francis encouraged Christians to not be held back by fear of judgment, but to share the good news of Christ’s resurrection with others. “At times we think the way to be close to God is by keeping him close to us; because then, if we reveal ourselves and start to talk about it, judgements, criticisms come,” the pope said before the recitation of the Regina Caeli prayer on April 10. “Perhaps,” he added, “we do not know how to respond to certain questions or provocations, and so [we think] it is better not to talk about it, to close […]
- [Full text of Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi blessing for Easter 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-of-pope-francis-urbi-et-orbi-blessing-for-easter-2023-820): On the morning of Easter Sunday 2023, Pope Francis presided over Mass in St. Peter’s Square before delivering his Urbi et Orbi message and blessing from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica before an estimated 100,000 people. “Urbi et Orbi” means “To the City [of Rome] and to the World.” It is a special apostolic blessing given by the pope every year on Easter Sunday, Christmas, and other special occasions. Here is the full text of the pope’s blessing: Dear brothers and sisters, Christ is risen! On this day we proclaim that he, the Lord of our life, is […]
- [Saint John Paul II: The story of his love and devotion to Divine Mercy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saint-john-paul-ii-the-story-of-his-love-and-devotion-to-divine-mercy-819): San Juan Pablo II y el Cristo de la Divina Misericordia.
- [‘The most important and beautiful day of history’: Pope Francis on Easter 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/most-important-and-beautiful-day-of-history-pope-francis-on-easter-2023-818): Pope Francis presided over Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday 2023, before giving the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing in the presence of around 100,000 people. On a sunny and cool spring day in Rome, the pope recalled that Easter is “the most important and beautiful day of history,” the day Christ rose from the dead. “Let the Church and the world rejoice, for today our hopes no longer come up against the wall of death, for the Lord has built us a bridge to life,” he said from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. Pablo Esparza/CNA […]
- [Full Text: Pope Francis’ homily for Easter Vigil 2023 at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-pope-francis-homily-for-easter-vigil-2023-at-the-vatican-817): Here is the full text of Pope Francis’ Easter Vigil homily, delivered on April 8 in St. Peter’s Basilica. The night is drawing to a close and the first light of dawn is appearing upon the horizon as the women set out toward Jesus’ tomb. They make their way forward, bewildered and dismayed, their hearts overwhelmed with grief at the death that took away their Beloved. Yet upon arriving and seeing the empty tomb, they turn around and retrace their steps. They leave the tomb behind and run to the disciples to proclaim a change of course: Jesus is risen […]
- [Pope Francis at Easter Vigil: ‘Rediscover the grace of God’s resurrection within you’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-easter-vigil-rediscover-the-grace-of-gods-resurrection-within-you-816): At the Vatican’s Easter Vigil Mass, Pope Francis urged people to “roll away the stones of sin and fear” to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection. In his Easter homily on April 8, the pope issued an invitation to “rediscover the grace of God’s resurrection within you!” “Today, brothers and sisters, the power of Easter summons you to roll away every stone of disappointment and mistrust. The Lord is an expert in rolling back the stones of sin and fear … return to Him,” he said in St. Peter’s Basilica. “Look with confidence to the future,” he said. “For Christ […]
- [Here are the meditations for the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on Good Friday 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/here-are-the-meditations-for-the-way-of-the-cross-at-the-colosseum-on-good-friday-2023-815): The meditations and prayers for the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum on Good Friday this year come from the testimonies of victims of violence whom Pope Francis encountered during his international apostolic journeys over the past ten years. Officials in the Roman Curia compiled testimonies from Ukraine, Russia, the Holy Land, Central Africa, the Middle East, South America, and other parts of the world to go with the 14 Stations of the Cross, titled “Voices of Peace in a World at War.” The Vatican announced on Friday afternoon that Pope Francis would not be attending the annual Stations […]
- [6 hot-button issues Pope Francis and Gen-Z confront in new Disney doc](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/6-hot-button-issues-pope-francis-and-gen-z-confront-in-new-disney-doc-814): “The true Church is at the peripheries,” Pope Francis says in Disney’s new documentary “The Pope: Answers,” which was released April 5. Directed by Spanish filmmaker Jordi Évole and available exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., the one hour and 23 minute-long documentary shares a conversation between the pope and 10 young people from around the world. Filmed in a poor, working-class neighborhood in Rome, the documentary is entirely in Spanish but accessible to English audiences through subtitles. Throughout the film, Francis maintains that the Church cannot allow itself to become “a club of nice people,” that is a group […]
- [Full text: Cardinal Cantalamessa’s homily at the Vatican’s Good Friday 2023 liturgy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-cardinal-cantalamessas-homily-at-the-vaticans-good-friday-2023-liturgy-813): On Good Friday, Pope Francis presided over the Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord in St. Peter’s Basilica. Please find below the full text of the homily by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap., preacher of the papal household.   “WE PROCLAIM YOUR DEATH, O LORD!” For two thousand years, the Church has announced and celebrated, on this day, the death of the Son of God on the cross. At every Mass, after the consecration, we say or sing: “We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.” Yet another “death of God” has been […]
- [Pacem in Terris, the utopia of John XXIII that became a prophecy, celebrates its 60th anniversary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pacem-in-terris-the-utopia-of-john-xxiii-that-became-a-prophecy-celebrates-its-60th-anniversary-812): Giovanni XXIII, la firma dell'enciclica Pacem in Terris
- [Highlights Pope Francis' Easter Mass & Urbi et Orbi Blessing 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-easter-sunday-mass-and-delivers-urbi-et-orbi-talk-811): Pope Francis reminded the faithful that the Resurrection of Christ is the most important and most beautiful day in history. The Holy Father made the remarks after celebrating Mass on Easter Sunday at the Vatican. It was part of the traditional Urbi et Orbi talk. Pope Francis also says Easter is a time to rejoice, because it is a reminder our hopes do not meet a wall of death but instead through the Lord, we find a bridge to real life. EWTN News Vatican Correspondent, Colm Flynn, joins to share what it was like on Easter Sunday with Pope Francis. […]
- [LIVE | General Audience with Pope Francis | April 12nd, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-general-audience-with-pope-francis-810): LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square
- [Wikipedia had the wrong Vatican City flag for years. Now incorrect flags are everywhere](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/wikipedia-had-the-wrong-vatican-city-flag-for-years-now-incorrect-flags-are-everywhere-809): A Vatican flag, with the incorrect design likely drawn from Wikipedia, and the dome of St. Peter's Basilica.
- [Why is the Regina Coeli prayed instead of the Angelus during Easter?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-is-the-regina-coeli-prayed-instead-of-the-angelus-during-easter-808): During the Easter season, the universal Church prays the prayer Regina Coeli, or Queen of Heaven, to joyfully unite with the Mother of God in celebrating the Resurrection of her Son Jesus Christ, who conquered death in this way. The recitation of the antiphon of Regina Coeli was established by Pope Benedict XIV in 1742 and replaced, during the Easter season – from the celebration of the Resurrection until Pentecost Sunday – the recitation of the Angelus, whose meditation focuses on the mystery of the Incarnation. Like the Angelus, the Regina Coeli is prayed three times a day, at dawn, […]
- [Is this what the actual body and face of Jesus Christ look like?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/is-this-what-the-actual-body-and-face-of-jesus-christ-look-like-805): For centuries, the Shroud of Turin has remained a mystery, but now experts have recreated what they believe to be the mystery man under the shroud. The hyper-realistic sculpture, made of latex, silicon, and real human hair, has been based on data collected from the famous shroud. The exhibition showcases various paintings and items that illustrate the last days of Jesus’ life, culminating in the unveiling of the life-sized model of the mystery man. While the exhibition is not claiming that this is the figure of Jesus Christ, it invites visitors to come to their own conclusion. The exhibition is […]
- [Pope Francis will not be present at the Colosseum's Via Crucis. Here's why:](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-will-not-be-present-at-the-colosseums-via-crucis-heres-why-804): The latest news from the Holy See Press Office confirms that due to the intense cold weather, Pope Francis will follow the Way of the Cross from Casa Santa Marta this evening, instead of being present at the Colosseum as traditionally done. The Holy Father will unite in prayer with the Diocese of Rome, who will gather at the Colosseum to commemorate the passion and death of Jesus. Despite the change of plans, the tradition of the Way of the Cross will continue, and the faithful will have the opportunity to pray and reflect on the events leading to Christ’s […]
- [Pope Francis washes feet of young inmates on Holy Thursday 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-washes-feet-of-young-inmates-on-holy-thursday-2023-803): Pope Francis washed the feet of 12 young men and women, inmates at a juvenile prison in Rome, during a Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday. The pope presided over the livestreamed Mass for more than 80 inmates, family, staff, and guards in the chapel of the Casal del Marmo juvenile detention center on Rome’s outskirts on April 6. Pope Francis presided over a livestreamed Mass for more than 80 inmates, family, staff, and guards in the chapel of the Casal del Marmo juvenile detention center on Rome’s outskirts on April 6, 2023. Credit: Vatican Media In an off-the-cuff […]
- [The Pope is One of Us](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-is-one-of-us-802): In this video, we bring you a public conversation between AS Roma coach, José Mourinho, and Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, on the theme “the future and young people”. The conversation, which was centered on Pope Francis’ inclusive and fraternal vision for sport and youth, touched on many topics, including the importance of sports in teaching young people discipline, teamwork, and losing with grace, as well as the challenges faced by younger generations in the modern world. Mourinho shared his personal experience as a teacher for students with Down Syndrome and how […]
- [The Last 7 Words of Christ on the Cross](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/7-last-words-of-christ-on-the-cross-801): In this video, we bring you a powerful meditation on the present time through a great masterpiece from the past, Joseph Haydn’s “The seven last words of Christ on the Cross”. The music is performed by Maestro Marcello Filotei in collaboration with the Pontifical Sistine Chapel Choir and the ensemble, Ars Ludi, using percussion to depict the chaotic and messy world of today. The title “7” is written numerically so that it can be pronounced universally in all languages. This contemporary rendition of the piece aims to underscore the war, violence, pain, and confusion that people face in today’s world, […]
- [The Origins of the Via Crucis: A Journey of Faith and Reflection](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/origins-of-via-crucis-a-journey-of-faith-and-reflect-800): Join us on a journey of faith and reflection as we explore the origins and meaning of the Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, a pious practice that invites believers to relive the scenes of the Passion of Christ. From Pontius Pilate’s praetorium to Jesus’ arrival at Calvary and his death on the Cross, we’ll follow in the footsteps of Christ and discover how the Cross, once an instrument of death, became a symbol of peace and salvation. We’ll also learn about the history of the Via Crucis, from its roots in the Fourth Century to its consolidation in […]
- [Commemorating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/commemorating-the-passion-death-and-resurrection-of-the-lord-799): The Paschal Triduum, also known as the Easter Triduum, is a three-day celebration of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord. In this video, Fr. Giovanni Zaccaria, a professor of liturgical theology at the Theology Department of Rome’s Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, takes us through the rich symbolism and meaning of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Fr. Giovanni explains the significance of the washing of the feet and the Chrism oil on Holy Thursday, the commemoration of the Passion on Good Friday, and the joy of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Join us in this […]
- [The Legend of the True Cross](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/legend-of-the-true-cross-798): In 326 AD, St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to visit the sites of Christ’s Passion. From this pilgrimage, she brought back to Rome important relics, one of which was a fragment of the ‘True Cross of Jesus’. The relics are located in the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Join us as we explore the fascinating history of these relics and their journey from the Holy Land to Rome. We’ll hear from Olof Brandt, a Professor at the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology, about the relics’ authenticity and how the […]
- [Pope Francis celebrates 'the birthday of the priesthood' with 1,800 priests on Holy Thursday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-the-birthday-of-the-priesthood-with-1800-priests-on-holy-thursday-797): On Holy Thursday, Pope Francis presided over a Chrism Mass at which more than 1,880 priests, bishops, and cardinals renewed the promises made at their ordinations. Pope Francis thanked the priests for the “hidden good” that they do, often in a ministry carried out “with great effort and little recognition.” In his homily, the pope said that on “the birthday of the priesthood,” he wanted to highlight the vital presence that the Holy Spirit plays in the ministry and life of every priest. “For without the Spirit of the Lord, there can be no Christian life; without his anointing, there […]
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Regina Coeli with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-regina-coeli-with-pope-francis-795): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer led by Pope Francis.
- [Pope Francis' Busy Schedule for the Easter Triduum](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-busy-schedule-for-the-easter-triduum-794): The Holy Father is set to have a busy schedule for Easter. It begins in earnest on Thursday when he celebrates Holy Thursday Mass at a juvenile detention facility outside Rome. The Easter Triduum is a span of time that begins the night of Holy Thursday with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper and closes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday. Throughout these three liturgical days, the Church commemorates the Institution of the Eucharist and Holy Orders, the Passion and Death of the Son of God, His Descent into Hell and finally His Resurrection.
- [Pope Francis’ advice for Holy Week: Look to the cross, our hope is there](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-advice-for-holy-week-look-to-the-cross-our-hope-is-there-793): Pope Francis has offered advice for how to have a fruitful Holy Week, urging people to focus on the essentials and look to the cross as the source of hope. In his last public audience Wednesday before the start of the Paschal Triduum, the pope noted how many people today who walk down the street appear sad, focused “only on their cell phones, but without peace, without hope.” He urged people to eliminate “useless things that are substitutes for hope” during Holy Week to focus on the true source of hope found in Christ. Pope Francis blesses a baby at […]
- [Pope Francis revises the penal law of the Eastern Catholic Churches](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-revises-the-penal-law-of-the-eastern-catholic-churches-792): Pope Francis on Wednesday revised parts of the penal law of the Eastern Catholic Churches. The changes follow the 2021 reform of Book VI of the Code of Canon Law, which covers penal law in the Latin rite of the Catholic Church. The April 5 motu proprio on the law of the Eastern Catholic Churches, Vocare Peccatores, takes effect June 29. It was issued in Latin without translations. “Call sinners into repentance; […] those who are healthy do not need a doctor, but those who are sick (cf Luke 5:31-32), is the mission of our Lord Jesus, which he himself […]
- [LIVE from the Vatican | Pope Francis’ Easter Sunday Mass & “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-pope-francis-easter-sunday-mass-and-urbi-et-orbi-blessing-791): LIVE on Easter Sunday | Holy Mass presided by Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square followed by Pope Francis’ “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing from the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.
- [LIVE from the Vatican | Easter Vigil Mass in the Holy Night led by Pope Francis 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-easter-vigil-mass-in-the-holy-night-led-by-pope-francis-790): LIVE on Saturday of the Holy Week | Join us for the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night led by Pope Francis from the St. Peter’ Basilica, Rome.  
- [The Extreme Way of the Cross: A Tradition of Devotion and Discovery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/extreme-way-of-the-cross-a-tradition-of-devotion-and-discovery-789): In Poland, Catholics have taken the Holy Week devotions to a new level with the Extreme Way of the Cross. This tradition involves carrying a wooden cross while reflecting on the contemplations prepared by Father Jacques Streisek. The Extreme Way of the Cross began in 2009 in Krakow, Poland and now has 100,000 participants in 20 countries worldwide. The stations of the cross can be done alone or in small groups, with a rule of silence to better reflect on the contemplations. Each person prepares their own wooden cross, and the journey can cover at least 40 kilometers or more […]
- [LIVE | Pope Francis’ Celebration of the Lord’s Supper & Washing of the Feet](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-celebration-of-the-lords-passion-and-washing-of-the-feet-788): LIVE on the Thursday of the Holy Week | Join Pope Francis as he celebrates the Holy Mass of the Lord’s Supper from the juvenile prison of Casal di Marmo, where the Holy Father is going to wash the feet of some inmates. 
- [Persecution & Intolerance Against Christians Becomes More Prevalent in Europe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/persecution-and-intolerance-against-christians-becomes-more-prevalent-in-europe-787): There are concerns for the faithful in Europe, where persecution and intolerance against Christians is now becoming more common. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, recently spoke with the head of an organization that tracks and fights back against discrimination of Christians in Europe, Dr. Martin Kugler, who explained what the situation with hate crimes is right now in the continent. Dr. Kugler discussed how religious festivities provoke violence against Christians and what the concerns are with Easter coming up. He dived into what the Vatican could do to help the situation in Europe.
- [Chinese bishop appointed to Shanghai without Vatican approval](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chinese-bishop-appointed-to-shanghai-without-vatican-approval-786): A Chinese bishop was installed Tuesday as the bishop of Shanghai without the Vatican’s approval, according to Asia News.
- [Pope Francis tells Italian welfare agency not to forget foreign workers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-tells-italian-welfare-agency-not-to-forget-foreign-workers-785): Pope Francis has urged Italy’s main welfare agency not to forget the contribution of foreign workers. “It should not be forgotten that foreign workers who do not yet have Italian citizenship also contribute to the pension system,” the pope said in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on April 3. “It would be a good sign to be able to express gratitude to them for what they do,” he said. “Social security also reminds us that ‘everything is connected’ and that we are interdependent on each other.” Francis met 400 employees of the Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale, better known as INPS, […]
- [Highlights of Pope Francis' Palm Sunday 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-palm-sunday-mass-following-hospital-release-784): Pope Francis says when we are confused and full of anxiety, we should remember Christ is with us at all times. In his sermon for Palm Sunday Mass at the Vatican, the Holy Father said Christ died for us so he could remain by our side forever. He also asked the faithful to pay close attention to those who most resemble Christ in his suffering. The Mass came a day after the Pope was released from the hospital. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, joins EWTN News Nightly to tell us more about Pope Francis celebrating Palm Sunday.
- [LIVE from the Vatican | Pope Francis celebrates the Lord's Passion 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-pope-francis-celebrates-the-lords-passion-783): LIVE on Friday of Holy Week | Celebration of the Lord’s Passion together with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Basilica.
- [6 facts you may not have known about the death of Saint John Paul II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/6-facts-you-may-not-have-known-about-the-death-of-saint-john-paul-ii-782): On April 2, the Catholic Church commemorates yet another anniversary of the death of Saint John Paul II, the pilgrim Pope who became one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century and who was declared “Santo subito” by the faithful on the day of his death and during his funeral.  The pontificate of Saint John Paul II is the third longest in the more than 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, as he remained in the Chair of Saint Peter for 26 years and five months.  To commemorate the anniversary of his passing into the House of the […]
- [Anniversary of Saint John Paul II's Passing: Remembering the Pilgrim Pope and his Legacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/anniversary-of-saint-john-paul-iis-passing-remembering-the-pilgrim-pope-and-his-legacy-781): Today, April 2nd, marks 18 years since the passing of Saint John Paul II, the Polish Pontiff who led the Catholic Church for 26 years and 5 months. Remembered as the “pilgrim Pope,” he was a great defender of families and beloved by the youth.  John Paul II passed away on April 2, 2005 at 9:37 p.m. (Rome time), the evening before the Sunday of Divine Mercy which he instituted and was very devoted to.  A few minutes later, Monsignor Leonardo Sandri, who was then the Substitute of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, announced the news to […]
- [Pope Francis extends time to appeal dismissal from consecrated life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-extends-time-to-appeal-dismissal-from-consecrated-life-780): Pope Francis amended canon law on Monday to give members of institutes of consecrated life more time to appeal a dismissal. The April 3 motu proprio changed norms in the law of the Latin Church and the Eastern Churches. The pope said that the current time periods stipulated for appeal of a dismissal from consecrated life “cannot be said to be congruent with the protection of the rights of the person.” “A less restrictive mode of the terms of transmission of the appeal would allow the person concerned to be able to better evaluate the charges against him, as well […]
- [LIVE from the Colosseum | Via Crucis 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-colosseum-via-crucis-led-by-pope-francis-779): LIVE on Friday of the Holy Week | Join us for the Via Crucis from the Colosseum, Rome. 
- [LIVE from the Vatican | Chrism Mass led by Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-chrism-mass-led-by-pope-francis-778): LIVE on Thursday of the Holy Week | Join us for the Chrism Mass led by Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Basilica.
- [LIVE | General Audience with Pope Francis | April 5th 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-general-audience-with-pope-francis-777): LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square.
- [Pope Francis on Palm Sunday 2023: Lost, confused, forgotten? Jesus is with you](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-palm-sunday-2023-lost-confused-forgotten-jesus-is-with-you-776): On Palm Sunday, Pope Francis said Jesus voluntarily took on the pain and abandonment of his Passion and Crucifixion so that he could be with us in whatever sorrow or difficulty we might be experiencing. Jesus “experienced abandonment in order not to leave us prey to despair, in order to stay at our side forever,” the pope said during Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square April 2. “He did this for me, for you,” he said, “because whenever you or I or anyone else seems pinned to the wall — and we have seen someone pinned to the wall […]
- [Here is Pope Francis’ schedule for Holy Week and Easter 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/here-is-pope-francis-schedule-for-holy-week-and-easter-2023-775): Palm Sunday marks the start of one of the most full and beautiful liturgical periods of the Catholic Church year. It is also one of the busiest liturgical periods at the Vatican, where Pope Francis has been scheduled to preside over nine Masses, liturgies, and devotions between April 2 and Easter Monday, April 10. With Pope Francis having been hospitalized on March 29 for a respiratory infection, it was unclear if he would be well enough to participate in any or some of the liturgies. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed on April 1 as Pope Francis was discharged from the […]
- [Pope Francis returns to the Vatican after 3 days in the hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-returns-to-the-vatican-after-3-days-in-the-hospital-774): Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital Saturday morning after a three-night stay in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Before departing by car, the pope greeted the crowd gathered outside of the hospital. In an emotional moment, he stopped to embrace and pray with a sobbing mother whose 5-year-old daughter died in the hospital the night before. When asked by a journalist how he was feeling, the pope quipped: “Still alive!”   A Vatican statement on April 1 said that the pope spoke to the hospital administrators as well as the team of doctors and medical staff who treated him before leaving […]
- [Pope Francis to Return to Juvenile Prison for Holy Thursday Celebration Despite Recent Hospitalization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-return-to-juvenile-prison-for-holy-thursday-celebration-despite-recent-hospitalization-773): Pope Francis is set to return to the Casal del Marmo juvenile prison on Holy Thursday to celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper with inmates, the same location where he celebrated his first Easter Triduum service fifteen days after his election in 2013. Despite his recent hospitalization for infectious bronchitis, the Pope is determined to carry out his Holy Week agenda. The Holy See Press Office has confirmed that the celebrations will proceed as scheduled, with the Pope presiding over the Easter liturgies alongside a cardinal at the altar. The Holy Week celebrations will begin with the Palm Sunday […]
- [Pope Francis appoints nun as President of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-nun-as-president-of-the-pontifical-academy-of-social-sciences-772): Pope Francis has appointed Sister Helen Alford as the new President of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, the Holy See Press Office reported on Saturday. Sister Alford, who serves as Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, Italy, succeeds economist Stefano Zamagni, who has held the position since March 2019. According to Vatican News, Sister Alford is a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena in Newcastle, UK. She graduated in Engineering from the University of Cambridge and obtained a Ph.D. Additionally, much of her […]
- [Pope Francis visits pediatric oncology ward at hospital, baptizes newborn baby](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-visits-pediatric-oncology-ward-at-hospital-baptizes-newborn-baby-770): While staying at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital where he is undergoing treatment for bronchitis, Pope Francis paid a visit Friday to the pediatric oncology ward and baptized a newborn patient. The Holy See reported that the Holy Father spent about half an hour in the ward, where he distributed “rosaries, chocolate eggs, and copies of the book ‘Jesus Was Born in Bethlehem of Judah.’” Pope Francis visits the pediatric oncology ward of Gemelli Hospital during his own hospital stay on March 31, 2023. Credit: Vatican Media Photos released by Vatican Media show the pope speaking with mothers accompanying their babies, writing […]
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis Urges Ethical Use of AI and Holy Week Preview at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-urges-ethical-use-of-ai-and-holy-week-preview-at-the-vatican-769): Welcome to this week’s Vaticano Update, where we bring you the latest news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. In this episode, we cover the top five stories, including Pope Francis’ call for ethical use of artificial intelligence, Holy Week at the Vatican preview, Bishop Franz-Josef Bode’s resignation, UN organizations and Vatican officials calling for human rights to water, and the Collect for Christians in the Holy Land. Join us as we explore these important stories and their implications for the Catholic Church and the world. Don’t miss out on this week’s episode of Vaticano Update.
- [How the 2025 Jubilee is being prepared in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-the-2025-jubilee-is-being-prepared-in-rome-979): Vatican
- [A Group of Religious Sisters Are Grateful That Women Can Vote in Upcoming Synod](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/group-of-religious-sisters-are-grateful-that-women-can-vote-in-upcoming-synod-978): A global group of religious sisters say they are grateful to Pope Francis for his recent announcement that women will have a vote in the upcoming Synod of Bishops. The International Union of Superiors General says it welcomed the decision with “great joy and gratitude,” adding that the Holy Father’s announcement is a sign the Church’s tent is growing and greater dialogue is likely to follow. President of the International Union of Superiors General, Sister Nadia Coppa, joins to share her reaction when she heard women will have a vote in the Synod and what she thinks it means for […]
- [LIVE | Holy Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Fatima on the anniversary of her Apparition 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-holy-mass-in-honor-of-our-lady-of-fatima-on-the-anniversary-of-her-apparition-2023-977): LIVE | Join us for the Holy Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Fatima from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima.
- [LIVE from Fatima | Holy Rosary & Candlelight Procession | May 12th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-fatima-holy-rosary-and-candlelight-procession-may-12th-2023-976): LIVE from the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima | Join us for the Holy Rosary & Candlelight Procession.
- [Pope Francis says traditional Latin Mass was being used in an ideological way](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-traditional-latin-mass-was-being-used-in-an-ideological-way-974): In his address to a Catholic university in Hungary on April 30, 2023, Pope Francis spoke about the false freedoms offered by both communism and consumerism, and encouraged people to seek out Christ’s truth.
- [Pope Francis, Tawadros II to mark 50 years of renewed Catholic-Coptic Orthodox relations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-tawadros-ii-to-mark-50-years-of-renewed-catholic-coptic-orthodox-relations-973): Pope Francis with Tawadros II, Coptic Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria, in Cairo, Egypt, April 28, 2017.
- [Joaquín Navarro-Valls' Personal Notes on St. John Paul II's Pontificate Finally Revealed](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/joaquin-navarro-valls-personal-notes-on-st-john-paul-iis-pontificate-finally-revealed-972): Personal notes of St. John Paul II's longtime spokesman revealed in new book
- [Cardinal Grech - Updates on the Synod on Synodality in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-grech-updates-on-the-synod-on-synodality-in-rome-971): As we prepare for the first session of the Synod on synodality in Rome this October, the Secretary-General reminds us that prayer remains a vital component of the synodal process. The Holy Father is inviting the entire church to make more space for the Holy Spirit because, without the Holy Spirit, there is no church. When asked how the faithful could participate in the October Synod, Cardinal Grech expressed gratitude for our EWTN viewers’ support and asked us to pray to our Blessed Mother during this month dedicated to her. Let us invoke the intercession of Mary to help the […]
- [Vatican abuse commission now more ‘impact-focused,’ Boston’s Cardinal O’Malley says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-abuse-commission-now-more-impact-focused-bostons-cardinal-omalley-says-970): Cardinal Sean O'Malley briefs reporters during the Vatican abuse summit.
- [Discover the project that encourages spiritual adoption of young people with depression](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/discover-the-project-that-encourages-spiritual-adoption-of-young-people-with-depression-969): Krzysztof Gawrysiak with his wife Aneta Gawrysiak and other members of "Palnik".
- [LIVE from the Vatican | General Audience with Pope Francis | May 10th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-general-audience-with-pope-francis-may-10th-2023-968): LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square.
- [EWTN Ireland Presents Film "Faith of Our Fathers" in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-ireland-presents-film-faith-of-our-fathers-in-rome-967): Discover the fascinating story of a Catholic priest in hiding and the modern-day relevance of EWTN Ireland's new film "Faith of Our Fathers", as Aidan Gallagher, Director of EWTN Ireland, discusses its screening at the Vatican and his meeting with Pope Francis.
- [Vatican Representatives Participates in English Coronation for First Time in 500 Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-representatives-participates-in-english-coronation-for-first-time-in-500-year-966): Rome correspondent Edward Pentin reports on the historic participation of a Catholic bishop in the coronation of King Charles III and the Catholic influence on the ceremony
- [Pope Francis: Jesus calls us to set our sights on heaven](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-jesus-calls-us-to-set-our-sights-on-heaven-965): Pope Francis waves to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for the recitation of the Regina Caeli on May 7, 2023.
- [6 things to know about the Swiss Guard and its swearing-in ceremony](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/6-things-to-know-about-the-swiss-guard-and-its-swearing-in-ceremony-964): A new Swiss Guard swears to protect the pope, even sacrificing his life if necessary, during a ceremony on May. 6, 2023.
- [Vatican’s new bishops’ prefect shares his ‘portrait of a bishop’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-new-bishops-prefect-shares-his-portrait-of-a-bishop-962): Bishop Robert Francis Prevost was named prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops on Jan. 30, 2023.
- [Pope Francis invites child protection group to have ‘a spirituality of reparation’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-invites-child-protection-group-to-have-a-spirituality-of-reparation-961): Pope Francis meets with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in an audience May 5, 2023.
- [Celebrating World Day of Prayer for Vocations: Insights from Vatican Conference](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/celebrating-world-day-of-prayer-for-vocations-insights-from-vatican-conference-960): Join us as we delve into the theme "Vocation: grace and mission" for the 60th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, celebrated on April 30th.
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis speaks on Ukrainian children, Church growth in South Korea and more](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-speaks-on-ukrainian-children-church-growth-in-south-korea-and-more-959): Welcome to this week's Vaticano Updates, bringing you the latest news from Pope Francis and the Vatican.
- [Archives of a Political Laboratory: Rome 1943-1944 Reveals the Role of the Holy See in Liberation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archives-of-a-political-laboratory-rome-1943-1944-reveals-the-role-of-the-holy-see-in-liberation-958): On April 26th, Rome's Catholic LUMSA University hosted an event that shed light on the actions and role of the Holy See during the liberation of Rome from Nazi-Fascism in 1944, thanks to the opening of archives from the pontificate of Pius XII.
- [Pope Francis' in Hungary: Calls for Inclusivity and Warning Against Abortion and Gender Ideology](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-hungary-calls-for-inclusivity-and-warning-against-abortion-and-gender-ideology-957): Pope Francis completed his 41st Apostolic Voyage abroad with a three-day visit to Hungary, engaging in seven events and delivering six speeches.
- [Interview with Patrick Kelly: The Importance of the Pontifical North American College in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/interview-with-patrick-kelly-the-importance-of-the-pontifical-north-american-college-in-rome-956): In an interview with EWTN's Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, Patrick Kelly, the current Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, discusses the crucial role of the Pontifical North American College in Rome for U.S. seminarians.
- [Serving Refugees at Centro Astalli: A Seminarian's Perspective](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/serving-refugees-at-centro-astalli-a-seminarians-perspective-955): In this segment, Chukwuma Odigwe, a seminarian from the Archdiocese of Washington studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, shares his experience serving at the Centro Astalli - Center for Refugees.
- [LIVE from the Vatican | Swearing-in ceremony of the Pontifical Swiss Guards | May 6th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-swearing-in-ceremony-of-the-pontifical-swiss-guards-may-6th-2023-954): LIVE from the Vatican | Swearing-in ceremony of the Pontifical Swiss Guards | May 6th, 2023
- [Cardinal Koch meets with Serbian Orthodox Church bishop Andrej](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-koch-meets-with-serbian-orthodox-church-bishop-andrej-953): The Holy See is considering a meeting between Pope Francis and the Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church Porfirije in Koper, Slovenia, in June, as a first step towards dialogue and cooperation between the Catholic and Serbian Orthodox Churches.
- [The Popes' Veneration of the Shroud](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-veneration-of-the-shroud-952): Pope Francis has expressed his desire to visit his native Argentina next year, stating that he has always wanted to return, but has requested not to be linked to the politics of his country, and the trip will take place after the presidential elections in October 2023.
- [Pope Francis Says Young People Will Emerge Energized from World Youth Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-young-people-will-emerge-energized-from-world-youth-day-951): It is less than 3 months until World Youth Day, and Pope Francis says he hopes participants use the event as a chance to become more hopeful. In a video message released on Thursday, the Holy Father said there will always be concerns about traveling, but adds the event will be worth it; and young people will emerge feeling energized. He added that one good way to prepare is to spend time with grandparents. World Youth Day is in early August. EWTN News Vatican Correspondent, Colm Flynn, joins to tell us what he has been hearing from the people of […]
- [The History & Requirements of the Swiss Guard: the Oldest Standing Army](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/history-and-requirements-of-the-swiss-guard-the-oldest-standing-army-950): Pope Francis has expressed his desire to visit his native Argentina next year, stating that he has always wanted to return, but has requested not to be linked to the politics of his country, and the trip will take place after the presidential elections in October 2023.
- [Vatican to send representative of Pope Francis to British coronation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-send-representative-of-pope-francis-to-british-coronation-949): Pope Francis greets His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Wales at the canonization of St. John Henry Newman at the Vatican on Oct. 13, 2019.
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Regina Coeli with Pope Francis | May 7th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-regina-coeli-with-pope-francis-may-7th-2023-948): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer led by Pope Francis.
- [‘See you in Lisbon,’ Pope Francis shares message 3 months before World Youth Day 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/see-you-in-lisbon-pope-francis-shares-message-3-months-before-world-youth-day-2023-947): A screenshot from Pope Francis' May 4 video message to young people attending World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.
- [Who are the new saints of Hungary?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-are-the-new-saints-of-hungary-946): During his visit to Budapest, Pope Francis praised several Hungarian saints, including King Stephen, his family, and Cardinal Jozef Mindszenty. He also visited St. Istvan's Cathedral, where he spoke about Hungary's recent saints, such as Father Janos Brenner, who was martyred in 1957. The Pope's visit also touched on the cause for beatification of Maria Teresa Coreth, wife of Blessed Batthiany-Stratman. The institute for the blind that he visited is named after the blessed.
- [Hartford Archdiocese asks Vatican to investigate possible eucharistic miracle](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hartford-archdiocese-asks-vatican-to-investigate-possible-eucharistic-miracle-945): The Archdiocese of Hartford is appealing to the Vatican for guidance on how to proceed with its investigation of a possible eucharistic miracle at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Thomaston, Connecticut. The referral is the first public update by the archdiocese since it was first reported in late March that Jesus, truly present in the holy Eucharist, appeared to multiply himself in the ciborium, typically a gold chalice that holds the eucharistic body of Christ.  “Reports such as the alleged miracle in Thomaston require referral to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome. The archdiocese has proceeded accordingly and […]
- [Order of Malta elects Canadian lawyer as 81st grand master](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/order-of-malta-elects-canadian-lawyer-as-81st-grand-master-944): Fra’ John T. Dunlap, was sworn in as grand master of the Order of Malta on May 3, 2023.
- [Summit on Spreading the Christian Message While Staying Relevant](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/summit-on-spreading-the-christian-message-while-staying-relevant-943): 300 Church communicators gathered in Rome for a 3 day summit to reflect on the importance of spreading the Christian message while continuing to be relevant. The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross is hosting a conference these days to discuss the theme “Communicating the Christian Message in the Plurality of Contemporary Voices.” 50 speakers will speak in the sessions, in addition to the university’s 35 professors. Professor Jim Macnamara from the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia, joins to tell us more about this seminar and what its main purpose is. Professor Jim was one of the speakers at the […]
- [Pope Francis greets Russian Orthodox metropolitan after audience](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-greets-russian-orthodox-metropolitan-after-audience-942): Metropolitan Anthony, chairman for external church relations of the Russian Orthodox Church, greets Pope Francis after his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 3, 2023.
- [Italian foundation aims to preserve and share Catholic audiovisual heritage](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-foundation-aims-to-preserve-and-share-catholic-audiovisual-heritage-941): Father Dario E. Viganò, president of the MAC Foundation, shares about the foundation in a May 2, 2023, presentation at the Vatican’ Apostolic Library
- [Pope Francis: Freedom is under threat in Europe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-freedom-is-under-threat-in-europe-940): Pope Francis spoke about the Christian roots of Hungary during his general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 3, 2023.
- [Photography Exhibition at the Vatican on How to Improve the Lives of Women](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photography-exhibition-at-the-vatican-on-how-to-improve-the-lives-of-women-939): A new exhibition at the Vatican examines the ways the Church could improve the lives of women. ‘Women’s Cry’ is 26 photos taken from around the world. Organizers say the images tell stories of strength, desperation and profound hope. Women’s Cry is on display at Saint Peter’s Square during the month of May. Creator and Curator of the Photographic Exhibition, Women’s Cry, Lia Beltrami, joins to tell us about this exhibition and what the main purpose of it is. She discusses how Pope Francis’ encyclical “All Brothers” inspired this exhibition. Women’s Cry is part of the international social campaign “Emotions […]
- [This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of May](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-may-938): Pope Francis prays at his Wednesday audience in St. Peter’s Square on April 12, 2023.
- [Pope Francis praises NFP method as ‘valuable tool’ for married couples](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praises-nfp-method-as-valuable-tool-for-married-couples-937): Pope Francis has praised the Billings method of natural family planning as “a valuable tool” for married couples that also provides needed education about the meaning of the conjugal act. “In the second half of the last century, as pharmacological research for fertility control expanded and the contraceptive culture was on the rise, John and Evelyn Billings conducted careful scientific research and developed a simple method, accessible to women and couples, for natural knowledge of fertility, offering them a valuable tool for the responsible management of procreative choices,” the pope said in an April 28 message to a conference on […]
- [A Recap of Pope Francis' Trip to Hungary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/recap-of-pope-francis-trip-to-hungary-ewtn-news-nightly-936): Pope Francis is back in Rome following his 3 day trip to Hungary. The visit included a Mass in Budapest before 50,000 people. During the Mass, the Holy Father reminded the faithful that Jesus is the Shepherd who searches nonstop for the lost sheep to bring them back into the fold. The Mass wrapped up the Holy Father’s 3 day trip, where he met with the Hungarian leaders including Prime Minister Viktor Orban. European Correspondent for the National Catholic Register, Solene Tadie, joins to talk to us about some of the highlights from the apostolic visit. Pope Francis also held […]
- [LIVE from the Vatican | General Audience with Pope Francis | May 3rd, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-general-audience-with-pope-francis-may-3rd-2023-935): LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square.
- [Pope Francis says he did not lose consciousness before hospitalization in March](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-he-did-not-lose-consciousness-before-hospitalization-in-march-934): Pope Francis said on board the papal plane on Sunday that he did not lose consciousness before his hospitalization at the end of March, which was for “strong and acute pneumonia” in his lower lungs. “What I had was a severe illness at the end of the Wednesday audience,” he said on April 30, during his return flight from a three-day trip to Budapest, Hungary. Asked about the state of his health during the in-flight press conference, the 86-year-old pope said he had felt bad on March 29 and went to lie down instead of eating lunch. “I didn’t lose […]
- [Hundreds of faithful gather in prayer for Pope Francis at Budapest’s oldest parish church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hundreds-of-faithful-gather-in-prayer-for-pope-francis-at-budapests-oldest-parish-church-933): A time of celebration, prayer, and adoration for the faithful who came from different parts of the world to attend Pope Francis’ apostolic journey to Budapest, Hungary, April 28–30, was held on the evening of April 29 at the Inner City Parish Church, the city’s oldest parish.  The church, which celebrates the 975th anniversary of its founding this year, was also the rallying point for some 1,500 pilgrims who set out at dawn on Sunday, April 30, to attend the pope’s Mass.   The April 29 celebrations in the church, organized by the network of Marian pilgrimages in Central Europe, Mária Út (“The Way […]
- [Pope Francis warns of technological domination, threat to human ecology at university in Hungary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-warns-of-technological-domination-threat-to-human-ecology-at-university-in-hungary-932): Speaking at a Catholic university in Hungary on Sunday, Pope Francis warned of the risk of technological domination and the threat it poses to culture and to our human ecology. He also spoke about the false freedoms offered by both communism and consumerism, and encouraged people to seek out Christ’s truth. On April 30 the pope addressed approximately 250 people, including 30 students, from the Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics at the Pázmány Péter Catholic University in Budapest. The visit marked the final meeting in Francis’ three-day trip to Hungary’s capital. In his speech, Pope Francis made extensive reference […]
- [The Good Shepherd calls us to ‘open our hearts to love,’ Pope Francis says at Mass in Hungary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/good-shepherd-calls-us-to-open-our-hearts-to-love-pope-francis-says-at-mass-in-hungary-931): During an outdoor Mass in Budapest on Good Shepherd Sunday, Pope Francis called on Hungarians to be “open and inclusive,” reflecting on how Jesus wants his flock to share the abundant life they’ve received from him. “Though we are diverse and come from different communities, the Lord has brought us together, so that his immense love can enfold us in one embrace,” the pope said in his April 30 homily, speaking in bright sunshine to more than 50,000 people gathered in and around the Hungarian capital’s picturesque Kossuth Lajos Square. “[A]ll of us are called to cultivate relationships of fraternity […]
- [Speak the language of charity, Pope Francis encourages in Hungary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/speak-the-language-of-charity-pope-francis-encourages-in-hungary-930): Jesus came to bring “glad tidings to the poor,” Pope Francis recalled Saturday during a meeting with poor people and refugees in Budapest.
- [Pope Francis calls abortion ‘senseless’ and criticizes gender theory in Budapest speech](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-abortion-senseless-and-criticizes-gender-theory-in-budapest-speech-929): Pope Francis spoke out strongly against abortion and gender ideology Friday, citing both as examples of “ideological colonization” during a speech in Budapest. The pope’s denunciation came during an address to civil authorities and other dignitaries at a former Carmelite monastery in Hungary’s capital in which he lamented “self-referential forms of populism” and “supranationalism” gaining traction in Europe. Pope Francis meets civil authorities and other dignitaries at a former a Carmelite monastery in Budapest, Hungary, on April 28, 2023, on the first day of his three-day pilgrimage to the country. Credit: Vatican Media   “This is the baneful path taken by […]
- [Pope Francis: Solutions to loss of faith ‘come from the tabernacle, not the computer’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-solutions-to-loss-of-faith-come-from-the-tabernacle-not-the-computer-928): Pope Francis on Friday encouraged clergy and others discouraged by a shortage of priests and ebbing faith in the West to pray for God’s help, saying the solutions will “come from the tabernacle and not the computer.”
- [Homeless Outreach Trip - Sharing Humanity with People on the Streets of Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/homeless-outreach-trip-sharing-humanity-with-people-on-the-streets-of-rome-927): Join Peter Fairbanks, a seminarian at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, as he takes us on a homeless outreach trip. This documentary shares their experience of sharing humanity with people on the streets of Rome. Watch how they engage with the homeless and understand what it means to be a seminarian.
- [ExultateT: A Musical Oratory Honoring Blessed Bartolo Longo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/exultatet-a-musical-oratory-honoring-blessed-bartolo-longo-926): "ExultateT" is a musical oratory honoring Blessed Bartolo Longo, founder of the Shrine of Pompeii, and his devotion to Our Lady. The tribute features Cardinal Fernando Filoni and Archbishop Tommaso Caputo at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii.
- [The Role of Catholics in Italy’s Resistance: Insights from Vatican Archives](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/role-of-catholics-in-italys-resistance-insights-from-vatican-archives-925): In this video, we explore the role of Catholics during Italy’s “Resistance” to Nazi-Fascism, with insights from Dr. Andrea Ciampani, Professor of Modern History at Rome’s LUMSA University. With the March 2020 opening of the Vatican Archives regarding the pontificate of Pius XII, we can now gain a closer look at the involvement of Catholics during this time period. From the papers of the archive, hundreds of initiatives from the Holy See emerge for the assistance of the population, for refugee assistance, and for informing about and mediating for the liberation of those arrested by the Germans and the Fascist […]
- [The Apostle of the Rosary: Celebrating 150 Years of Blessed Bartolo Longo, the Ex-Satan Priest](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/apostle-of-the-rosary-celebrating-150-years-of-blessed-bartolo-longo-the-ex-satan-priest-924): Join us in celebrating the 150-year jubilee of the arrival of Blessed Bartolo Longo, founder of the famous Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii. In this video, Archbishop Tommaso Caputo, Territorial Prelate of Pompeii, shares the inspiring story of Bartolo Longo’s conversion back to the Catholic faith, his devotion to the Rosary, and the founding of the shrine and works of charity that gave rise to the new city of Pompeii. Bartolo Longo was beatified by St. John Paul II in 1980, and his life serves as an example of hope and inclusion in times of crisis.
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis donates relics True Cross for Coronation King Charles III & Yemen War](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-donates-relics-true-cross-for-coronation-king-charles-iii-and-yemen-war-923): Pope Francis requested prayers for Yemen in this week's Vaticano Updates, as there may be some hope on the horizon. Other news includes Bishop Stephen Chow Sau-yan's visit to Beijing, the donation of True Cross relics to the Church of England, India becoming the world's most populous nation, and Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia's expressed support for legalized medically assisted suicide.
- [Pope Francis in Hungary: European unity ‘crucial’ to peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-hungary-european-unity-crucial-to-peace-922): Pope Francis addresses civil authorities and other dignitaries at a former a Carmelite monastery in Budapest, Hungary, on April 28, 2023, on the first day of his three-day pilgrimage to the country.
- [Celebrating 100 Years of Mother Angelica: Solemn Mass in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/celebrating-100-years-of-mother-angelica-solemn-mass-in-rome-921): Join us in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mother Mary Angelica, the foundress of EWTN. Watch the Solemn Mass organized by the EWTN Vatican Bureau at Santo Spirito Church in Rome, where Bishop Steven J. Raica, JCD, of Birmingham in Alabama presided over the ceremony. Mother Angelica was an inspiration to millions of people becoming the first woman in the history of broadcasting to found and lead a television network. Her ministry lives on and EWTN continues to grow bringing the Eternal Word to the ends of the Earth.
- [Cardinal Erdő: Pope’s visit to Hungary tells us ‘Christ is our future’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-erdo-popes-visit-to-hungary-tells-us-christ-is-our-future-920): In a lengthy interview on the eve of Pope Francis’ trip to Hungary, Cardinal Péter Erdő, archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, noted that the motto of Pope Francis’ trip to Hungary is “Christ is our future” and that the pontiff’s visit means the presence of Christ is the hope by which Christians live, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Pope Francis will be in Budapest this Friday through Sunday, April 28–30. His agenda for the trip includes meetings with authorities and bishops, an encounter with Hungarian culture, and meetings with refugees and members of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Other Christian and […]
- [Pope Francis names several Americans to Dicastery for Evangelization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-several-americans-to-dicastery-for-evangelization-919): Curtis Martin, founder of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), meets Pope Francis in 2022. Martin was named April 25, 2023, to an advisory group of 14 consultors to advise the members of the Dicastery for Evangelization.
- [Rupnik superior: ‘From an ecclesial point of view it’s illegal’ for priest to own business](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rupnik-superior-from-an-ecclesial-point-of-view-its-illegal-for-priest-to-own-business-918): Father Marko Rupnik, SJ.
- ["Peace is a fragile flower," Pope Francis' symbolic gift to Ukrainian prime minister](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/peace-is-a-fragile-flower-pope-francis-symbolic-gift-to-ukrainian-prime-minister-917): Pope Francis receives at the Vatican the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal.
- [Today marks the anniversary of the canonization of St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/today-marks-the-anniversary-of-the-canonization-of-st-john-paul-ii-and-st-john-xxiii-916): St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII
- [Pope Francis Releases Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-releases-message-for-world-day-of-prayer-for-vocations-915): Pope Francis released his message on Wednesday for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. In his message, the Holy Father underlines how “this day is a precious opportunity for recalling with wonder that the Lord’s call is grace and a complete gift.” The Vatican released the Holy Father’s message for the 60th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. This year’s theme is “Vocation: grace and mission.” World Day of Prayer will be observed on April 30th, “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Speakers at the conference included Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy and […]
- [Pope Francis: ‘There is no vocation without mission’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-there-is-no-vocation-without-mission-914): Pope Francis smiles with two religious sisters during his general audience on Jan. 11, 2023
- [Vatican announces laypeople, including women, will vote in Synod on Synodality assembly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-laypeople-including-women-will-vote-in-synod-on-synodality-assembly-913): The Vatican announced Wednesday that there will be laypeople participating as voting members in the Synod on Synodality’s October assembly, a break with past custom, which allowed laypeople to participate without the right to vote. Pope Francis will also approve every member in advance. The general assembly of the Synod on Synodality will take place in two sessions, in October 2023 and October 2024. After the vote on a final document for the assembly, the pope alone decides whether to take any actions based on the recommendations in the final text or whether to adopt it as an official Church […]
- [Pope Francis: Monks and nuns are ‘the beating heart’ of evangelization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-monks-and-nuns-are-the-beating-heart-of-evangelization-912): Pope Francis at his general audience in St Peter’s Square on April 26, 2023.
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in Hungary | Meeting with Academic & Cultural World | April 30th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-hungary-meeting-with-academic-and-cultural-world-april-30th-2023-911): LIVE | Join us LIVE as we witness Pope Francis’ meeting with the Academic and the Cultural World from the Catholic University of “Peter Pazmany”.  
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in Hungary | Holy Mass & Regina Coeli Prayer | 30th April 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-hungary-holy-mass-and-regina-coeli-prayer-30th-april-2023-910): LIVE | Join us LIVE as we witness Pope Francis’ Holy Mass from Kossuth Square in Budapest, followed by the Regina Coeli Prayer.  
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in Hungary | Meeting with young people | 29th April 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-hungary-meeting-with-young-people-29th-april-2023-909): LIVE | Join us for Pope Francis’ meeting with young people from the Papp Laszlo Budapest Sportaréna.
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in Hungary: Visit to the Poor, Refugees & Greek Catholics | April 29th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-hungary-visit-to-the-poor-refugees-and-greek-catholics-april-29th-2023-908): LIVE | Join us for Pope Francis’ visit to the poor, the refugees & the greek catholic community from St. Elizabeth Church and the Church of the Protection of God.
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in Hungary | Visit to blind and disabled children | April 29th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-hungary-visit-to-blind-and-disabled-children-april-29th-2023-907): LIVE | Join us for Pope Francis’ visit to visually impaired Children of the Blessed Laszlo Batthyany-Strattmann Institute of Budapest.
- [LIVE from Hungary | Pope Francis’ Meeting with Bishops, Priest & Seminarians | April 28th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-hungary-pope-francis-meeting-with-bishops-priest-and-seminarians-april-28th-2023-906): Join us LIVE as we witness Pope Francis’ meeting with the Bishops, Priest, Seminarians, Pastoral Workers from St. Stephen’s Co-Cathedral.
- [LIVE from Hungary | Pope Francis’ Meeting with Authorities & Diplomatic Corps | April 28th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-hungary-pope-francis-meeting-with-authorities-and-diplomatic-corps-april-28th-2023-905): LIVE | Join us LIVE as we witness Pope Francis’ meeting with the Authorities, Civil Society, and the Diplomatic Corps in the former Carmelite Monastery.
- [LIVE | Pope Francis’ Arrival in Hungary | April 28th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-arrival-in-hungary-april-28th-2023-904): LIVE | Join us LIVE as we follow Pope Francis’s arrival in Hungary. The Holy Father will make a historic three-day trip to the Magyar country, where he will meet with Catholic leaders, Poors, Refugees, the Youth, the Local Church, the Academic and Cultural World and celebrate the Holy Mass. Don’t miss this momentous occasion!
- [Pontifical Academy for Life responds to outcry over Archbishop Paglia assisted suicide comments](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-academy-for-life-responds-to-outcry-over-archbishop-paglia-assisted-suicide-comments-903): Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia.
- [Five French priests martyred in anti-Catholic uprising of 1871 beatified in Paris](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/five-french-priests-martyred-in-anti-catholic-uprising-of-1871-beatified-in-paris-902): Among those martyred during the blood week of the Paris Commune were Fathers Ladislas Radigue, Polycarpe Tuffier, Marcellin Rouchouze, Frézal Tardieu, and Mathieu-Henri Planchat.
- [Pope Francis to receive Ukraine’s prime minister on Thursday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-receive-ukraines-prime-minister-on-thursday-901): Pope Francis attended a Vatican screening of the 2022 documentary “Freedom on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom” on Feb. 24, 2023.
- [Lay ministry must be done in service to others and not become ‘self-referential,’ Pope Francis says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lay-ministry-must-be-done-in-service-to-others-and-not-become-self-referential-pope-francis-says-900): Pope Francis meets with participants of the plenary assembly of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life on April 22, 2023, at the Vatican.
- [Vatican preparing text for divorced and remarried couples, Cardinal Farrell says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-preparing-text-for-divorced-and-remarried-couples-cardinal-farrell-says-899): The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life is preparing a document that will address divorced and remarried couples at the request of Pope Francis, according to the dicastery’s prefect, Cardinal Kevin Farrell. Farrell mentioned the in-progress document in a speech delivered in Italian on April 22 that opened a meeting of the dicastery, which promotes the pastoral care of the family and the mission of the lay faithful. Farrell spoke about the importance of providing help and guidance to “those experiencing marital crises of all kinds.” “On this front, the dicastery is also working on the preparation of […]
- [The 80th birthday of Cardinal Duka: there are 122 voters](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/80th-birthday-of-cardinal-duka-there-are-122-voters-898): Created a Cardinal by Benedict XVI in 2012, since 2022 he has been the Emeritus Archbishop of Prague.
- [Once ‘papabile,’ bishop-maker Cardinal Marc Ouellet retires](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/once-papabile-bishop-maker-cardinal-marc-ouellet-retires-896): Last week, Cardinal Marc Ouellet handed over the reins of the Vatican’s bishop office to Bishop Robert Francis Prevost. Ouellet, 78, has led the Dicastery for Bishops — formerly called the Congregation for Bishops — since 2010. The transition marks the end of a long and varied career for Ouellet, whose time as a priest, religious, archbishop, and cardinal has led him from Canada to Italy to Colombia and, finally, to nearly 13 years full time at the Vatican. But the Quebecois cardinal will not be slowing down in retirement. “I have no problem with my future,” he teased during […]
- [Pope Francis Set to Make Apostolic Trip to Hungary This Week](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-set-to-make-apostolic-trip-to-hungary-this-week-895): Pope Francis is set to make an apostolic trip to Budapest, Hungary from April 28th to the 30th
- [Pontifical Academy for Life Clarifies Stance on Assisted Suicide](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-academy-for-life-clarifies-stance-on-assisted-suicide-894): The Pontifical Academy for Life responded to outrage over comments credited to its president regarding assisted suicide. The Vatican organization says Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia remains strongly against life-ending procedures, in line with Church teaching. The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls euthanasia “murder, gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person.” Pope Francis has also forcefully condemned assisted suicide, saying “We must accompany death, not provoke death or help any kind of suicide.”
- [Towards the Pope in Hungary, the themes of the journey. "Vital peace in Ukraine"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/towards-the-pope-in-hungary-the-themes-of-the-journey-vital-peace-in-ukraine-893): Monsignor Tamas Toth, Secretary General of the Hungarian Episcopal Conference, outlines the themes of the visit. The Pope's meetings. The importance of peace.
- [Pontifical Academy for Life president calls medically assisted suicide ‘feasible’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-academy-for-life-president-calls-medically-assisted-suicide-feasible-892): Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, grand chancellor of the Pontifical Institute John Paul II, speaks at a press conference.
- [LIVE from the Vatican | General Audience with Pope Francis | April 26th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-general-audience-with-pope-francis-april-26th-2023-891): General Audience with Pope Francis
- [A Glimpse into the Life of Seminarians at the Pontifical North American College in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/glimpse-into-the-life-of-seminarians-at-the-pontifical-north-american-college-in-rome-890): In this video, we get a glimpse into the lives of seminarians at the Pontifical North American College in Rome as they share their experiences and insights on what it means to be a seminarian in the modern world.
- [The Budapest Option: Pope Francis’ Next Destination Is an Emerging Bastion of Conservative Christian Thought](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/budapest-option-pope-francis-next-destination-is-an-emerging-bastion-of-conservative-christian-thought-889): Budapest is now home to noted Christian conservative thinkers like American journalist Rod Dreher, pictured here participating in a discussion at the Mathias Corvinus Collegium. The city is drawing conservative thinkers from across the world in part to draw insights from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's political approach. Scruton cafés, named for the English conservative philosopher, are a fixture of the intellectual expat scene in the Hungarian capital.
- [Pope Francis wants to travel to Argentina in 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-wants-to-travel-to-argentina-in-2024-888): Pope Francis has expressed his desire to visit his native Argentina next year, stating that he has always wanted to return, but has requested not to be linked to the politics of his country, and the trip will take place after the presidential elections in October 2023.
- [A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the EWTN Vatican Office](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/behind-the-scenes-look-at-the-ewtn-vatican-office-887): Three days in Hungary, with various meetings planned. Among the topics to be discussed is the future of Europe, as well as migration, ecology, and the family.
- [Pope Francis: ‘Tell Jesus everything’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-tell-jesus-everything-886): Pope Francis prayed the Regina Caeli in St. Peter's Square on April 23, 2023.
- [Coptic Patriarch to offer Orthodox Divine Liturgy in St. John Lateran Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/coptic-patriarch-to-offer-orthodox-divine-liturgy-in-st-john-lateran-basilica-885): Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II holds the Christmas Eve Mass at the Nativity of Christ Cathedral in Egypt's administrative capital, on Jan. 6, 2023, in Cairo, Egypt.
- [Pope Francis in Hungary 2023. A journey with an eye to the future of Europe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-hungary-2023-a-journey-with-an-eye-to-the-future-of-europe-884): Sept 12, 2021: Closing mass IEC 2020 with Pope Francis in Heroes' Square (Budapest)
- [EWTN Celebrates 100th Birthday of Foundress, Mother Angelica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-celebrates-100th-birthday-of-foundress-mother-angelica-883): The 100th anniversary of the birth of our foundress, Mother Angelica.
- [Is there a Catholic renaissance underway in Hungary with the Pope's visit?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/is-there-a-catholic-renaissance-underway-in-hungary-with-the-popes-visit-881): The interior of Pazmany Peter Catholic University, which Pope Francis will visit
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Regina Coeli with Pope Francis | April 23rd, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-regina-coeli-with-pope-francis-april-23rd-2023-880): Regina Coeli with Pope Francis
- [A sculpture of Jesus at Rome’s airport is taking travelers by surprise](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sculpture-of-jesus-at-romes-airport-is-taking-travelers-by-surprise-879): The renowned Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s famous sculpture "Salvator Mundi" (Savior of the World) is on display at Rome's airport.
- [BREAKING: Vatican blames ‘failure in communication’ for Anglican service in pope’s church in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-vatican-blames-failure-in-communication-for-anglican-service-in-popes-church-in-rome-878): Pope Francis at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Sept. 27, 2018.
- [EWTN CEO Michael Warsaw reflects on life and legacy of Mother Angelica on her 100th birthday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-ceo-michael-warsaw-reflects-on-life-and-legacy-of-mother-angelica-on-her-100th-birthday-877): Michael Warsaw attends a Solemn Mass for the 100th birthday of Mother Angelica in Rome, April 20, 2023.
- [Pope Francis: Illness and suffering can help us discover what really matters in life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-illness-and-suffering-can-help-us-discover-what-really-matters-in-life-876): Pope Francis meets with members of the Pontifical Biblical Institute on April 20, 2023, at the Vatican.
- [Pope Francis Gives Update on His Health During a Telemundo Interview](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-gives-update-on-his-health-during-a-telemundo-interview-1079): In an exclusive interview with Telemundo News, Pope Francis gave his perspective on the war in the Ukraine where he also offered to help with a peace mission. When he was asked about immigrants crossing the Southern US border, from Mexico into the United States, and if he had a message, the Pope said it was a “serious problem”, but then spoke more broadly about immigrants. Pope Francis talked about his meeting with President Zelenskyy and how the president asked the Pope for a “big favor”, and that was to take care of the Ukrainian children who had been taken […]
- [Pope Francis Adds Non-Catholics to Roman Martyrology | Powerful Statement on Martyrdom](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-adds-non-catholics-to-roman-martyrology-powerful-statement-on-martyrdom-1078): Exploring Pope Francis' Unprecedented Decision and the Witness of Coptic Martyrs
- [Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore The Closing of the Month of May Devotions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/basilica-di-santa-maria-maggiore-the-closing-of-the-month-of-may-devotions-1077): At the conclusion of the Month of May devotions, the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore “invites all faithful to participate in two intense and devout moments of prayer.”
- [The Red and White Martyrs of Hungary, a Sign of Faith Forged in Blood](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/red-and-white-martyrs-of-hungary-a-sign-of-faith-forged-in-blood-1076): A faith "forged in blood": this is how Pope Francis described the faith of the Hungarian people during his trip to the country.
- [Pope Francis reiterates his desire to visit Argentina in 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reiterates-his-desire-to-visit-argentina-in-2024-1075): Pope Francis has reiterated his desire to travel to Argentina in 2024, his native country where he has not been able to return since being appointed Pontiff in 2013.
- [Pope Francis on care for creation: ‘God wants justice to reign’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-care-for-creation-god-wants-justice-to-reign-1074): Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of the virtue of justice in a message for the upcoming World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. “God wants justice to reign; it is as essential to our life as God’s children, made in his likeness, as water is essential for our physical survival,” he said in the message, released May 25. “God wants everyone to strive to be just in every situation, to live according to his laws and thus to enable life to flourish,” the pope continued. “When we ‘Seek first the kingdom of God’ (Matthew 6:33), maintaining a […]
- [Lawsuit alleges Boston’s Cardinal O’Malley failed to prevent abuse at Catholic high school](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lawsuit-alleges-bostons-cardinal-omalley-failed-to-prevent-abuse-at-catholic-high-school-1073): Three former students at a Massachusetts Catholic high school have filed a lawsuit against Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley and other Church leaders because of alleged abuse committed by the school’s vice principal. Attorney Mitchell Garabedian on Monday announced that he had filed a May 5 lawsuit in Suffolk County Superior Court on behalf of three former students at Arlington Catholic High School in the northwest Boston suburb of Arlington. The plaintiffs, who are not named in court papers, allege that former vice principal Stephen Biagioni abused them from about 2011 to 2016, the Boston Globe reported. The former students were […]
- [Inside Italy's Biggest Pro Life March 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inside-italys-biggest-pro-life-march-2023-1072): Watch the powerful “Demonstration for Life” video in Rome, where thousands gathered at Piazza della Repubblica under the “Choose Life” motto to demand protection for human life. The participants, from all over Italy and other countries, share personal testimonies emphasizing the importance of protecting life from conception until death and promoting more options than abortion. The video also includes concrete demands for pro-life politicians to have the courage to defend life and change the prevalent culture of death. Join the call for the protection of human life and watch Alejandro Geyer’s inspiring words on the need for politicians to unite […]
- [Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception: A Community Dedicated to Mary and the Poor Souls](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/marian-fathers-of-the-immaculate-conception-a-community-dedicated-to-mary-and-the-poor-souls-1071): In this video, we learn about the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, a fraternal community of consecrated life that has as its prime purpose the proclamation of devotion to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We hear from Father Joseph Roesch, the Superior General, about the founder’s desire to make the mystery of the Immaculate Conception more well-known in the world. We also learn about the congregation’s dedication to praying for the poor souls and their active service to the Church. With over 500 priests and brothers laboring in […]
- [Discovering Humanae Vitae's Prophecy on Sexuality and Procreation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/discovering-humanae-vitaes-prophecy-on-sexuality-and-procreation-1070): At the Vatican, the Jérôme Lejeune International Chair of Bioethics organized a conference to discuss the prophetic encyclical, Humanae Vitae. Experts from various fields presented their perspectives on the encyclical, highlighting its relevance in today’s world where contraceptive and abortifacient mentalities have increased. The congress aimed to rediscover the prophetic call of Humanae Vitae and its strength as a landmark text against the manipulation of human life. Join us in this thought-provoking event and rediscover the prophetic call of Humanae Vitae in today’s world.
- [The Risks and Opportunities of AI: A Catholic Perspective](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/risks-and-opportunities-of-ai-a-catholic-perspective-1069): In this video, Fr. Philip Larrey, the Dean of the Philosophy Department at the Pontifical Lateran University, discusses the rapid progress in artificial intelligence and the potential risks and opportunities it poses for society and humanity. The most advanced AI system currently is ChatGPT, an advanced chatbot that is exhibiting unprecedented capabilities in crafting essays and fiction, designing websites, and writing code. Fr. Larrey expresses concern about the potential misuse of this technology and the need for control and management. However, he also highlights the extraordinary opportunities that AI offers and the importance of embedding a Christian worldview with the […]
- [Vatican News: Priest Martyred during WWII to be Beatified and Pope Francis' visit to Fatima 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-priest-martyred-during-wwii-to-be-beatified-and-pope-francis-visit-to-fatima-2023-1068): In this week’s Vaticano Updates, we bring you the most important news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. Learn about the dramatic incident where a man drove a car into the Vatican, prompting a guard to open fire. Pope Francis also made a powerful statement against nuclear deterrence, calling it an “illusion of peace.” The Pope also offered condolences for the devastating floods in northeastern Italy and approved the beatification of Father Giuseppe Beotti, a young Italian priest martyred during World War II. Don’t miss the preview of Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima […]
- [St. Philip Neri, the ‘Apostle of Rome,’ is an example of Christian charity and zeal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-philip-neri-the-apostle-of-rome-is-an-example-of-christian-charity-and-zeal-1067): On the via Appia Antica, beyond the Aurelian walls, sits the ancient basilica of San Sebastiano fuori le Mura. It is one of the most important churches in Rome, not only because it is one of the seven pilgrimage churches of Rome, but also because it is where the remains of Sts. Peter and Paul were taken (it was known as “Basilica Apostolorum” before it was dedicated to St. Sebastian) during the Christian persecution.  It is also here, deep in the catacombs that lie beneath the extant basilica, where St. Philip Neri had his spiritual epiphany on the eve of […]
- [Pope Francis has a fever, Vatican spokesman confirms](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-has-a-fever-vatican-spokesman-confirms-1066): Pope Francis canceled meetings on Friday morning due to a fever, a Vatican spokesman confirmed. Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, told CNA that “due to a feverish condition, Pope Francis did not receive [anyone] in audience this morning.” As of Friday afternoon, the pope does not have any public appointments scheduled for May 27, according to the Vatican calendar. He is currently scheduled to say Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica for the solemnity of Pentecost on May 28, followed by the recitation of the Regina Caeli antiphon. Pope Francis, 86, was hospitalized for four days at […]
- [Spiritual Daughter of Padre Pio recounts some of the miracles and torments of the devil experienced](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/spiritual-daughter-of-padre-pio-recounts-some-of-the-miracles-and-torments-of-the-devil-experienced-1065): Maria Teresa Manelli, a spiritual daughter of Padre Pio, shares personal insights into his exceptional role as a confessor and the deep spiritual connection he fostered. Discover the journey of Francesco Forgione, who became Padre Pio, and the significant events that shaped his life, including the reception of the stigmata. Despite controversies and challenges, Padre Pio’s unwavering devotion and powerful prayer life left an indelible mark on the faithful. Experience the enduring legacy of this beloved saint who continues to inspire millions of pilgrims worldwide.
- [The origins of the Feast of Saint Peter and Paul in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/origins-of-the-feast-of-saint-peter-and-paul-in-rome-1064): Rome celebrated its Patron Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th. The holiday is an important liturgical feast. It honors the two Apostles who suffered martyrdom suffered in Rome . This celebration is one of the oldest examples of the transformation of a pagan festival into a Christian one.
- [Pope Francis' message for the celebration of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-message-for-the-celebration-of-the-world-day-of-prayer-for-the-care-of-creation-2023-1063): This Thursday, May 25, the Holy See Press Office published Pope Francis’ message on the occasion of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, which will be celebrated on September 1st this year. The message of the Holy Father, titled “May justice and peace flow,” was presented in Rome by Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. They were also accompanied by Rachel Mash, Environmental Coordinator of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and member of the Environmental Network of the Anglican Communion; Tomás Insua, Executive Director of the Laudato Si Movement; […]
- [Polish Congregation Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception Celebrates 350 Years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/polish-congregation-dedicated-to-the-immaculate-conception-celebrates-350-years-1062): A religious order founded in Poland and dedicated to the Immaculate Conception is celebrating a major milestone this year. The Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary is a fraternal community of consecrated life that has as its prime purpose the proclamation of devotion to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They are currently celebrating the 350 year Jubilee anniversary of their founding. Father Joseph Roesch, MIC, the Superior General says, “We were founded 350 years ago in Poland. Our founder St. Stanislaus Papczynski. He had belonged to the Piarist Fathers, […]
- [Vatican auditor to continue to function during sede vacante, Pope Francis rules](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-auditor-to-continue-to-function-during-sede-vacante-pope-francis-rules-1061): Pope Francis at the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 24, 2023.
- [Pope Francis: St. Andrew Kim Taegon teaches us ‘we must not give up’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-st-andrew-kim-taegon-teaches-us-we-must-not-give-up-1060): Pope Francis spoke about apostolic zeal and the example of Korean martyr St. Andrew Kim Taegon at the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 24, 2023.
- [A New Dynamic in the Pope’s Mission for Peace in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-entrusts-cardinal-zuppi-with-peace-mission-for-ukraine-1059): Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Archbishop of Bologna and the president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI) to head his peace initiative regarding the war in Ukraine. Recently, the Holy Father received Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenksy where they spoke about the situation in the country. During his flight back from the apostolic trip to Hungary, he said that he was working behind the scenes to bring peace to Ukraine. Pope Francis also indicated that he met with individuals, while in Hungary, who might be helpful in these de-escalation efforts. Pope Francis has repeatedly mentioned his desire to travel […]
- [Pope Francis: Pray that the Gospel can be freely shared in China](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-pray-that-the-gospel-can-be-freely-shared-in-china-1058): Pope Francis asked Catholics Wednesday to pray that the Gospel can be fully and freely shared in China. At the end of his general audience on May 24, the pope recalled the Church’s celebration of “the World Day of Prayer for China, which coincides with the feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, venerated and invoked in the Shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan in Shanghai.” He said he wanted to use that occasion to remember and express his closeness to Catholics in China, “sharing their joys and their hopes.” “A special thought,” Pope Francis said, “to all those with […]
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Regina Coeli with Pope Francis | May 28th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-regina-coeli-with-pope-francis-may-28th-2023-1057): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer led by Pope Francis.  
- [Vatican expert to go to Bolivia to examine the progress being made in sex abuse prevention](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-expert-to-go-to-bolivia-to-examine-the-progress-being-made-in-sex-abuse-prevention-1056): Vatican's top abuse investigator Maltese archbishop Charles Scicluna (right) and fellow papal envoy Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu give a press conference at the Apostolic Nunciature in Santiago, Chile, on June 19, 2018.
- [The Origins of the Feast of the Corpus Christi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/origins-of-the-feast-of-the-corpus-christi-1055): The solemnity of the Corpus Christi was established by Pope Urban IV more than 700 years ago and is celebrated every year by the Church.  In this video, we will delve into the origins of this feast, which began in the 13th century with a German priest who was tormented by his doubts about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. He decided to make a pilgrimage to Rome to pray at the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul, and on his return journey, he wanted to stop in a small town in central Italy called Bolsena.  While […]
- [Experts Discuss the Relevance of Humanae Vitae: Insights from the Vatican Conference](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/experts-discuss-the-relevance-of-humanae-vitae-insights-from-the-vatican-conference-1054): Exploring the Enduring Relevance of Humanae Vitae
- [PHOTOS: Rosary procession in St. Peter’s Square honors the Blessed Virgin Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-rosary-procession-in-st-peters-square-honors-the-blessed-virgin-mary-1053): St. Peter’s Square was illuminated by candlelight the night of Saturday, May 20, 2023, as pilgrims prayed the rosary in a procession in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- [A surfing saint? Pope Francis recognizes the heroic virtue of Guido Schäffer](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/surfing-saint-pope-francis-recognizes-the-heroic-virtue-of-guido-schaeffer-1052): Pope Francis recognized the heroic virtue of Brazil’s “Surfer Angel” Guido Schäffer in a decree issued by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on May 20, 2023.
- [Why did St. Padre Pio receive the Stigmata?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/padre-pio-and-the-spiritual-legacy-of-san-giovanni-rotondo-1051): Discover the life and legacy of Padre Pio, a contemporary saint whose story is intertwined with San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. From his mystical experiences to the enduring impact of his stigmata, this article explores how Padre Pio's life continues to inspire people around the world to seek union with Christ through suffering.
- [LIVE from the Vatican | Holy Mass of Pope Francis on the Solemnity of Pentecost | May 28th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-holy-mass-of-pope-francis-on-the-solemnity-of-pentecost-may-28th-2023-1050): LIVE | Join us for the Pentecost Holy Mass from St. Peter Basilica presided over by Pope Francis.
- [LIVE from the Vatican | General Audience with Pope Francis | May 24th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-general-audience-with-pope-francis-may-24th-2023-1049): LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square.
- [It's official: Pope Francis will travel to World Youth Day, visit Fatima](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/its-official-pope-francis-will-travel-to-world-youth-day-visit-fatima-1048): Pope Francis at the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on June 17, 2015.
- [Exclusive Interview with Cardinal Mario Grech on the Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/exclusive-interview-with-cardinal-mario-grech-on-the-synod-on-synodality-1047): In this video, Cardinal Mario Grech, the Secretary General of the Synod on synodality, discusses the preparations for the assembly of bishops in October 2023. He expresses his personal hopes and objectives for the outcome of the Synod, emphasizing the importance of a synodal Church for mission. He also addresses criticism of the Synod and acknowledges the fears of those who oppose the people of God and the hierarchy. Cardinal Grech explains that the theme of the Synod is for the synodal Church and that other hot-button issues will not be addressed in this particular synodal assembly. He also comments […]
- [Pope Francis on G7 Summit: Nuclear deterrence offers ‘only an illusion of peace’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-g7-summit-nuclear-deterrence-offers-only-an-illusion-of-peace-1046): Pope Francis at his general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 17, 2023.
- [Pope Francis: ‘We must not get used to war!’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-we-must-not-get-used-to-war-1045): Pope Francis delivers his Regina Caeli address on May 21, 2023.
- [Alleged Marian apparitions the subject of new observatory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/alleged-marian-apparitions-the-subject-of-new-observatory-1044): Statue of Virgin Mary in Medjugorje, Bosnia Herzegovina.
- [PHOTOS: Thousands march in Italy’s national ‘Demonstration for Life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-thousands-march-in-italys-national-demonstration-for-life-1043): Members of an Italian pro-life and pro-family organization marched in the "Demonstration for Life" May 20, 2023, with a banner saying "There's life in the mother's womb. Let's care for it. #stopabortion"
- [Pope Francis approves beatification of priest martyred in World War II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-approves-beatification-of-priest-martyred-in-world-war-ii-1042): Canonization Mass for St. Artemide Zatti and St. Giovanni Battista Scalabrini on Oct. 9, 2022.
- [Vatican: Italian cardinal entrusted with Ukraine peace mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-italian-cardinal-entrusted-with-ukraine-peace-mission-1041): Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna, was made a cardinal during the consistory of Oct. 5, 2019.
- [Judge orders psychiatric treatment for man who forcibly entered Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/judge-orders-psychiatric-treatment-for-man-who-forcibly-entered-vatican-1040): A view of Vatican City State
- [Cardinal Ladaria: Truth about humanity and sexuality doesn’t change because of changes in ideology](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-ladaria-truth-about-humanity-and-sexuality-doesnt-change-because-of-changes-in-ideology-1039): Cardinal Luis Ladaria Ferrer, SJ.
- [Vatican withdraws World Youth Day 2023 stamp after criticism in Portugal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-withdraws-world-youth-day-2023-stamp-after-criticism-in-portugal-1038): The Vatican has withdrawn a commemorative stamp for the 2023 World Youth Day.
- [Pope Francis meets with Monsignor Georg Gänswein for the third time](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-monsignor-georg-gaenswein-for-the-third-time-1037): Private meeting between Pope Francis and Monsignor Gänswein
- [Close - Baptism and Formation at the Pontifical North American College](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/close-baptism-and-formation-at-the-pontifical-north-american-college-1036): In this video, we hear from Deacon Zane Langenbrunner as he baptizes Anna Sophia Veronica in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The baptism is a symbol of the grace that God gives us and a new beginning of goodness. We also hear from Fr. David Hulshof, Director of Apostolic Formation at the Pontifical North American College, who expresses his gratitude to those who are bringing the good news to the people of God and shaping themselves as persons of Jesus Christ for the needs of His kingdom. We hear from the seminarians at the college, who […]
- [The Music of Purgatory: A Concert of "The Dream of Gerontius" by Edward Elgar](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/music-of-purgatory-a-concert-of-the-dream-of-gerontius-by-edward-elgar-1035): On April 29, 2023, the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls hosted an extraordinary concert of “The Dream of Gerontius,” the masterpiece of English composer Edward Elgar, based on a poem by St. John Henry Newman. This oratorio tells the story of the journey of the soul of Gerontius after his death, with the guidance of angels and the challenge of demons, until he arrives before God, but is not yet ready to contemplate Him in His glory and is sent to Purgatory for purification. The concert marks an encounter between two central figures of British culture and religion of […]
- [The Holy Land: Place of Encounter - Interfaith Dialogue for Peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-land-place-of-encounter-interfaith-dialogue-for-peace-1034): In this video, we take a closer look at an important interreligious meeting that took place at the Palazzo della Rovere in Rome, titled “The Holy Land: A Place of Encounter.” The conference brought together religious representatives of the three great Abrahamic faiths – Jews, Christians, and Muslims – to discuss the importance of true dialogue and a meaningful pursuit of peace. The event featured important speakers, including Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, Tel Aviv Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum, Bishop of Nazareth Monsignor Rafic Nahra, and the Imam of the Mosque of Rome, Nader Akkad. The panelists spoke on themes such as “Jerusalem […]
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis' & Zelensky, New Vatican Constitution & Euthanasia in Portugal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-and-zelensky-new-vatican-constitution-and-euthanasia-in-portugal-1033): In this week’s Vaticano Updates, we bring you the most important news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. Join us as we bring you the latest statements and actions of Pope Francis. The first story covers Mother’s Day, where Pope Francis entrusted all mothers, including those in heaven, to the Virgin Mary, and prayed for the alleviation of suffering in Ukraine. The second story highlights the new constitution of the Vatican City State, which emphasizes the power of the pope over the sovereign state. The third story covers the pontiff’s expression of sorrow over the legalization of euthanasia in Portugal. […]
- [10 "secrets" of the Vatican Museums](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/10-secrets-of-the-vatican-museums-1032): Image of the exterior of the Vatican Museums.
- [The True Face of the Virgin Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/true-face-of-the-virgin-mary-1031): Unraveling the Enigma: Depicting the Virgin Mary in Art and Her Shifting Iconography Across Cultures and Centuries
- [Guard opens fire as man drives car into Vatican; suspect in custody](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/guard-opens-fire-as-man-drives-car-into-vatican-suspect-in-custody-1030): St. Anne's Gate
- [What does Pope Francis’ new ‘Fundamental Law’ mean for Vatican City State?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-does-pope-francis-new-fundamental-law-mean-for-vatican-city-state-1029): Is the new Fundamental Law issued by Pope Francis last week simply a modernization of Vatican City’s civil constitution or something much more — perhaps even a Copernican revolution in how the city-state functions and understands itself? Pope Francis said he issued the new law “to respond to the needs of our times.” And Professor Vincenzo Buonomo, a councilor of the Vatican City State and rector of the Lateran University, stressed this week that this reform, the first in 23 years, merely aims at emphasizing and valuing some of the aspects of the state, while at the same time giving […]
- [Rome prepares for 35 million pilgrims during 2025 Jubilee Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-prepares-for-35-million-pilgrims-during-2025-jubilee-year-1028): Pope Francis opens the Holy Doors at St. Peter's Basilica to begin the Year of Mercy, Dec. 8, 2015.
- [Pope Francis shows his closeness to those affected by serious flooding in Italy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-shows-his-closeness-to-those-affected-by-serious-flooding-in-italy-1027): Pope Francis showed his "deep compassion" and assured his prayers for the victims of the flooding in Emilia Romagna, a region in northern Italy that has been affected by strong storms in recent days.
- [How much do you know about Saint John Paul II? Here are 10 essential facts about his life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-much-do-you-know-about-saint-john-paul-ii-here-are-10-essential-facts-about-his-life-1026): Who was Saint John Paul II? This article presents 10 facts about the life of the ‘pilgrim Pope’, who is remembered as one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century.
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Regina Coeli with Pope Francis | May 21st, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-regina-coeli-with-pope-francis-may-21st-2023-1025): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer led by Pope Francis.
- [Pope Francis offers condolences after 9 die in northern Italy floods](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-offers-condolences-after-9-die-in-northern-italy-floods-1024): Pope Francis at his general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 17, 2023.
- [Caritas Internationalis Elects New Leadership and Charts a Path Forward](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/caritas-internationalis-elects-new-leadership-and-charts-a-path-forward-1023): Caritas Internationalis Welcomes Scottish Humanitarian Leader as New Secretary General
- [On a day like today: Saint John Paul II, the pilgrim Pope, was born](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/on-a-day-like-today-saint-john-paul-ii-the-pilgrim-pope-was-born-1022): The Inspiring Journey of Pope Saint John Paul II: From a Risky Pregnancy to Becoming a Saint
- [Abuse victims share ‘wounded heart’ with Pope Francis after bike trek from Germany](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/abuse-victims-share-wounded-heart-with-pope-francis-after-bike-trek-from-germany-1021): Pope Francis greeted victims of sexual abuse by members of the Church after the general audience on May 17, 2023. The victims arrived in Rome after making a pilgrimage by bicycle from Munich, Germany.
- [Pope Francis interrupts General Audience to take a phone call](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-interrupts-general-audience-to-take-a-phone-call-1020): Pope Francis takes a phone call during the General Audience.
- [John Paul II’s mom chose life after her doctor advised an abortion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/john-paul-iis-mom-chose-life-after-her-doctor-advised-an-abortion-1019): Karol Wojtyla with his parents.
- [Pope Francis: Share the Gospel with zeal like St. Francis Xavier](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-share-the-gospel-with-zeal-like-st-francis-xavier-1018): Pope Francis at his general audience on May 17, 2023 (left) and a painting of St. Francis Xavier in the Church of the Gesù in Rome (right).
- [Lisbon: Cardinal Pietro Parolin celebrates Mass with young people](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lisbon-cardinal-pietro-parolin-celebrates-mass-with-young-people-1017): On the sixth Sunday of Easter time, the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, Parque das Nações Parish, welcomed Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State. Also present were Américo Aguiar, president of the World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 Foundation, and the Apostolic Nuncio to Portugal. Breaking the news of the Mass celebration was the official WYD website www.lisboa2023.org/ Cardinal Pietro Parolin addressed the young people, believing that “the celebration, on the sixth Sunday of Easter, was a propitious occasion to reflect together on the path of preparation for the next World Youth Day, which will take place here in […]
- [Italy commemorates the pontificate of Benedict XVI with a new postage stamp](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italy-commemorates-the-pontificate-of-benedict-xvi-with-a-new-postage-stamp-1016): As of this Tuesday, May 16, Italy’s post offices will have a new stamp commemorating the pontificate of Benedict XVI. In this new stamp issued by the Republic of Italy appears an image of the Pontiff together with the dates of his pontificate, from 2005 to 2013, when he resigned as Bishop of Rome. It should be recalled that on January 31, 2023, one month after the death of Benedict XVI, the Vatican also issued a commemorative postage stamp of Pope Emeritus. The Pontiff departed to the Father’s house on December 31, 2022, at the age of 95. The Vatican […]
- [Power to the Pope - what the new fundamental law for the Vatican City State really means](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-emphasizes-the-power-of-the-pope-over-the-vatican-in-new-law-1015): Modernization and Transparency: Pope Francis's Renovation of Vatican Law
- [The Importance of Pope Francis' Visit to Iraq & Its People](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/importance-of-pope-francis-visit-to-iraq-and-its-people-1014): We share part 2 of the interview with Archbishop Bashar Matta Warda, CSsR, the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Erbil, Iraq, who has been very outspoken about religious persecution in the Middle East, specifically Iraq. Archbishop Warda discusses the importance of Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq and how for almost 17 years the world has been watching how violent Iraq has been. For the first time, the world got to see the beauty of the people of Iraq. The archbishop shares how the Catholic Church has had an influence over the country and how it has helped fight the violence and […]
- [New Caritas Internationalis secretary general comes from Scotland](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-caritas-internationalis-secretary-general-comes-from-scotland-1013): Caritas Internationalis Welcomes Scottish Humanitarian Leader as New Secretary General
- [Unveiling the Wonders of Vatican Observatory: A Captivating Virtual Tour](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/unveiling-the-wonders-of-vatican-observatory-a-captivating-virtual-tour-1012): Immerse Yourself in the Rich History and Scientific Legacy of the Vatican Observatory through an Innovative Digital Experience  
- [Interview with Archbishop Boris Gutsiak: Pope Francis and President Zelinski Meeting Significance](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/interview-with-archbishop-boris-gutsiak-pope-francis-and-president-zelinski-meeting-significance-1011): In this exclusive interview, Archbishop Boris Gutsiak from the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia discusses the significance of the meeting between Pope Francis and President Zelinski. They are two highly respected leaders in the world, with Pope Francis being a spiritual leader and President Zelinski emerging as a spokesperson for a changing nation. Ukraine has become the epicenter of global change, and Archbishop Gutsiak shares insights on how this meeting reflects a growing understanding that Ukrainians are not mere objects but active participants in their own history. The discussion explores the role of the Holy See in bringing an end […]
- [LIVE from the Vatican | General Audience with Pope Francis | May 17th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-general-audience-with-pope-francis-may-17th-2023-1010): LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square.
- [The Sign that Remembers the Day Our Lady of Fatima Saved the Life of John Paul II at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sign-that-remembers-the-day-our-lady-of-fatima-saved-the-life-of-john-paul-ii-at-the-vatican-1009): Walking toward St. Peter’s Basilica from the right side of Bernini’s Colonnade, some cobblestones catch the attention. It is a white plaque with the papal coat of arms and the date May 13, 1981, in Roman numerals, indicating the exact day and place when four bullets hit Pope John Paul II.   Forty-two years ago, Pope John Paul II arrived at a crowded St. Peter’s Square on what seemed like an ordinary morning in the Vatican when suddenly he was struck by four bullets: two of them hit his stomach, another his right arm, and the last one reached his […]
- [St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish Apostolate with Deacon Zane Langenbrunner](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-patricks-catholic-parish-apostolate-with-deacon-zane-langenbrunner-1008): Join us in this heartwarming and inspiring conversation with Deacon Zane Langenbrunner, a seminarian at the Pontifical North American College in the Diocese of Fort Wayne – South Bend, Indiana. Deacon Zane shares his insights on how language is like drumming and how it serves as a foundation for communication, particularly in understanding the Word of God. Discover the mission of St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish Apostolate, where Deacon Zane teaches children not only about the sacraments but also about Jesus himself and how to have a living relationship with Him. Witness how Deacon Zane manages his classroom as he shares […]
- [Pope Francis entrusts all mothers to Blessed Virgin Mary on Mother’s Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-entrusts-all-mothers-to-blessed-virgin-mary-on-mothers-day-1007): Pope Francis celebrates Mass in Gyumri, Armenia, June 25, 2016.
- [Pope Francis prays for cease-fire between Israelis and Palestinians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-cease-fire-between-israelis-and-palestinians-1006): Pope Francis greets the crowd at his Regina Caeli address on May 14, 2023.
- [Pope Francis issues new constitution for Vatican City State](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-issues-new-constitution-for-vatican-city-state-1005): Pope Francis arrives at the Paul VI Hall for his weekly general audience on Ash Wednesday Feb. 22, 2023.
- [Pope Francis laments new euthanasia law in Portugal on feast of Our Lady of Fatima](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-laments-new-euthanasia-law-in-portugal-on-feast-of-our-lady-of-fatima-1004): Pope Francis at the Wednesday general audience on Dec. 28, 2022.
- [New EWTN film about Catholic priest in hiding receives blessing from Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-ewtn-film-about-catholic-priest-in-hiding-receives-blessing-from-pope-francis-1003): Aidan Gallagher, director of EWTN Ireland, receives a blessing for the film “Faith of Our Fathers” from Pope Francis after the pope’s general audience May 3, 2023.
- [Lisbon Prepares for World Youth Day 2023 | EWTN News In Depth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lisbon-prepares-for-world-youth-day-2023-ewtn-news-in-depth-may-12-2023-1002): The city of Lisbon prepares for World Youth Day 2023– kicking off in less than 100 days. Correspondent Colm Flynn joins us with a preview.
- [Vatican Museums Unveil New Exhibit on Ancient Egyptian Goddess, Sekhmet | EWTN News Nightly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-museums-unveil-new-exhibit-on-ancient-egyptian-goddess-sekhmet-ewtn-news-nightly-1001): The Vatican Museums have unveiled a new exhibit of artifacts dedicated to a figure from Ancient Egypt. The Charm of Sekhmet is the continuation of a project that began in 2017. It studied statues of the ancient goddess Sekhmet, or Lioness, that were given to the Vatican Museums in the 1800s. The Vatican exhibition features around 2 dozen sculptures. They are believed to be thousands of years old dating back to several centuries before Christ. Curator of the Vatican Museums’ Department of Egyptian and Near Eastern Antiquities, Alessia Amenta, joins to tell us a little more about this project and […]
- [Caritas Internationalis, Archbishop Ikuchi of Tokyo, is the new president](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/caritas-internationalis-archbishop-ikuchi-of-tokyo-is-the-new-president-1000): Archbishop Ikuchi of Tokyo, new president of Caritas Internationalis
- [Pope Francis and Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy meet at Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-and-ukraines-president-zelenskyy-meet-at-vatican-999): Pope Francis and the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, met at the Vatican on Saturday. 
- [Manifestation for Life: Defending the Greatest Right](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/manifestation-for-life-defending-the-greatest-right-998): Join us on May 20th in Rome for the Manifestation for Life, an initiative that aims to defend the fundamental right to life. Inspired by the Movement for Life founded by honorable Carlo Casini, this manifestation will center on the respect and defense of life from conception to natural death.  In this interview with Massimo Gandolfini, the spokesperson for the event and a medical doctor specializing in neuro-surgery and psychiatry, we discuss the roots of the initiative and the objectives that we hope to achieve. We also address the conflict between the right to life and the issue of abortion, […]
- [Relevance and Listening: The Key to Communicating the Christian Message Today](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/relevance-and-listening-the-key-to-communicating-the-christian-message-today-997): In today’s fast-paced and information-rich world, the Church faces the challenge of staying relevant and reaching out to a diverse and ever-changing audience. To reflect on this important issue, 300 Church communicators from around the world gathered in Rome for a three-day seminar hosted by the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.  The seminar focused on the theme of “Relevance and Listening: communicating the Christian message in the plurality of contemporary voices,” and featured about 50 speakers, including academics, consultants, directors of bishops’ conferences, and journalists. Through various sessions and discussions, participants explored the importance of listening and interpreting what […]
- [(RE)VERSVS: A Contemporary Art Exhibition Promoting a Culture of Harmony at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/reversvs-a-contemporary-art-exhibition-promoting-a-culture-of-harmony-at-the-vatican-996): The Vatican Apostolic Library is proud to present (RE)VERSVS, a contemporary art exhibition featuring the works of Brazilian Franciscan Friar Minor, Father Sidival Fila. This exhibition, which runs from April 28th to July 15th, showcases Fr. Fila’s art created through the re-use and recovery of waste, aligning with the magisterium of Pope Francis on the central theme of the “culture of waste.”  Through his art, Fr. Fila seeks to give new life to discarded materials, offering a reflection on our consumption habits and the impact of waste on our planet. This exhibition is an opportunity to contemplate the “culture of […]
- [Church and Charity: Bridging the Gap and Serving the Peripheries](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/church-and-charity-bridging-the-gap-and-serving-the-peripheries-995): Join us for the latest edition of “Roman Nights” where Ambassador Antonio Zanardi Landi, Reverend David Hulshof, and Doctor Alessandro Pernigo come together to reflect on the importance of church and charity in today’s world. From the role of charity in the formation of seminarians to the concrete help provided by Catholic charities, such as the Order of Malta, we will explore how Christian charity can bridge the gap between haves and have-nots. We will also discuss how it can serve those on the peripheries, such as the isolated, lonely, and elderly, and why no AI robot can replace the […]
- [Vatican News: New Swiss Guards, King Charles III's Coronation & Christian Persecution in India](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-new-swiss-guards-king-charles-iiis-coronation-and-christian-persecution-in-india-994): Join us for this week’s Vaticano Updates and stay up-to-date with the latest news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. In this episode, we’ll cover the following topics:  Pope Francis’ inspiring message to the Swiss Guards during the swearing-in ceremony of new recruits. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin’s representation of Pope Francis at the Coronation of King Charles III, which was deeply rooted in Christian tradition. Indian Archbishop Peter Machado’s concerns about the persecution of Christians in Manipur amid the recent eruption of violence. Pope Francis’ call for peace talks in Sudan as more than 100,000 people flee from […]
- [Pope Francis: Birth rate is a key indicator of a country’s hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-birth-rate-is-a-key-indicator-of-a-countrys-hope-993): Pope Francis shared a stage with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on May 12, 2023, to speak at a two-day conference on “The General State of the Birth Rate,” held at Conciliazione Auditorium close to the Vatican.
- [Roman Nights | The Charity Within the Church and Given by the Church - EWTN Vatican Bureau Event](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/roman-nights-the-charity-within-the-church-and-given-by-the-church-ewtn-vatican-bureau-event-992): “Roman Nights” is a series of gatherings created to bring people together in Rome to reflect on topics related to faith in today’s world.  This May, the theme chosen is “The Charity Within the Church and Given by the Church,” seeking to answer the big questions that the contemporary world poses to the church militant in the world today.  Don’t miss this opportunity to listen to our keynote speakers: S.E. Sig. Antonio Zanardi Landi, Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Holy See, Dott. Alessandro Pernigo, Member of the Board of Directors for “Università Campus Bio-medico di […]
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Regina Coeli with Pope Francis | May 14th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-regina-coeli-with-pope-francis-may-14th-2023-991): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer led by Pope Francis.
- [PHOTOS: Eucharistic procession brings Jesus to halls of Rome university](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-eucharistic-procession-brings-jesus-to-halls-of-rome-university-990): Cardinal James Michael Harvey presided over a eucharistic procession at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelicum, in Rome on May 11, 2023. The 22nd edition of the annual procession was attended by about 130 students, faculty, and community members.
- [The Holy Land: A Place of Encounter - Insights from the Order of the Holy Sepulcher](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-land-a-place-of-encounter-insights-from-the-order-of-the-holy-sepulcher-989): Insights from His Eminence Cardinal Filoni and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher  
- [Eduard Habsburg, Hungary’s man at the Vatican, talks Pope Francis, cheesesteak, and family secrets](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/eduard-habsburg-hungarys-man-at-the-vatican-talks-pope-francis-cheesesteak-and-family-secrets-988): Eduard Habsburg.
- [Pope Francis adds Coptic Orthodox martyrs to liturgical book of saints](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-adds-coptic-orthodox-martyrs-to-liturgical-book-of-saints-987): Pope Francis receives relics of the Coptic martyrs from Pope Tawadros II, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, May 11, 2023. Pope Francis also announced that the 21 men will be added to the Church’s official list of saints.
- [Message from Pope Francis for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/message-from-pope-francis-for-the-world-day-of-migrants-and-refugees-2023-986): Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of freedom in migration decisions in his message for the 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees
- [The Three Secrets of Fatima Explained](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/three-secrets-of-fatima-explained-985): Unveiling the secrets and miracles of the Virgin Mary's apparitions to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal.
- [Pope Francis revisits ‘very painful’ Jesuit abductions in 1970s Argentina](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-revisits-very-painful-jesuit-abductions-in-1970s-argentina-984): Pope Francis spoke about the Christian roots of Hungary during his general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 3, 2023.
- [Drama swirls as Caritas Internationalis delegates prepare to elect new leaders](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/drama-swirls-as-caritas-internationalis-delegates-prepare-to-elect-new-leaders-983): Lybicheva Nina, 72, along with her grandchildren receives food items during a distribution to about 3,000 people by the local branch of Caritas Internationalis, a Catholic charity organization, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Sept. 27, 2022.
- [Pope Francis holds general audience with Tawadros II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-holds-general-audience-with-tawadros-ii-982): Pope Francis and the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Pope Tawadros II, led the general audience at the Vatican on May 10, 2023.
- [Meet the Man Who Keeps the Keys of the Vatican Museums](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-man-who-keeps-the-keys-of-the-vatican-museums-981): Every morning Gianni Crea unlocks the doors to history.
- [Pope Francis asks for his blessing for new priests and gives them this important advice](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-asks-for-his-blessing-for-new-priests-and-gives-them-this-important-advice-980): New priests blessing Pope Francis.
- [Pope Francis Meets with the Delegation for the National Eucharistic Congress](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-the-delegation-for-the-national-eucharistic-congress-1181): Since leaving the hospital, the Holy Father has met with a group working on the Eucharistic revival initiative. Bishop Andrew Cozzens led a delegation for the National Eucharistic Congress, which will take place in 2024 in the United States, at the Apostolic Palace. He led the delegation to meet Pope Francis and to have the monstrance blessed that will be used at the Eucharistic congress. Bishop Cozzens joins EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, to discuss how their meeting with the Holy Father went. The Pope went off script when addressing the delegation. Bishop Cozzens shares what he said. He […]
- [Pope calls National Eucharistic Congress ‘a significant moment in the life of the Church’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-calls-national-eucharistic-congress-a-significant-moment-in-the-life-of-the-church-1180): Pope Francis meets with members of the U.S. bishops’ committee for the National Eucharistic Congress on Monday, June 19, at the Vatican.
- [John Kerry meets Pope Francis at the Vatican for a fourth time](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/john-kerry-meets-pope-francis-at-the-vatican-for-a-fourth-time-1179): Pope Francis met with U.S. President Joe Biden’s climate envoy John Kerry on Monday in what was Kerry’s fourth official private meeting with the pope.
- [Pope Francis publishes apostolic letter on Blaise Pascal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-publishes-apostolic-letter-on-blaise-pascal-1178): Pope Francis published an apostolic letter on Monday praising the 17th-century mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal as “a tireless seeker of truth.”
- [From Quito, To Rome: A Family of Families](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-quito-to-rome-a-family-of-families-1177): Embark on a mission in Quito, Ecuador, and witness the everyday struggles but also triumphs of community members at, The Center – A Family of Families, where people strive to break free of the circle of poverty and violence. Meet also the Papal Foundation members who are key benefactors in keeping this dream alive. Watch as volunteers from abroad, local staff, religious, and receivers of this charity help each other to transform lives and build a better future.
- [Pope Francis makes first public speech since hospitalization for abdominal surgery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-makes-first-public-speech-since-hospitalization-for-abdominal-surgery-1176): Pope Francis appeared in the window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Sunday to make his first public speech since his release from the hospital on Friday. The 86-year-old pope waved and smiled on June 18 as he gave thanks for the prayers and messages that he received during his nine-day stay in the hospital to recover from surgery to repair an incisional hernia. “I wish to express my gratitude to those who, during the days of my hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital, have shown me affection, care, and friendship, and assured me of prayerful support,” the pope said. “This human […]
- [Pope Francis expresses ‘shame and dismay’ over sexual abuse of minors in Bolivia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-expresses-shame-and-dismay-over-sexual-abuse-of-minors-in-bolivia-1175): Pope Francis has sent a letter to the president of Bolivia expressing “feelings of shame and dismay” and a firm promise to work with the government of the South American country to end clerical sexual abuse of minors. The letter, released Friday according to the Associated Press but signed on May 31 and addressed to Bolivian President Luis Arce, is a response to another letter sent to the pontiff on May 22 by the South American president. The pope’s letter was made public on May 15 on the official Twitter account of the Bolivian president. “Dear Mr. President: I have […]
- [To Jesus through Mary at the Center" - Serving the Vulnerable in Quito, Ecuador](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/to-jesus-through-mary-at-the-center-serving-the-vulnerable-in-quito-ecuador-1174): In this compelling narration, we dive into the heart of a Jesuit Center called “A Family of Families” in Quito, Ecuador. Discover how they show people in vulnerable situations that God loves and cares for them. Join us in the fourth installment of our five-part series as we explore the incredible work of this center, with insights from Juan Luis Delgado, SJ, the Pastoral Ministry Director, and Fr. Daniel de Ycaza, the Jesuit Provincial of Ecuador. Witness their dedication to building the Kingdom of God and their devotion to Jesus and Mary. Don’t miss the inspiring story of the Sorrowful […]
- [The Sanctuary in France where Jesus Revealed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret of Alacoque](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sanctuary-in-france-where-jesus-revealed-his-sacred-heart-to-st-margaret-of-alacoque-1173): Join us on a captivating journey to Paray le Monial, a place of deep spiritual significance where Jesus appeared to Saint Margaret. Delve into the remarkable basilica, recognized as a symbol of the Sacred Heart by Pope Pius IX in 1875, and marvel at its Cluniac Romanesque architecture. Paray-le-Monial holds a special place as the sacred location where Jesus revealed His burning heart overflowing with love to Saint Margaret-Marie Alacoque. Step into the footsteps of this young woman from the region as she enters the Visitation Monastery, guided by her confessor, Saint Claude La Colombière. Their encounters gave rise to […]
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis on Human Dignity & Climate Activists Convicted & Madrid's New Archbishop](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-on-human-dignity-and-climate-activists-convicted-and-madrids-new-archbishop-1172): In this week’s Vaticano Updates, we bring you the latest news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. The Pope recently spoke on the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, condemning the exploitation of individuals as objects. Meanwhile, Vatican judges convicted two climate activists for damaging an important statue in the Vatican Museums during a protest last year. Pope Francis also prayed with a relic of St. Thérèse of Lisieux before undergoing abdominal surgery and took a stance against child labor on Twitter. Lastly, the Pope appointed José Cobo Cano as the new archbishop for Spain’s capital diocese of […]
- [Pope Francis Leaves the Hospital 8 Days After Abdominal Surgery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-leaves-the-hospital-8-days-after-abdominal-surgery-1171): Pope Francis is back at the Vatican. The Holy Father left the Gemelli Hospital this morning 8 days after his abdominal surgery. He is set to resume at least part of his normal schedule on Sunday. He greeted hospital staff and other patients as he left the hospital in a wheelchair. Outside the building, the Pope was asked how he was doing by media, to whom he said, “I’m still alive!” After Pope Francis left in his white Fiat 500, surgeon Dr. Sergio Alfieri told reporters, “The Pope is well. He’s better than before.” According to the Vatican, Pope Francis […]
- [Pope Francis Undergoes Surgery for Hernia: Impact on World Youth Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-undergoes-surgery-for-hernia-impact-on-world-youth-day-1170): Pope Francis recently underwent surgery for a hernia of the abdominal wall, resulting in the suspension of his appointments until June 18th. The operation lasted about three hours and was successful without complications. This is not the first time the Pope has been admitted to the hospital this year, having previously been hospitalized for a respiratory infection. His health also has an impact on the upcoming World Youth Day, which is scheduled to take place in Lisbon in August. With the Pope’s absence, organizers have emphasized that there will be no World Youth Day, which was postponed from 2022 due […]
- [Alcide De Gasperi: The Man Who Shaped a United and Peaceful Europe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/alcide-de-gasperi-the-man-who-shaped-a-united-and-peaceful-europe-1169): Alcide De Gasperi was a founding father of Europe who dedicated his life to politics and helped shape the idea of a peaceful union of nations after the devastation of two world wars in Europe. He was an outspoken Catholic, former Vatican employee, and skilled politician who served as the first Prime Minister of Italy in 1946. Despite being hostile to fascists, he was arrested and sentenced to four years imprisonment, but was later released through Pope Pius XI’s intervention and became a librarian in the Vatican. De Gasperi’s path was marked by a continuous and profound relationship with God, […]
- [Promoting Peace and Integration: A Conversation with Colombia's Ambassador to the Holy See](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/promoting-peace-and-integration-a-conversation-with-colombias-ambassador-to-the-holy-see-1168): In this interview, His Excellency, Mr. Alberto Ospina Carreño, the Ambassador of Colombia to the Holy See, discusses the current relationship between the Holy See and Colombia, as well as the role of the Catholic Church in promoting peace, integrating migrants, and seeking stability in the nation. Mr. Carreño shares his experience of meeting the Pope and highlights the Pope’s focus on peace and the ongoing efforts to make progress with armed groups through the involvement of the Church. He also explains the importance of the Church’s presence in Colombia and its ability to understand the problems and needs of […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Francis returns to Vatican after surgery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-francis-returns-to-vatican-after-surgery-1167): Pope Francis left Rome's Gemelli Hospital shortly before 9:00 a.m. on June 16, 2023. Before returning to the Vatican, he stopped to pray in front of the historic Marian icon of Salus Populi Romani at St. Mary Major Basilica, and made a quick visit to a group of religious sisters close to St. Peter's Square.
- [Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, a workshop to understand China](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-academy-of-social-sciences-a-workshop-to-understand-china-1166): Casina Pio IV, home of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Angelus with Pope Francis | June 18th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-angelus-with-pope-francis-june-18th-2023-1165): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Angelus prayer led by Pope Francis.
- [BREAKING: Rupnik dismissed from Jesuits](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-rupnik-dismissed-from-jesuits-1164): Father Marko Rupnik, SJ, in an interview with EWTN in 2020.
- [Vatican: Gänswein to return to home diocese in July](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-gaenswein-to-return-to-home-diocese-in-july-1163): The Vatican confirmed Thursday that Pope Francis has asked Archbishop Georg Gänswein to return to Germany as of July 1.
- [Cardinal Tagle: "The family of God is born from the Eucharist"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-tagle-the-family-of-god-is-born-from-the-eucharist-1162): Cardinal Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization
- [Society of Saint Vincent De Paul Elects New Leader & Holds Meetings in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/society-of-saint-vincent-de-paul-elects-new-leader-and-holds-meetings-in-rome-1161): A nearly 200 year old organization of lay Catholics dedicated to serving the poor is holding its annual meetings in Rome. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul meetings this week included the election of a new leader. He is set to be installed in September in France on the feast of the society’s founder. The group began in 1833. They follow the call to serve the poor, the suffering and deprived. The outgoing general president of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Renato Lima de Oliveira, joins to share what was on the agenda of the meeting and […]
- [Vatican: Pope Francis’ doctors plan to discharge him from hospital ‘in the next few days’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-pope-francis-doctors-plan-to-discharge-him-from-hospital-in-the-next-few-days-1160): This photograph taken on June 11, 2023, shows the statue of the late Pope John Paul II at the entrance to the Gemelli hospital in Rome. Pope Francis underwent an operation for an abdominal hernia on June 7, 2023, at the Rome hospital.
- [Pope Francis’ emphasis on synodality cited in joint Catholic-Orthodox statement](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-emphasis-on-synodality-cited-in-joint-catholic-orthodox-statement-1159): In a speech during a meeting with Pope Tawadros II, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, and other Coptic Orthodox representatives on May 11, 2023, Pope Francis announced that the Coptic Orthodox martyrs killed by ISIS in 2015 will be added to the Catholic Church’s official list of saints.
- [Thousands of children pray for Pope Francis' recovery in Fatima](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/thousands-of-children-pray-for-pope-francis-recovery-in-fatima-1158): About 17 thousand children from various dioceses participated on Saturday, June 10, in the annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Fatima. This year, the little ones offered their prayers, especially for the “rapid improvement of Pope Francis.” The Holy Father was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Wednesday, June 7, where he underwent surgery for an intestinal obstruction. Reports provided by the Holy See Press Office indicate that the Pope’s recovery is proceeding according to plan. Bishop Rui Valério of Portugal led the pilgrimage under the motto “Like Mary, sharing joy.” During the event, the prelate invited the children to […]
- [Satellite with Pope Francis’ words launches into space](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/satellite-with-pope-francis-words-launches-into-space-1157): Students at the Polytechnic University of Turin built the satellite that launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on June 12, 2023.
- [Pope Francis Still Expected to Travel to Portugal for World Youth Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-still-expected-to-travel-to-portugal-for-world-youth-day-1156): Pope Francis is still expected to travel to Portugal in August for the 37th World Youth Day. The event originally was scheduled for last year. It was changed because of the pandemic. The Holy Father is set for a busy itinerary. The Holy See Press Office has published the program for Pope Francis’ apostolic journey to World Youth Day, which will be held in Lisbon August 1st thru the 6th. In his recent message addressing the WYD participants, the Pope had encouraged young people to look forward to those days, “Have hope… because one grows a lot at an event […]
- [Vatican convicts climate activists, orders them to pay $30,000 in damages](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-convicts-climate-activists-orders-them-to-pay-30000-in-damages-1155): Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) climate change activists Ester Goffi (right) and Guido Viero (second right) arrive at the Vatican on May 24, 2023, to attend their second hearing for having glued themselves to the statue of "Laocoon and His Sons" at the Vatican Museums in August 2022.
- [Pope Francis laments the spiritual poverty in a culture that leads to teen suicides](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-laments-the-spiritual-poverty-in-a-culture-that-leads-to-teen-suicides-1154): Pope Francis poses for a photo with a group of young people after his general audience Aug. 17, 2022.
- [Pope Francis sends condolences after death of Silvio Berlusconi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sends-condolences-after-death-of-silvio-berlusconi-1153): St. Pope John Paul II greets former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
- [Pope Francis praying and working from hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praying-and-working-from-hospital-1152): Dr. Sergio Alfieri (left), Pope Francis' surgeon, and Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruno hold a press conference Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
- [Pope Francis Doing Better But Asked Not to Deliver Sunday Address by Doctors](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-doing-better-but-asked-not-to-deliver-sunday-address-by-doctors-1151): The Vatican says Pope Francis is making a strong recovery following his 3 hour surgery last week. Doctors have asked the Holy Father not to deliver his Sunday address to pilgrims. The medical personnel were concerned it would be too much strain on Pope Francis to deliver his Sunday remarks from the hospital balcony. Overall, he is eating regularly, continues to do work and early Monday took Holy Communion. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, joins to tell us more about Pope Francis and how he is recovering. Thonhauser shares how things at the Vatican are without Pope Francis and […]
- [PHOTOS: Eucharistic procession in the Vatican Gardens on Corpus Christi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-eucharistic-procession-in-the-vatican-gardens-on-corpus-christi-1150): A Eucharistic procession in the Vatican Gardens on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ on June 11, 2023.
- [Aboriginal Leader Visits Vatican: Dr. Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann's Impact on Reconciliation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/aboriginal-leader-visits-vatican-dr-miriam-rose-ungunmerr-baumanns-impact-on-reconciliation-1149): Join us as we delve into the profound visit of Dr. Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann, one of Australia’s most respected Aboriginal leaders, to the Vatican. Experience the transformative moments that unfolded during her time in Rome, where she left an indelible mark on the pursuit of reconciliation.  Dr. Ungunmerr Baumann had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis, presenting him with a captivating painting titled “Finding God in Nature.” This artwork symbolizes the harmonious blend of indigenous wisdom and spirituality, resonating deeply with her faith.  During her stay, she engaged in essential discussions with Monsignor Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States […]
- [Vatican News: Peace Mission in Ukraine, Pope in Mongolia & Pope's worldwide plan revive the family](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-peace-mission-in-ukraine-pope-in-mongolia-and-popes-worldwide-plan-revive-the-family-1148): Welcome to this week’s Vaticano Updates, where we bring you the latest news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. In this episode: Pope Francis’ prayer intention for June focuses on the abolition of torture. Join us as we explore his message and the importance of supporting victims and their families.  Cardinal Matteo Zuppi arrives in Ukraine as a Vatican peace envoy, working towards a just peace and easing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Discover more about his mission and the efforts to initiate paths of peace.  Learn about the “Family Global Compact,” a project supported by Pope Francis, aimed at […]
- [Pope Francis: Treat others with dignity, not as objects](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-treat-others-with-dignity-not-as-objects-1147): Young people from around the world held hands in St. Peter's Square during the #NotAlone human fraternity event June 10, 2023.
- [Service That Supports the Family: Inspiring Stories from Quito, Ecuador](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/service-that-supports-the-family-inspiring-stories-from-quito-ecuador-1146): Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Quito, Ecuador, and discover the incredible work of the “Center – A Family of Families.” In this engaging five-part series, we bring you the third installment, where we delve into the Center’s meaningful connection to “The Papal Foundation,” the exclusive U.S. charity fulfilling the Holy Father’s requests. Experience the powerful narration by Olivia Young, the Community Director, as she shares her heartfelt message to Pope Francis, expressing the mission’s dedication to walking alongside the vulnerable and marginalized. Learn about the Center’s profound impact, having served and accompanied […]
- [Humanae Vitae & Africa: Promoting the Culture of Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/humanae-vitae-and-africa-promoting-the-culture-of-life-1145): Discover the vital connection between Humanae Vitae, the encyclical by Saint Pope Paul VI, and the challenges Africa faces regarding population control, contraception, and abortion. In this thought-provoking discussion, we explore the perspective of Professor (Fr) Apollinaire Cibaka Cikongo, rector of the University of Mbujimayi in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who sheds light on the prevailing culture of silence surrounding these issues, even within the Church. Learn about the social debate, the influence of external organizations, and the impact on African society’s values and traditions, which prioritize the sanctity of life and the importance of the family. Pope Francis’s […]
- [How Catholics Should Use Social Media: A Pastoral Reflection from the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-catholics-should-use-social-media-a-pastoral-reflection-from-the-vatican-1144): Join us as we explore the Vatican’s recent pastoral reflection on social media and discover important guidelines for Catholics engaging with the digital world. With the Holy See’s significant reach across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, the Vatican’s Communications Department provides valuable insights for navigating the pitfalls of social media. From the digital divide to the challenges of fake news and the echo-chamber phenomenon, we’ll delve into these issues and more. The Vatican reminds us to be wise stewards of our time and to prioritize real-life experiences and relationships. However, this document is not a condemnation of everything […]
- [Pope Francis issues new ‘fundamental law’ for Vatican City State: Explainer](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-issues-new-fundamental-law-for-vatican-city-state-explainer-1143): Join us as we explore the recent changes to the Vatican City Constitution, a rare and remarkable occasion that will govern the Vatican City State. From the historic 1929 Lateran Pacts to the previous amendment by Pope Saint John Paul II in 2000, the Vatican’s fundamental law has evolved. In this video, we delve into the significance of Pope Francis’s decision to update the constitution, empowering the laity and emphasizing the sovereign power of the Pope. Discover how this new legal framework aims to establish transparency and meet the challenges of the modern world. Journey through the majestic Vatican City, […]
- [Pope Francis sends message from hospital to European political party](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sends-message-from-hospital-to-european-political-party-1142): While recovering in the hospital, Pope Francis sent a message to the largest political party in the European Parliament. In a letter to the European People’s Party published by the Vatican on June 11, the pope urged politicians to be united on “issues where primary ethical values and important points of Christian social doctrine are at stake.” “The Christian politician should distinguish himself by the seriousness with which he approaches issues, rejecting opportunistic solutions and always holding firm to the criteria of the dignity of the person and the common good,” Pope Francis said. “In this regard, you have a […]
- [Corpus Christi Sunday 2023: Inspiring words from the saints about the Eucharist](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/corpus-christi-sunday-2023-inspiring-words-from-the-saints-about-the-eucharist-1141): Corpus Christi Sunday, also known as the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, falls this year on Sunday, June 11. Originally proposed as a feast day by St. Thomas Aquinas, this liturgical solemnity honors the Eucharist, reminding all to recognize that it is the true presence: the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. Whether the solemnity of Corpus Christi is celebrated through Mass or a procession of the Blessed Sacrament, it is important for Catholics to acknowledge the powerful, spiritual nature of the Eucharist. Here are 11 quotes from some beloved saints about […]
- [Pope Francis will not pray public Angelus from hospital on Sunday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-will-not-pray-public-angelus-from-hospital-on-sunday-1140): Pope Francis to Pray Sunday Angelus in Private as Doctors Advise Resting Abdominal Muscles
- [Pope Francis making normal progress in recovery from abdominal surgery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-making-normal-progress-in-recovery-from-abdominal-surgery-1138): Pope Francis at his general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 17, 2023.
- [Pope Francis stable, receives poster from family of baby he baptized in hospital in March](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-stable-receives-poster-from-family-of-baby-he-baptized-in-hospital-in-march-1137): A photograph shows an outside view of the Gemelli hospital in Rome on June 8, 2023, where Pope Francis has been hospitalized following an operation for an abdominal hernia on June 7.
- [Pope Francis is recovering in same hospital room where John Paul II was treated](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-is-recovering-in-same-hospital-room-where-john-paul-ii-was-treated-1135): A large statue of St. John Paul II at the entrance of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is recovering from surgery he underwent on June 7, 2023.
- [Pope Francis Spends Quiet Night Recovering at the Hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-spends-quiet-night-recovering-at-the-hospital-1134): Pope Francis' Abdominal Surgery: Update on His Condition
- [Pope Francis in ‘good general condition’ one day after abdominal surgery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-good-general-condition-one-day-after-abdominal-surgery-1133): Pope Francis at his general audience in St Peter’s Square on May 31, 2023.
- [Surgeon: Pope Francis ‘well, awake, alert’ after operation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/surgeon-pope-francis-well-awake-alert-after-operation-1132): Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the lead surgeon for Pope Francis' abdominal surgery, speaks at a press conference at Gemelli Hospital on June 7, 2023.
- [Pope Francis Awake and Alert After Successful Abdominal Surgery | Latest Updates](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-awake-and-alert-after-successful-abdominal-surgery-latest-updates-1131): Pope Francis' Abdominal Surgery: Update on His Condition
- [Pope Francis’ appointments canceled until June 18, Italian diocese says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appointments-canceled-until-june-18-italian-diocese-says-1130): Pope Francis’ audiences have been canceled until June 18, an Italian Catholic diocese said Wednesday, citing the Prefecture of the Papal Household.
- [Pope Greets Foundation Established by St. John Paul II Celebrating 30 Years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-greets-foundation-established-by-st-john-paul-ii-celebrating-30-years-1129): Pope Francis calls for creating a waste-free economy by seeking the good of all. The Holy Father received the Centesimus Annus Foundation on the occasion of its 30th anniversary and he thanked it for its commitment to speaking the social doctrine of the Church. The Pope urged the foundation to “contribute to a thought and action that favors the growth of a community in which to walk together on the path of peace.” Board member of Centesimus Annus in Germany, Stephanie Zu Loewenstein, joins to tell us more about their audience with Pope Francis and what the Holy Father emphasized […]
- [Pope Francis prayed with relic of St. Thérèse of Lisieux before surgery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prayed-with-relic-of-st-therese-of-lisieux-before-surgery-1128): Pope Francis prayed before a relic of St. Therese of Lisieux at the beginning of his general audience in St. Peter's Square, and shortly before going to the hospital for an abdominal surgery, on June 7, 2023.
- [Breaking: Pope Francis to have abdominal surgery under general anesthesia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-pope-francis-to-have-abdominal-surgery-under-general-anesthesia-1127): Pope Francis greeted pilgrims in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, a few hours before he will be hospitalized for abdominal surgery under general anesthesia.
- [Here is Pope Francis’ schedule for World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/here-is-pope-francis-schedule-for-world-youth-day-2023-in-lisbon-1126): A screenshot from Pope Francis' May 4 video message to young people attending World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.
- [Papal envoy to Ukraine meets with President Zelenskyy, concludes ‘intense’ visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-envoy-to-ukraine-meets-with-president-zelenskyy-concludes-intense-visit-1125): Pope Francis’ envoy to Ukraine Cardinal Matteo Zuppi on June 6, 2023, finished a “brief but intense” two-day visit to Kyiv, which included a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- [Vatican: Pope Francis has check-up at Rome hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-pope-francis-has-check-up-at-rome-hospital-1124): Pope Francis at his Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square on May 31, 2023.
- [LIVE from the Vatican | General Audience with Pope Francis | June 7th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-general-audience-with-pope-francis-june-7th-2023-1123): LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square.
- [St. Peter’s desecrated amid second security breach](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/security-breaches-cause-concern-at-the-vatican-and-for-the-safety-of-pope-francis-1122): This past Saturday the Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, performed a penitential rite following the desecration of the Altar of the Confessio. Situated at the crossing, the main altar of St. Peter’s sits above the tomb of St. Peter and is considered one of the holiest sites in all of Christendom.  This event unfolded on June 1st, shortly before the closing of the Basilica, when a Polish national climbed the stairs ascending towards the papal altar, a space off-limits to the public. He quickly undressed, and jumped on the altar, exposing the message written on his back: […]
- [Cardinal Zuppi arrives in Ukraine to begin work as Vatican peace envoy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zuppi-arrives-in-ukraine-to-begin-work-as-vatican-peace-envoy-1121): Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Bologna, Italy.
- [Pope Francis to sign human fraternity document with Nobel laureates in St. Peter’s Square](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-sign-human-fraternity-document-with-nobel-laureates-in-st-peters-square-1120): St. Peter's Square in Vatican City.
- ["With war, everything is lost," Pope Francis reiterates on Italian television.](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/with-war-everything-is-lost-pope-francis-reiterates-on-italian-television-1119): Pope Francis at the "A sua Imagine" program.
- [Pope Francis prays for victims of train crash in India that killed 275 people](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-victims-of-train-crash-in-india-that-killed-275-people-1118): Pope Francis prays at his Wednesday audience in St. Peter’s Square on April 12, 2023.
- [Building from Basic Needs | Vaticano Series: Helping Families in Quito, Ecuador](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/building-from-basic-needs-vaticano-series-helping-families-in-quito-ecuador-1117): In this episode of Vaticano’s five-part series, we delve into the inspiring work of “Center – A Family of Families” in Quito, Ecuador. Join us as we explore how this organization, with the support of The Papal Foundation, fulfills the basic needs of vulnerable communities. Through heartfelt letters to Pope Francis, the Center staff shares their experiences and prayers for a better future. Witness their improvisation during the COVID times with a transformed food bank, providing essential kits for families in need. Discover their dedication to empowering individuals and opening doors to a better life. Stay tuned for the next […]
- [The Flesh of Christ in the Flesh of Refugees: Inspiring Stories from Casa Scalabrini 634](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/flesh-of-christ-in-the-flesh-of-refugees-inspiring-stories-from-casa-scalabrini-634-1116): Join us as we explore the powerful mission of Casa Scalabrini 634, a welcoming center for migrants, inspired by the words of Pope Francis and the legacy of Saint Scalabrini. Discover the transformative stories of refugees who have found a home and regained their autonomy within the walls of Casa Scalabrini. Learn how the church, unlike the government, embraces the humanity of migrants and treats them as human beings. Experience the profound impact of direct community engagement and the commitment to educating the local community. Be inspired by the words of Pope Francis: “Each one of you refugees who knock […]
- [The Role of the "Devil's Advocate" in Canonizations | Insights from Monsignor Royo Mejía](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/role-of-the-devils-advocate-in-canonizations-insights-from-monsignor-royo-mejia-1115): Join us for an intriguing conversation with Monsignor Alberto Royo Mejía, the Promoter of the Faith at the Dicastery for Saints’ Causes, as we delve into the world of saints’ causes and the enigmatic figure of the “Devil’s Advocate.” Discover the origins and evolution of this unique role, tasked with scrutinizing the character flaws and evidence favoring canonization. Monsignor Royo Mejía shares valuable insights into the changes implemented by Pope John Paul II to streamline the canonization process, making it more historical and relevant to the modern age. Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of presenting relatable and close-at-hand […]
- [Preparing for Jubilee 2025: Explore the History and Art of Jubilees | New Diploma Announcement](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/preparing-for-jubilee-2025-explore-the-history-and-art-of-jubilees-new-diploma-announcement-1114): Join us as we unveil the exciting new academic program, the Diploma in Jubilee History and Art, presented by the Faculty of Church History and Cultural Heritage at the prestigious Pontifical Gregorian University. This comprehensive diploma has been meticulously designed to prepare individuals for the upcoming Holy Year in 2025, the twenty-seventh ordinary Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church.  In this episode, we dive into the details of the program as course instructors, including Ottavio Bucarelli, Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage of the Church at the Pontifical Gregorian University, shed light on its significance and objectives. The diploma […]
- [Pentecost and the Challenge of Evangelization Today | Insights from Cardinal Tagle](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pentecost-and-the-challenge-of-evangelization-today-insights-from-cardinal-tagle-1113): In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the challenges faced by the Church in spreading the gospel in the modern world. Join us as we hear from Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Section of First Evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect for the Section of Evangelization. They provide profound insights on the importance of evangelization and how to connect with people in today’s secularized society.  Fortunatus Nwachukwu emphasizes the problem of secularization and the need for individuals to find their center in God rather than in their own ideas. He shares his experiences as […]
- [Vatican News: Doctor, Surfer & Seminarian on way to sainthood & Vatican Guidelines for Social Media](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-doctor-surfer-and-seminarian-on-way-to-sainthood-and-vatican-guidelines-for-social-media-1112): Welcome to this week’s Vaticano Updates, where we bring you the latest and most significant news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. In this episode, we cover a range of topics, including Pope Francis’ inspiring message on Pentecost, the prestigious Paul VI Award presented to Italy’s President Mattarella, Vatican’s recommendations for Christian engagement with social media, the appointment of a new bishop for the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and a step closer to canonization for the heroic Guido Schäffer, Brazil’s “Surfer Angel.” Stay tuned for these fascinating updates from the Vatican and Pope Francis’ impactful teachings.
- [Trinity Sunday: 10 illuminating quotes from the saints about the Holy Trinity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/trinity-sunday-2023-10-illuminating-quotes-from-the-saints-about-the-holy-trinity-1111): The solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, or Trinity Sunday, is observed on the Sunday after Pentecost. Saints have highlighted the Holy Trinity's greatness, simplicity, and power to transform believers' souls.     
- [Pope Francis explains why Catholics make the sign of the cross](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-explains-why-catholics-make-the-sign-of-the-cross-1110): Each time that a Catholic makes the sign of the cross, it is a reminder that God is a communion of love, Pope Francis said Sunday. Speaking on the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the pope highlighted how the simple gesture that Catholics are taught as children is a sign of the central mystery of Christian faith. “By tracing the cross on our body, we remind ourselves how much God loved us, to the point of giving his life for us; and we repeat to ourselves that his love envelops us completely, from top to bottom, from left to […]
- [Penitential rite held after naked man stands on St. Peter’s Basilica’s main altar](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/penitential-rite-held-after-naked-man-stands-on-st-peters-basilicas-main-altar-1109): Two days after a naked man stood on the high altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in a shocking security breach, the basilica’s archpriest on Saturday held a penitential rite as required by canon law in cases where sacred places are desecrated. Vatican News reported that the unidentified man was a Polish national who approached the high altar on June 1 as the basilica was about to close. He quickly undressed and climbed onto the altar. Photos posted online showed the words “Save children of Ukraine” written in marker on his back. “As officers of the Vatican Gendarmerie approached, the man […]
- [Pope Francis to travel to Mongolia on Aug. 31](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-travel-to-mongolia-on-aug-31-1108): The Vatican announced Saturday that Pope Francis will visit Mongolia, the world’s most sparsely populated sovereign country. The pope is set to travel to Mongolia from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4. The trip will make Pope Francis the first pope to visit the Asian country that shares a 2,880-mile border with China, its most significant economic partner. Mongolia has a population of about 1,300 Catholics in a country of more than 3 million people. The first modern mission to Mongolia was in 1922 and was entrusted to the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. But under a communist government, […]
- [PHOTOS: American seminarians having a ‘ball’ in Rome college’s restored 1960s bowling alley](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-american-seminarians-having-a-ball-in-rome-colleges-restored-1960s-bowling-alley-1107): The “mythical bowling alley” — that’s how it was thought of by seminarians at the Pontifical North American College in Rome in recent years. The narrow room in the basement of the seminary’s main building, with its two 1960s-era wooden lanes and above-ground ball return, had become a glorified closet for at least nine years. A photo of the bowling alley in the basement of the Pontifical North American College before its restoration in 2023. Credit: Pontifical North American College “For years — for decades really — this bowling alley was breaking down,” NAC rector Monsignor Thomas Powers told CNA. […]
- [Report: Gänswein ordered to leave Vatican, return to home diocese without new role](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/report-gaenswein-ordered-to-leave-vatican-return-to-home-diocese-without-new-role-1106): According to a German newspaper report, Pope Francis ordered Archbishop Georg Gänswein to leave the Vatican and return to Germany by the end of June.  
- [Cardinal Sarah to theology students: ‘The more we know the Lord the more we can love him’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-sarah-to-theology-students-the-more-we-know-the-lord-the-more-we-can-love-him-1105): Cardinal Robert Sarah urged students studying at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas to ask in prayer for “an intimate and profound union with the Lord and with one another.” 
- [Pope Francis accepts resignation of Indian bishop cleared of rape charge in civil trial](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-indian-bishop-cleared-of-rape-charge-in-civil-trial-1104): Bishop Franco Mulakkal.
- [From Hinduism to Catholicism: How Blessed Carlo Acutis inspired a man to convert](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-hinduism-to-catholicism-how-blessed-carlo-acutis-inspired-a-man-to-convert-1103): Rajesh Mohur pictured with Carlo Acutis on the day of his Confirmation
- [Religions United in Music 2023: Concert Celebrating the Bicentenary of St. Paul Outside the Walls](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/religions-united-in-music-2023-concert-celebrating-the-bicentenary-of-st-paul-outside-the-walls-1102): Join us for a spectacular concert, “Religions United in Music,” organized by the Embassy of Israel and the State of Israel to commemorate the bicentenary of the burning of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome and the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Israel. Featuring the renowned Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, this concert promises an extraordinary musical experience. The program includes masterpieces by Bach, Schubert, Bruch, Elkhater, and Mendelssohn, showcasing the rich tapestry of religious unity and cultural harmony. Don’t miss this captivating celebration of music and history. Tune in and be inspired!
- [Why is June the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-is-june-the-month-of-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-1101): Apparition of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- [Vatican supports Catholic research to improve families and marriages](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-supports-catholic-research-to-improve-families-and-marriages-1100): Pope Francis has backed a project aimed at enhancing interdisciplinary research at Catholic universities in the sphere of family, marriage, and childbearing. “We cannot be indifferent to the future of the family as a community of life and love, a unique and indissoluble covenant between a man and a woman, a place where generations meet, a source of hope for society,” the pope said in a message of support released Tuesday. The project, called the Family Global Compact, was presented May 30 by members of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS) and the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. […]
- [This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of June](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-june-1099): Pope Francis at his general audience in St. Peter's Square on May 17, 2023.
- [Australian Embassy to the Holy See Hosts Events Highlighting Indigenous People](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/australian-embassy-to-the-holy-see-hosts-events-highlighting-indigenous-people-1098): The Australian Embassy to the Holy See is hosting a series of events this week, highlighting the contributions of indigenous peoples. Reconciliation Week includes discussions on the first Aboriginal liturgy 50 years ago. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, sat down with the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Chiara Porro, to find out more. She explains how the Catholic Church is doing in Australia and how the country’s relations are with the Holy See. Porro tells us more about the reconciliation week. The aboriginal invited to reconciliation week was also invited to speak to Pope Francis. This is a […]
- [What Artificial Intelligence means for the Catholic Church. Interview with Father Larrey](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/exclusive-interview-with-fr-philip-larrey-on-artificial-intelligence-and-chatgpt-1097): In this interview, Father Philip Larrey, the Dean of the Philosophy Department at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, sat down with EWTN Vatican Journalist Benjamin Crockett to discuss the intricacies of artificial intelligence (AI) and its broader impact on society today. Highlighting the evolution of AI, ethical considerations surrounding its use, and the role of the Catholic Church, Father Larrey provides a thought-provoking perspective on this rapidly advancing field. Benjamin Crockett: Father Philip, thank you so much for joining us today. As the Dean of the Philosophy Department at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, could you please explain […]
- [Pope Francis praises Matteo Ricci for proclaiming the Gospel in China](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praises-matteo-ricci-for-proclaiming-the-gospel-in-china-1096): Pope Francis at his general audience in St Peter’s Square on May 31, 2023.
- [How Catholics Should Behave on Social Media](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-tells-faithful-to-be-reflective-not-reactive-on-social-media-1095): Most cannot live without it anymore. But life with social media is not necessarily easy. On May 28, the Dicastery for Communications – the Vatican’s official communications department – presented a new document on life in the digital world. This “pastoral reflection” titled “Towards a Full Presence”, uses the parable of the Good Samaritan as an analogy to help make social media more humane.      While the Vatican is not often associated with social media, the Holy Father has a large online following and reach. @Pontifex, the English-speaking Twitter account currently has 18.8 million followers. Across the other 8 languages that Pope Francis […]
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Angelus with Pope Francis | June 4th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-angelus-with-pope-francis-june-4th-2023-1094): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Angelus prayer led by Pope Francis.  
- [After meeting with the Pope, Scorsese announces he will make a new film about Jesus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/after-meeting-with-the-pope-scorsese-announces-he-will-make-a-new-film-about-jesus-1093): Martin Scorsese and Pope Francis at the Vatican.
- [Pope Francis meets with young cancer patients: ‘Jesus is always close to you’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-young-cancer-patients-jesus-is-always-close-to-you-1092): Pope Francis meets with young cancer patients from Poland at the Vatican on May 29, 2023.
- [Pope Francis elevates Las Vegas to a metropolitan archdiocese](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-elevates-las-vegas-to-a-metropolitan-archdiocese-1091): The Vatican has announced that Bishop George Leo Thomas will be the first metropolitan archbishop of Las Vegas.
- [PHOTOS: Discover beautiful images of the Virgin Mary in St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-discover-8-beautiful-images-of-the-virgin-mary-in-st-peters-basilica-1090): In honor the Month of the Rosary, a virtual tour of 10 Marian images in St. Peter's Basilica.
- [7 facts you should know about Saint Paul VI, the pro-life Pope who was stabbed](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/7-facts-you-should-know-about-saint-paul-vi-the-pro-life-pope-who-was-stabbed-1089): On May 29th, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of Saint Paul VI, who is recognized as a great defender of life and family. He is best known for concluding the Second Vatican Council, the most important ecclesiastical event of the 20th century. However, there are other significant episodes of his pontificate that are less well-known. During his time, the media did not have the reach that it has today, and social media did not exist. Here are seven interesting facts about Saint Paul VI:     1. He was stabbed: On November 27, 1970, at the Manila International Airport […]
- [Thousands of rose petals fall on Rome's Pantheon as a symbol of the Holy Spirit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/thousands-of-rose-petals-fall-on-romes-pantheon-as-a-symbol-of-the-holy-spirit-1088): Petal rain at the Pantheon.
- [Vatican releases pastoral reflection on Christian engagement with social media](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-releases-pastoral-reflection-on-christian-engagement-with-social-media-1087): Pope Francis during his general audience in Paul VI Hall on January 26, 2022.
- [LIVE from the Vatican | General Audience with Pope Francis | May 31st, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-general-audience-with-pope-francis-may-31st-2023-1086): LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square.
- [Vatican Releases Theme for World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-releases-theme-for-world-day-of-prayer-for-the-care-of-creation-1085): The Vatican has released the theme for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in September. The theme is “let justice and peace flow.” The Holy Father says he chose it based on the words of the prophet Amos, “Let justice flow like a river… righteousness like a never-ending stream.” The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation takes place September 1st. Executive Director of the Laudato Si Movement, Tomas Insua, joins to tell us some of the highlights from the news conference today. Insua also spoke at the conference and drew a comparison between […]
- [Cardinal Appointed to Fight Clergy Abuse by the Vatican Named in Boston Lawsuit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-appointed-to-fight-clergy-abuse-by-the-vatican-named-in-boston-lawsuit-1084): Cardinal Sean O’Malley, appointed a leader in the Vatican’s efforts to fight clergy abuse, is among those named in a new lawsuit in Boston. The suit alleges Cardinal O’Malley and 5 other archdiocesan officials failed to properly supervise a vice principal who allegedly abused 3 teens at a Catholic high school. While the claims are not directly related to clergy abuse, the case is creating a stir at the Vatican. EWTN News Vatican Correspondent, Colm Flynn has more.
- [Letters from Quito: Missionary Work and Support from The Papal Foundation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/letters-from-quito-missionary-work-and-support-from-the-papal-foundation-1083): In this four-part series, Vaticano follows the missionary activity of "The Center - A Family of Families" in Quito, Ecuador.
- [Everything you need to know about Pentecost](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pentecost-1082): Depiction of the Holy Spirit in St. Peter’s Basilica.
- [Pope Francis encourages Marian shrines around the world to pray for Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-encourages-marian-shrines-around-the-world-to-pray-for-synod-on-synodality-1081): Pope Francis delivers the Regina Caeli address from the window of the Apostolic Palace on May 28, 2023.
- [Pope Francis appoints ‘bishop of the peripheries’ as successor in Buenos Aires](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-bishop-of-the-peripheries-as-successor-in-buenos-aires-1080): Bishop Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva succeeds Cardinal Mario Poli as archbishop of Buenos Aires.
- [Embracing Destiny: Nathan's Journey from Pope's Arms to Seminary Vows](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/embracing-destiny-nathans-journey-from-popes-arms-to-seminary-vows-1288): Ten years after embracing Pope Francis, Nathan de Brito finds his calling in the seminary, driven by the memory of a transformative moment
- [Encountering the Heart of Jesus: Reflections on Cardinal Kurt Koch's Homily](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/encountering-the-heart-of-jesus-reflections-on-cardinal-kurt-kochs-homily-1287): The CNA Deutsch agency has reported on Cardinal Kurt Koch's homily, delivered on Friday at the Church of the Holy Rosary on Monte Mario in Rome, where the image of Mary Advocata is located
- [Pope Francis: Do we allow ourselves to be amazed at God's works?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-do-we-allow-ourselves-to-be-amazed-at-gods-works-1286): The residents of three rich cities in the time of Jesus were incapable of marveling at his works and message, Pope Francis noted, seeing in their example a warning for the faithful of today. Before praying the midday Angelus with a large crowd in St. Peter’s Square on this very warm Sunday, the Pope considered Jesus’s “very beautiful prayer” addressed to the Father and recounted in the Mass of today: “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.” The Pope reflected on […]
- [Vatican News: New Vatican Doctrine Dicastery Head & Pope Francis Condemns Quran Burning](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-new-vatican-doctrine-dicastery-head-and-pope-francis-condemns-quran-burning-1285): Welcome to this week's Vaticano Updates, where we bring you the latest news from Pope Francis and the Vatican.
- [The Importance of Popular Piety and Missionary Spirit | Interview with Fr. Karl Wallner](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/importance-of-popular-piety-and-missionary-spirit-interview-with-fr-karl-wallner-1284): Join us for an insightful interview with Fr. Karl Wallner, National Director of Missio Austria, as he shares his thoughts on the significance of popular piety and its role in leading people to God
- [Unveiling "Let The Oppressed Go Free": A Powerful Sculpture by Timothy Schmalz](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/unveiling-let-the-oppressed-go-free-a-powerful-sculpture-by-timothy-schmalz-1283): Discover the profound story behind this sculpture that raises awareness about human trafficking and honors St. Josephine Bakhita.
- [Pope Francis Celebrates Solemnity of Peter and Paul: Blessing of Palliums and Ecumenical Encounter](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-solemnity-of-peter-and-paul-blessing-of-palliums-and-ecumenical-encounter-1282): Watch as Pope Francis blesses palliums for newly appointed archbishops and meets with a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Reflect on the importance of Peter and Paul’s missionary legacy and the Church’s call to proclaim the Gospel. Join in the celebration of faith and unity!   
- [Defenders of the Freedom of the Church: The Pontifical Swiss Guard](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/defenders-of-the-freedom-of-the-church-the-pontifical-swiss-guard-1280): Discover the remarkable history and role of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, the smallest and most renowned army in the world, in this captivating video
- [Consistory 2023: Here's How the Sacred College is Transformed](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/consistory-2023-heres-how-the-sacred-college-is-transformed-1279): Pope Francis' Choices Shift the Weight and Geography of the College of Cardinals"
- [Pope Francis Announces Consistory to Create New Cardinals on September 30. Here's the full list:](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-announces-consistory-to-create-new-cardinals-on-september-30-heres-the-full-list-1278): In a significant announcement during today's Angelus, Pope Francis revealed that a consistory will be held on September 30 to appoint new cardinals.
- [Synod on Synodality: Vatican publishes full list of participants](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-vatican-publishes-full-list-of-participants-1277): The Vatican published Friday the full list of participants who will take part in the upcoming Synod on Synodality assembly in October. Nearly a third of the 364 voting delegates in the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops were chosen directly by Pope Francis, including the American Jesuit Father James Martin, a frequent commentator on LGBTQ outreach; former prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, and Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago. For the first time, laypeople will not only participate in the Synod of Bishops assembly, they also will be […]
- [Archbishop Fernández on new role as Vatican’s doctrinal chief: ‘I will do it my way’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-fernandez-on-new-role-as-vaticans-doctrinal-chief-i-will-do-it-my-way-1275): When asked about the controversy surrounding his recent appointment as the Vatican’s doctrinal chief, Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández responded: “I will do it ‘my way.’” In his first interview since being named the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Fernández spoke about handling clerical abuse, the German Synodal Way, same-sex blessings, and how he plans to approach his new role. The archbishop of La Plata, Argentina, said that he had written a letter to the members of the Vatican’s doctrine dicastery explaining how he admired the current prefect Cardinal Luis Ladaria Ferrer, SJ, as a […]
- [Pope Francis to Visit Mongolia: Schedule and Motto of Apostolic Journey Revealed](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-visit-mongolia-schedule-and-motto-of-apostolic-journey-revealed-1274): The Vatican released the logo, motto, and program for Pope Francis' upcoming apostolic journey to Mongolia
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Angelus with Pope Francis | July 9th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-angelus-with-pope-francis-july-9th-2023-1273): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Angelus prayer led by Pope Francis.
- [Pope Francis hosts Bill Clinton, foundation head Alex Soros](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-hosts-bill-clinton-foundation-head-alex-soros-1272): Pope Francis met with former U.S. President Bill Clinton in a private audience at the Casa Santa Marta papal residence on Wednesday. Clinton’s delegation included several prominent Americans, including Alex Soros of the Open Society Foundations. Clinton, who now focuses his efforts on philanthropy and public affairs, had visited Albania July 3-4 and received from the Albanian prime minister a public gratitude medal for his support of Albania and for NATO’s intervention in the Kosovo War, the news site Euractiv reports. Soros, son of the billionaire financier and philanthropist George Soros, accompanied Clinton in both Albania and at the Vatican. […]
- [Pope Paul VI's Historic Apostolic Journeys: Strengthening Faith Across Continent](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-paul-vis-historic-apostolic-journeys-strengthening-faith-across-continent-1271): Discover the remarkable travels of Pope Paul VI as he embarked on nine foreign trips, spreading the message of faith and unity in the 20th century.
- [Vatican to collect stories of Christian martyrs killed since 2000](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-collect-stories-of-christian-martyrs-killed-since-2000-1270): Pope Francis Establishes Commission to Document Stories of Christian Martyrs from the Third Millennium, in Preparation for 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope
- [Pope's Experience of Suffering in the Hospital: Insights from Don Nunzio Currao, Pastoral Assistant at Gemelli Polyclinic](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontiffs-experience-of-suffering-in-the-hospital-insights-from-don-nunzio-currao-pastoral-assistant-at-gemelli-polyclinic-1269): Priest's Unforgettable Encounters with Popes at Gemelli Hospital: Reflections on Suffering, Service, and Unexpected Blessing
- [Vatican offers plenary indulgence for third annual Grandparents’ Day this month](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/plenary-indulgence-on-the-occasion-of-the-third-world-day-of-grandparents-and-seniors-1268): The Vatican will again offer a plenary indulgence to mark the third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on July 23. The indulgence can be received by grandparents, the elderly, and all Catholics who, “motivated by the true spirit of penance and charity,” participate in Pope Francis’ July 23 Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica or another Grandparents’ Day celebration, or who visit the elderly, the Vatican said. Chosen by Pope Francis, the theme of Grandparents’ Day 2023 comes from a verse in the Gospel of Luke: “His mercy is from age to age.” It will be marked this year […]
- [Pope Francis appoints new auxiliary of Rome rector of Roman major seminary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-new-auxiliary-of-rome-rector-of-roman-major-seminary-1267): In an appointment that ideally follows that of the new prefect of the Doctrine of the Faith, Pope Francis appoints the auxiliary bishop of Rome elect Michele Di Tolve rector of the Roman Major Seminary, and gives him by decree the task of ‘strengthening relations between the realities of formation for the priesthood present in the territory of the diocese of Rome and coordinating their activities.’” He will be ordained bishop next Sept. 2 in Milan, and, upon his arrival in Rome, Di Tolve will be charged with managing the formation of priests. As with the case with Archbishop Victor […]
- [Pope Francis establishes "Commission of New Martyrs - Witnesses of the Faith"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-establishes-commission-of-new-martyrs-witnesses-of-the-faith-1266): I have established at the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints the ‘Commission of the New Martyrs – Witnesses of the Faith,’ to draw up a Catalogue of all those who have shed their blood to confess Christ and bear witness to His Gospel.” Pope Francis had announced to the world the creation of “Commission of the New Martyrs – Witnesses of the Faith” at the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. “Martyrs in the Church are witnesses of the hope that comes from faith in Christ and incites to true charity. Hope keeps alive the deep conviction that good […]
- [Archbishop Fernández defends controversial book as ‘catechesis for teens’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-fernandez-defends-controversial-book-as-catechesis-for-teens-1265): Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández has responded to criticism from what he termed “anti-Francis groups” of a book he wrote as a priest in the mid-1990s called “Heal Me With Your Mouth: The Art of Kissing.” Writing on his personal Facebook page on July 3, Fernández said the book was written as “a pastor’s catechesis for teens” and “not a theology book.” Pope Francis appointed Fernández, the archbishop of La Plata, Argentina, the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The theologian will take up the Vatican post in September. As Pope Francis’ newest Vatican appointment, Fernández […]
- [Remembering Joaquín Navarro-Valls: The Spokesperson of a Saint](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/remembering-joaquin-navarro-valls-the-spokesperson-of-a-saint-1264): A closer look at the legacy of the man who revolutionized the communication of the Holy See
- [Cardinal Zuppi Returns from Moscow, Continuing Efforts for Peace in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zuppi-returns-from-moscow-continuing-efforts-for-peace-in-ukraine-1263): Cardinal Matteo Zuppi has concluded his two-day trip to Moscow as part of his mission to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- [Pope Francis' Upcoming Schedule for July & August 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-upcoming-schedule-for-july-and-august-2023-1262): The upcoming Pope Francis' schedule for July and August has been announced and includes a special Mass for Grandparents followed by two significant apostolic visits
- [One month until World Youth Day, a look at the numbers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/one-month-until-world-youth-day-a-look-at-the-numbers-1261): More than 600,000 people have started the registration process. Nearly 3 million lunches and dinners have been ordered. Ten thousand priestly vestments are being made. And at least 7,000 host families have volunteered to open their homes to pilgrims. These are among the latest statistics released by organizers of World Youth Day, which will take place a month from now in Lisbon, Portugal. The international celebration of the Catholic faith taking place Aug. 1–6 brings together young people and others from around the world to meet and pray with Pope Francis. An update on preparations of the event released June […]
- [Archbishop Fernández didn’t side with alleged sex abuser, archdiocese says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-fernandez-didnt-side-with-alleged-sex-abuser-archdiocese-says-1260): The following article was previously issued on CNA. A spokesperson for Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández, the Vatican’s newly appointed head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, responded to accusations that he has been soft on sex abusers by firmly denying the allegations. In an email to CNA late Monday afternoon, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of La Plata, Argentina, said that “the archbishop never expressed that he did not believe them [the victims], beyond what some blogs that issue free opinions may have said.” “When asked by the journalists, the archbishop clearly responded that ‘when someone presents […]
- [Bishop accountability group voices concerns about Archbishop Fernández appointment](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-accountability-group-voices-concerns-about-archbishop-fernandez-appointment-1259): The following article was previously published on CNA. A bishop accountability group that tracks sexual abuse in the Catholic Church released a statement July 1 voicing serious concerns about Pope Francis’ new appointment of Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández to head the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The group keeps an online database of sexual abuse by clergy on its website, BishopAccountability.org. In its statement, written by co-director Anne Barrett Doyle, the group called Fernández’s appointment “a baffling and troubling choice” for a position that “will have immense power, especially when it comes to judging and punishing priests […]
- [Pope Francis Launches Three Years of Celebrations in Honor of Saint Thomas Aquinas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/three-anniversaries-to-celebrate-thomas-aquinas-1258): In the coming years, three significant anniversaries will be observed to honor the legacy of Thomas Aquinas, the renowned Doctor Angelicus.
- [Rejected dean: Vatican veto questions synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rejected-dean-vatican-veto-questions-synodality-1257): He leveled several serious accusations against the Vatican, saying the decision not to make him dean “casts doubt on the success of synodality” and is part of a larger “institutional problem,” reported CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news agency partner. The PTH Brixen, located in the northern Italian region of South Tyrol (Alto Adige), is an important institution in the traditionally German-speaking region and serves as the academic training center for the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone. The veto by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education last week was based on Lintner’s published writings on Catholic sexual morality, according to a statement released by the college on […]
- [Pope Francis Calls for Prayer in July for the Eucharist to Become the Center of Catholic Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-prayer-in-july-for-the-eucharist-to-become-the-center-of-catholic-life-1256): In a recent video, Pope Francis has invited Catholics around the world to pray during the month of July, with the intention of making the Eucharist the focal point of their lives.
- [Harmony of Faiths: Religions United Through Music](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/harmony-of-faiths-religions-united-through-music-1255): Join a remarkable musical journey that celebrates the unity and interfaith dialogue among different religions. Commemorating the reconstruction of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, this extraordinary concert titled “Religioni Unite” brings together the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Yeruham Scharovsky, and talented solo cellist Danielle Akta. Experience the power of music as compositions from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions resonate through the iconic Basilica, bridging cultures and fostering understanding. Discover the timeless melodies of Bach, Schubert, Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, and more, as they echo the spirit of hope, peace, and mutual respect between Rome and Jerusalem, two historic […]
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis Advances Sainthood Cause and Urges Action on World Refugee Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-advances-sainthood-cause-and-urges-action-on-world-refugee-day-1254): In this week’s edition of Vaticano Updates, we bring you the latest news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. The top stories include Pope Francis advancing the sainthood cause of Sister Lucia dos Santos, one of the three children who witnessed the Fatima apparitions. The Holy Father signed a decree recognizing her heroic virtue, and now the Church awaits a miracle attributed to her intercession for her beatification. 
- [A Tireless Seeker of Truth: Pope Francis Honors Blaise Pascal's Legacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/tireless-seeker-of-truth-pope-francis-honors-blaise-pascals-legacy-1253): Pope Francis pays tribute to the profound intellectual and spiritual journey of Blaise Pascal, the 17th-century French mathematician, physicist, philosopher, and theologian, in his apostolic letter titled “Sublimitas et miseria hominis” (The grandeur and misery of man). Released on the 400th anniversary of Pascal’s birth, the letter highlights his unwavering commitment to seeking truth in all aspects of life. 
- [Igniting Faith: The National Eucharistic Congress in the United States](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/igniting-faith-the-national-eucharistic-congress-in-the-united-states-1252): Join the historic National Eucharistic Congress, a pivotal event in the US bishops’ three-year revival, dedicated to restoring faith in the Eucharist among Catholics nationwide. Discover the power of unity, encounter Jesus, and embark on a mission to share the beauty of the Eucharist in your own community. Get inspired by influential Catholic speakers and experience a transformative journey that will set your faith ablaze. 
- [60 Years of Pope Paul VI: A Legacy of Holiness and Reform](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/60-years-of-pope-paul-vi-a-legacy-of-holiness-and-reform-1251): Join us as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the election of St. Pope Paul VI, a pontiff known for his gentle demeanor, profound erudition, and commitment to spiritual life. Discover the remarkable journey of Giovanni Battista Montini, who skillfully carried forward the progressive path set by his predecessor and played a pivotal role in implementing the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. Explore the personal insights of family members and experts as we reflect on the lasting impact of Pope Paul VI’s teachings on human dignity, marriage, and the sanctity of life. 
- [Sharers of the Dream: Pope Francis Embraces Artists and Encourages Social Responsibility](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sharers-of-the-dream-pope-francis-embraces-artists-and-encourages-social-responsibility-1250): On June 23, Pope Francis hosted a special gathering in the iconic Sistine Chapel, bringing together 200 artists from various creative disciplines and 30 different nations. The occasion marked the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the Vatican Museums’ Collection of Modern Art. During the meeting, Pope Francis expressed his deep appreciation for the bond between the Church and artists, describing it as a natural and special friendship. He recognized the artists as “sharers in God’s dream,” emphasizing the importance of their visionary perspectives and the ability to inspire others through their artistic expressions. 
- [Pope Francis condemns Quran burning in interview with UAE newspaper](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-condemns-quran-burning-in-interview-with-uae-newspaper-1249): Pope Francis has spoken to Al-Ittihad in his first interview granted to an Arabic news outlet, according to the United Arab Emirates newspaper.
- [Pope Francis' Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium: Abolishing or Replacing the Office of the Apostolic Camera?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-apostolic-constitution-praedicate-evangelium-abolishing-or-replacing-the-office-of-the-apostolic-camera-1248): Pope Francis' Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium brings changes to the Curia, including the exclusion of the office of the Apostolic Camera
- [Celebration of the Feast of the Roman Protomartyrs in the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/celebration-of-the-feast-of-the-roman-protomartyrs-in-the-vatican-1247): An Event Returns After the Pandemic Pause: Celebration of the Feast of the Roman Protomartyrs in the Vatican
- [The Synod of Bishops: A Vision of Pope Paul VI for Continuing the Conciliar Experience](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-of-bishops-a-vision-of-pope-paul-vi-for-continuing-the-conciliar-experience-1246): On September 15, 1965, Paul VI signed the apostolic letter in the form of a motu proprio titled "Apostolica Sollicitudo," which provided for the establishment of the Synod of Bishops.
- [The Popes and the Power and Significance of the Saint Benedict Medal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-and-the-power-and-significance-of-the-saint-benedict-medal-1245): The medal of St. Benedict is also known as the "devil-chasing medal" for it's power against evil. Here's what some of the symbols and phrases inscribed on the front and back of it mean
- [Pope Francis: Do you ‘live as a witness of Jesus?’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-do-you-live-as-a-witness-of-jesus-1244): Every baptized person is called to be a modern-day prophet, living as a witness of Jesus to others, Pope Francis said on Sunday. 
- [Pope Francis appoints Argentine Archbishop Fernández as head of doctrine dicastery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-argentine-archbishop-fernandez-as-head-of-doctrine-dicastery-1243): Pope Francis has named Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández, his longtime personal theologian and ghostwriter, to lead the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Argentine prelate succeeds Cardinal Luis Ladaria Ferrer, SJ, 79, who has been prefect of the dicastery since 2017. Fernández, almost 61, will take up his new post in the middle of September, the Vatican said. The prolific writer has been archbishop of La Plata, Argentina, since 2018. “As the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, I entrust to you a task that I consider very valuable,” Pope Francis wrote in […]
- [Pope Francis appoints Victor Fernandez as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-victor-fernandez-as-prefect-of-the-congregation-for-the-doctrine-of-the-faith-1242): Pope Francis Appoints Archbishop Victor Fernandez as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Highlighting a New Direction in Church Teaching       
- [Saint Peter's Pence Reports Increase in Funds through Real Estate Sales, Expands Support for Holy See's Mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saint-peters-pence-reports-increase-in-funds-through-real-estate-sales-expands-support-for-holy-sees-mission-1241): Annual disclosure reveals significant growth in income and expanded contributions to projects worldwide
- [How Many Saint and Blessed Pope Are There in the History of the Catholic Church?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-many-saint-and-blessed-pope-are-there-in-the-history-of-the-catholic-church-1240): The Catholic Church has a long and illustrious history, encompassing the leadership of numerous popes who have dedicated their lives to the service of God and the faithful. Among these spiritual shepherds, some have been elevated to the ranks of sainthood or beatification, attesting to their exceptional sanctity and profound impact.  Blessed Popes The esteemed group of blessed popes consists of ten pontiffs whose lives and virtues have been recognized as worthy of beatification. The list of blessed popes includes:   Blessed Victor III Blessed Urban II Blessed Eugene III Blessed Gregory X (1713) Blessed Innocent V (1898) Blessed Benedict XI […]
- [Why are Saint Peter and Saint Paul celebrated on the same day?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-are-saint-peter-and-saint-paul-celebrated-on-the-same-day-1239): Here are five key points to understand why they are celebrated on the same date
- [The City of Rome Celebrates the Ancient Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/celebrating-the-feast-of-saints-peter-and-paul-1238): Every year, on June 29th, the city of Rome celebrates its patron saints: Saint Peter and Saint Paul. This liturgical feast honors the martyrdom of the two holy apostles, a martyrdom they suffered in 64 AD, when Emperor Nero accused Christians of being responsible for the fire that devastated Rome. The emperor’s pretext for this accusation led to a harsh persecution of the early Christians. Some were clothed in the skins of wild animals and eaten by dogs; others were crucified or even turned into human torches to be lit after dark. It was in this context that Saints Peter […]
- [Newest American archbishop receives pallium in special Mass at Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/newest-american-archbishop-receives-pallium-in-special-mass-at-vatican-1235): The following article was originally posted on CNA.   Archbishop George Leo Thomas of the newly created Archdiocese of Las Vegas formally received his pallium, a vestment symbolizing his authority in the Church, from Pope Francis in a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday. Thomas, 73, received the pallium alongside 29 other new metropolitan archbishops on the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. During the Mass, the pope blessed the pallia that will soon be placed on the shoulders of the 32 archbishops appointed this year across the world. Pope Francis celebrated Mass on the solemnity of Sts. […]
- [Pope Francis reflects on St. Peter as ‘rock,’ ‘stone,’ and ‘pebble’ on June 29 solemnity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reflects-on-st-peter-as-rock-stone-and-pebble-on-june-29-solemnity-1234): In Pope Francis’ Angelus address Thursday on the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Holy Father reflected on the different meanings of the first pope’s name, which he said can mean “rock, stone, or pebble.” First, Pope Francis reflected on Peter as “rock,” which is how Jesus identifies the first-century saint in today’s Gospel passage from Matthew 16:13–19. “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it,” Jesus says to Peter in the passage after Peter correctly identifies him as the Messiah. […]
- [Meet the U.S.’s newest archbishop and leader of the Church in Las Vegas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-uss-newest-archbishop-and-leader-of-the-church-in-las-vegas-1233): “God, is this right?” Archbishop George Leo Thomas prayed when he was first appointed to lead the Church in Las Vegas in 2018. He was moving to the deserts of southern Nevada after 14 years in Montana’s Rocky Mountains and almost 30 years in Seattle.  “I’ve gone from rain to snow to sun,” Thomas quipped to CNA over dinner in Rome on Sunday. One of only two people the then-bishop knew in his new diocese at the time, his cousin, reassured him that while “everyone knows Vegas, fewer people know Las Vegas.” Thomas has now had five years to get […]
- [Pope Francis: St. Mary MacKillop evangelized through Catholic education](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-st-mary-mackillop-evangelized-through-catholic-education-1231): At his first general audience in three weeks, Pope Francis praised the evangelization efforts of St. Mary MacKillop, a religious sister who devoted her life to providing Catholic education to the poor in rural Australia. “Mary MacKillop was convinced that the purpose of education is the integral development of the person both as an individual and as a member of the community; and that this requires wisdom, patience and charity on the part of every teacher,” the pope said in a hot St. Peter’s Square on June 28. Commenting on the late June weather, Francis asked pilgrims at the start […]
- [Vatican’s child protection commission invites public feedback on safeguarding principles](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-child-protection-commission-invites-public-feedback-on-safeguarding-principles-1230): The Vatican’s child protection commission is inviting the public to provide feedback on Church safeguarding principles for the creation of updated diocesan guidelines. Anyone can participate in an online survey, which is available in four languages, including English and Spanish. The responses will be used to formulate an updated Universal Guidelines Framework (UFG), the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors said last week. The final version of the UFG will be approved at the end of 2023 and distributed to Catholic dioceses and territories around the world with the request to update their current safeguarding guidelines according to the […]
- [Pope Francis, blessing of the pallium for metropolitans tomorrow](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-blessing-of-the-pallium-for-metropolitans-tomorrow-1229): Tomorrow, the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, Pope Francis, as he does every year, will bless the palliums that will then be delivered and imposed in their respective sees to the Metropolitan Archbishops appointed during the year. In the early years of his pontificate Pope Francis used to impose the pallium on the metropolitans, as did his predecessors. Later, however, the pontiff decided only to bless them and then have them imposed in their proper sees by one of his representatives.    The pallium is that special white wool scarf with black crosses worn by the Pope […]
- [Council of Cardinals, the two-day meeting with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-blessing-of-the-pallium-for-metropolitans-tomorrow-1228): This past June 26 and 27, Pope Francis convened the Council of Cardinals at the Vatican. This was the second session of meetings since the body was renewed in composition by the Pontiff. The Holy See Press Office reported that all member cardinals were present for the proceedings, including Council Secretary Bishop Mellino. Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, extender of the Praedicate Evangelium, also participated: the first steps were taken in the reflection on how to implement the spirit, principles and criteria of the Apostolic Constitution in the diocesan curias. Synodality was then discussed, with reference to the ongoing Synod, with an […]
- [Sculpture of St. Bakhita against human trafficking to be unveiled on Pope's day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sculpture-of-st-bakhita-against-human-trafficking-to-be-unveiled-on-popes-day-1227): A sculpture against oppression and human trafficking features St. Josephine Bakhita, who experienced slavery firsthand, and will be unveiled by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.   The work is called “Let The Oppressed Go Free” and will be installed in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Schio, a town in northeastern Italy, where St. Bakhita died.  The sculpture depicts the saint, patron saint of trafficking victims, opening a manhole from which people, of various ages and ethnic groups, escape from their kidnapping.   The artist and author, […]
- [German cardinal under investigation: Allegations of perjury prompt search of archdiocese](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/german-cardinal-under-investigation-allegations-of-perjury-prompt-search-of-archdiocese-1226): German law enforcement officials searched several buildings of the Archdiocese of Cologne on Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of perjury made against the archbishop, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki. The perjury allegations revolve around the accusation that Woelki may have provided false testimony about his awareness of reports of clergy sexual abuse within the archdiocese, reported CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language partner news agency. The investigation is focused on testimony related to the case of abuse committed by a priest who passed away in 2019. Woelki has been accused of having been informed about the case earlier than […]
- [Cardinal Zuppi to go to Moscow this week as Pope Francis’ peace envoy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zuppi-to-go-to-moscow-this-week-as-pope-francis-peace-envoy-1225): The Vatican announced Tuesday that Cardinal Matteo Zuppi will visit Moscow this week as part of the peace mission entrusted to him by Pope Francis. Zuppi will arrive in Russia’s capital on July 28, less than one week after a paramilitary organization known as the Wagner Group rebelled against the Russian government in a short-lived revolt. The cardinal’s mission during the two-day visit is to help “find ways to achieve a just peace,” according to the Vatican statement issued one day before the trip. “The main purpose of the initiative is to encourage gestures of humanity, which can contribute to […]
- [Pope Francis accepts resignation of Knoxville Bishop Rick Stika](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-knoxville-bishop-rick-stika-1224): Pope Francis on Tuesday accepted the resignation of the embattled Bishop Rick Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee. Stika, 65, was investigated by the Vatican for mismanagement of his diocese. He is also named in a 2022 lawsuit (refiled in 2023) accusing him of protecting a seminarian accused of multiple counts of rape. The lawsuit also claims Stika attempted to intimidate an alleged victim, a parish organist, into keeping quiet about the alleged sexual assault by Wojciech Sobczuk, and of having accused the alleged victim of being the perpetrator. Pope Francis named Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville, Kentucky as the Diocese […]
- [Pope Francis appoints a new delegate for the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-a-new-delegate-for-the-basilica-of-st-anthony-in-padua-1223): Two significant appointments by Pope Francis were announced today.
- [PHOTOS: Procession in Rome honors Our Lady of Perpetual Help](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-procession-in-rome-honors-our-lady-of-perpetual-help-1222): Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle led a procession through the streets of Rome on Sunday to honor Our Lady of Perpetual Help, whose feast is celebrated on June 27. The rosary procession began with Mass in the church in Rome that holds the original icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori. More than 70 priests and religious sisters processed two by two ahead of a large image of the Marian icon down the Via Merulana, the street that leads from the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. More than […]
- [Pope Francis celebrates today 31 years as a bishop](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-today-31-years-as-a-bishop-1221): Pope Francis marks this Tuesday 31 years since his consecration as Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires, conferred by Cardinal Antonio Quarracino, then Archbishop of the Argentine capital, on June 27, 1992.
- [Saint Benedict of Nursia, the first Benedictine monastery of Subiaco and the Holy Rule](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saint-benedict-of-nursia-the-first-benedictine-monastery-of-subiaco-and-the-holy-rule-1220): Join us on a captivating journey as we explore the hidden treasures of the Monastery of Saint Benedict of Nursia in Subiaco, Italy. Immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the holy grotto where the saint dedicated three years of his life to prayer. Learn about the sacred rule of Saint Benedict and its profound impact on the Benedictine monks. Meet one of the devoted followers of Saint Benedict and witness their unwavering faith. Get ready for an unforgettable experience on this special episode of Vaticano.
- [Saint Maria Goretti: The Legacy of Forgiveness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inspiring-story-of-maria-goretti-a-tale-of-forgiveness-marturdom-and-redemption-1219): Discover the story of Santa Maria Goretti, a young saint known for her heroic forgiveness. Learn about her life, legacy, and the impact of her extraordinary act of mercy on Alessandro Serenelli.
- [LIVE from the Vatican | General Audience with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-general-audience-with-pope-francis-1218): LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square.   Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!    Stay connected with us and have a front seat to witness everything that is happening at the Vatican!
- [Missing “Vatican Girl” Emmanula Orlandi Continues to Capture the Public Imagination and Fuel Speculation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/case-of-the-mysterious-disappearance-of-a-vatican-girl-is-reopened-1217): 40 years ago, 15 year old Emanuela Orlandi disappeared after attending a music lesson in the city center of Rome. This case is so sensational that it continues to generate much debate and captures the attention of journalists, prosecutors, and the public.  Emanuela’s father worked for the Pontifical Household of Pope Saint John Paul II and was a citizen of the Vatican State. There are not many lay people who are Vatican citizens and even fewer female teenagers, who go missing. Given the unique circumstances of this case it has been the source of much speculation and sparked headlines for decades […]
- [‘There is sometimes a terrifying silence’ regarding abortions in Africa, priest says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/there-is-sometimes-a-terrifying-silence-regarding-abortions-in-africa-priest-says-1216): A Catholic priest serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has expressed concern about the “general silence” on matters of terminating pregnancies in Africa and underscored the need to counter the culture of death and promote the dignity of life
- [Pope Francis: Do not be afraid to suffer criticism or economic loss to be faithful to the Gospel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-do-not-be-afraid-to-suffer-criticism-or-economic-loss-to-be-faithful-to-the-gospel-1214): During his Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis instructs the faithful to dedicate the right attention and care to what really counts in life, and not to that which stifles or overwhelms. 
- [Meet the archbishop-elect of Brussels, the capital of the European Union](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-archbishop-elect-of-brussels-the-capital-of-the-european-union-1213): Pope Francis on Thursday appointed Father Luc Terlinden the new archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, passing over Belgium’s sitting bishops in favor of a priest. The archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, the primatial see of Belgium, is considered the most important position in the Catholic Church in the country. The city of Brussels is also a major center of international politics and the de facto capital of the European Union. Terlinden, 54, has been vicar general of the archdiocese since 2021. His episcopal ordination will be on Sept. 3 in Sint-Rombouts Cathedral in Mechelen. Born in Etterbeek, a suburb of the city of Brussels, […]
- [Pope Francis addresses artists, including creator of blasphemous crucifix photo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-addresses-artists-including-creator-of-blasphemous-crucifix-photo-1212): Pope Francis addressed approximately 200 prominent artists and other creative people from more than 30 countries in the Sistine Chapel on Friday. Among the participants was the U.S. photographer Andres Serrano, creator of the controversial 1987 “Piss Christ” image, a photograph of a plastic crucifix submerged in urine. The meeting with Pope Francis in the Sistine Chapel was organized by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education to mark the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the Modern and Contemporary Art Collection in the Vatican Museums. Other guests included contemporary painters, sculptors, architects, photographers, writers, poets, playwrights, musicians, actors, and […]
- [The Vatican Presents Instrumentum Laboris for Synod of Synodality 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-presents-instrumentum-laboris-for-synod-of-synodality-2023-1211): On June 20th, the Vatican presented the working document for the Synod on Synodality, the Instrumentum Laboris. The document is based on the results of consultations with local churches and serves as a foundation for the upcoming General Assembly of Bishops in October 2023 and 2024. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the Relator General of the Synod, emphasizes that the purpose of the synodal process is not to produce documents but to open horizons of hope for the Church’s mission. The Synod’s motto is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” The document includes questions rather than answers, and the bishops […]
- [The Ecumenical Figure of St. Paul: A Journey to the Abbey of Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ecumenical-figure-of-st-paul-a-journey-to-the-abbey-of-saint-paul-outside-the-walls-1210): Join us on a journey to the Abbey of Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls, located near the tomb of St. Paul the Apostle, as we explore the symbolic significance of this ancient monastery and its connection to the Second Vatican Council. Abbot Reverend Dom Donato Ogliari, O.S.B., shares his insights on the great reform of the Council and the need to make the Gospel message contemporary while keeping the content of faith unchanged. Discover how the Abbey embodies the traditions and vocations of two figures, St. Paul and St. Benedict, and how their coexistence provides a roadmap for the Church and every […]
- [Behind the Scenes of World Youth Day: A Personal Encounter with Christ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/behind-the-scenes-of-world-youth-day-a-personal-encounter-with-christ-1209): World Youth Day is a global event that brings together millions of young people for a week of prayer, joy, and adventure. But what goes into the planning and execution of such a massive event? In this interview with Santiago de la Cierva, the head of communications for World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, we get an inside look at the process and the challenges involved. From Pope Benedict’s call for a personal encounter with Christ to the emphasis on sacraments and individual connections, Santiago shares his insights on what makes World Youth Day such a transformative experience for young […]
- [Breaking Free & Finding Dignity: Stories of Hope from The Center - A Family of Families](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-free-and-finding-dignity-stories-of-hope-from-the-center-a-family-of-families-1208): Join us for the final episode of our series featuring The Center – A Family of Families in Quito, Ecuador. Through vocational and skills training programs, members of The Center have broken free from the cycle of poverty and violence, finding a path to living a dignified life. Hear from program leaders and center members as they share their experiences and dreams for the future.
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis meets with president of Cuba & Gänswein to return to home diocese in July](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-meets-with-president-of-cuba-and-gaenswein-to-return-to-home-diocese-in-july-1207): In this week’s Vaticano Updates, we cover Pope Francis’ apostolic letter on Blaise Pascal, his meeting with the president of Cuba, his comments on the National Eucharistic Congress, his reaction to the sexual abuse scandal in Bolivia, and the Vatican’s confirmation of Archbishop Georg Gänswein’s return to Germany. Stay informed on the most important news from Pope Francis and the Vatican.
- [Pope Francis is sending Cardinal Krajewski to Ukraine on a humanitarian mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-is-sending-cardinal-krajewski-to-ukraine-on-a-humanitarian-mission-1206): Pope Francis has asked Cardinal Konrad Krajewski to return to Ukraine for a sixth time to bring humanitarian aid to people suffering from the war.
- [Pope Francis says poor health won’t keep him away from World Youth Day 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-poor-health-wont-keep-him-away-from-world-youth-day-2023-1205): Just 40 days before World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal, Pope Francis said he is ready to go and poor health will not keep him away.
- [5 Things to know about Venerable Lucia dos Santos](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-things-to-know-about-venerable-lucia-dos-santos-1204): Pope Francis has advanced the cause for sainthood of Sister Lucia Dos Santos
- [BREAKING: Pope Francis advances the sainthood cause of Fatima's Sister Lucia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-pope-francis-advances-the-sainthood-cause-of-fatimas-sister-lucia-1203): Sister Lucia Dos Santos.
- [LIVE from the Vatican | Pope Francis' Holy Mass on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul | 29 June 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-pope-francis-holy-mass-on-the-feast-of-saints-peter-and-paul-29-june-2023-1202): LIVE from St. Peter’s Basilica | Join us for the Holy Mass on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul presided over by Pope Francis.
- [New Text to Be the Basis for the Work of Those at the Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-text-to-be-the-basis-for-the-work-of-those-at-the-synod-on-synodality-1201): The Instrumentum laboris, the working document of the Synod on Synodality was presented at the Vatican. The text will be the basis for the work of the participants of the synod in which laymen and women can also vote. The highly anticipated text signals the beginning of a new phase of the Catholic Church’s multiyear Synod on Synodality. Drawing on listening sessions already conducted worldwide at the diocesan, national, and continental level, it covers such hot-button topics as women deacons, priestly celibacy, LGBTQ outreach, and highlights a desire for new institutional bodies to allow for greater participation in decision-making by […]
- [What Pope Francis Means When He Refers to "Synodality"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-pope-francis-means-when-he-refers-to-synodality-1200): When discussing the upcoming Synod on Synodality, Vice President and Editorial Director for EWTN News, Dr. Matthew Bunson, joins to explain what exactly Pope Francis means by synodality, as there seems to be a lot of confusion. Dr. Bunson shares what the biggest takeaway is from the document, Instrumentum laboris, itself. He tells us what the most important developments to watch for next are in regards to the synod. The leaders of the synod stressed that this is not a magisterial document nor a sociological study. Dr. Bunson discusses why that is important.
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Angelus with Pope Francis | June 25th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-angelus-with-pope-francis-june-25th-2023-1199): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Angelus prayer led by Pope Francis.  
- [Pope Francis appoints new permanent observer to the UN in Geneva](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-new-permanent-observer-to-the-un-in-geneva-1198): Pope Francis greets Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, whom he appointed as the Holy See’s permanent observer to the United Nations in Geneva on June 21, 2023.
- [PHOTOS: Vatican Library showcases first-edition works by Blaise Pascal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-vatican-library-showcases-first-edition-works-by-blaise-pascal-1197): A portrait of Blaise Pascal from a miniature that dates to the 1700s.
- [Pope Francis and Brazil’s President Lula embrace during visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-and-brazils-president-lula-embrace-during-visit-1196): Pope Francis embraces Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Vatican on June 21, 2023.
- [In 2022, Aid to the Church in Need distributed nearly 149 million euros](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-2022-aid-to-the-church-in-need-distributed-nearly-149-million-euros-1195): Aid to the Church in Need
- [Christ for Others - Apostolates at the Pontifical North American College](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christ-for-others-apostolates-at-the-pontifical-north-american-college-1194): Experience the Eternal City with seminarians at the Pontifical North American College as we follow them in their apostolates. In this program you will share in the seminarians’ joy and suffering as they evangelize to people in the community from the homeless on the streets, migrants in need of a meal, children receiving the sacraments, and young adults looking for their vocation.
- [Pope Francis to young astronomers: Keep love and wonder alive](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-young-astronomers-keep-love-and-wonder-alive-1193): Galaxy M74.
- [Synod on Synodality leaders: Full list of delegates for October assembly still under review](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-leaders-full-list-of-delegates-for-october-assembly-still-under-review-1191): Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (right), relator general of Synod on Synodality, speaks to the media on June 20, 2023, at the temporary headquarters of the Holy See Press Office in Vatican City. Beside him is Cardinal Mario Grech, the Secretary General for the Synod of Bishops.
- [Pope Francis meets with president of Cuba](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-president-of-cuba-1190): Pope Francis meets Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at the Vatican.
- [Pectoral cross of Benedict XVI stolen from Bavarian church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pectoral-cross-of-benedict-xvi-stolen-from-bavarian-church-1189): Pope Benedict XVI at the World Family Meeting in Milan with Cardinal Angelo Scola on June 4, 2012.
- [Synod on Synodality: Your questions answered](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-your-questions-answered-1188): The Synod of Bishop at the Vatican, Oct. 5, 2018.
- [On World Refugee Day, Pope Francis urges action; companies pledge to hire refugees](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/on-world-refugee-day-pope-francis-urges-action-companies-pledge-to-hire-refugees-1187): June 20 is World Refugee Day, a day established by the United Nations to promote awareness of the estimated 27.1 million refugees displaced by violence and conflict across the globe.  To mark the day, Pope Francis urged continued prayer and action, and multinational companies, including Amazon and Microsoft, pledged to collectively hire more than 250,000 refugees in Europe. In a tweet Tuesday, Francis said he was “thinking of Christ present in so many desperate people fleeing conflicts and climate change.” “The problem of hospitality needs to be confronted together,” the pope added. “Without excuses and without delay, because the effects […]
- [Quebec cardinal says new claims of sexual assault are ‘defamatory’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/quebec-cardinal-says-new-claims-of-sexual-assault-are-defamatory-1186): Attorneys representing a woman who has accused retired Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet of sexual assault say two other women have come forward with accounts of alleged sexual assault and other misconduct. The cardinal has denied the claims and contended that the allegations of such “reprehensible behavior” only further defame him. He stressed the need for the judicial process to determine the truth. The 79-year-old cardinal previously filed a defamation lawsuit against Pamela Groleau for her claims that the cardinal inappropriately kissed or touched her on four occasions, characterizing it as sexual assault. She initially made these claims in an August […]
- [BREAKING: Synod on Synodality document outlines discussion questions for October assembly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-synod-on-synodality-document-outlines-discussion-questions-for-october-assembly-1185): The opening day of the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in the Vatican Synod Hall on Oct. 3, 2018.
- [Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations visits WYD headquarters in Lisbon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/master-of-papal-liturgical-celebrations-visits-wyd-headquarters-in-lisbon-1184): Monsignor Ravelli, Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, visited the Local Organizing Committee of World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 headquarters on June 14 in preparation for the largest gathering of young people from around the world with the Pope. Breaking the news is the official website of WYD Lisbon, which also publishes some photos of this meeting. Also, on the site, they let it be known that 40 days before WYD Lisbon 2023, Monsignor Ravelli was welcomed by Monsignor Américo Aguiar, President of the WYD Lisbon 2023 Foundation, who thanked him for his collaboration in such a sensitive area of WYD […]
- [Emergencies in Turkey, Iran, and Eritrea focus on R.O.A.C.O. plenary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/emergencies-in-turkey-iran-and-eritrea-focus-on-roaco-plenary-1183): A picture of the works assisted by ROACO |
- [Pope Francis names Cardinal Ghirlanda to succeed Cardinal Burke as Order of Malta patron](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-cardinal-ghirlanda-to-succeed-cardinal-burke-as-order-of-malta-patron-1182): Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, SJ, takes possession of his titular church in Rome, the Church of the Gesù, on Dec. 8, 2022.
- [The glorious cross of Edith Stein](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/glorious-cross-of-edith-stein-1390): When Edith Stein entered the order of Discalced Carmelite nuns in 1933, she assumed the name of Teresa Blessed by the Cross. What did she mean by the seeming paradox of being “blessed by the cross”? It is the echo of St. Paul’s words to the Galatians: “Far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (6:14).” Stein was a brilliant and highly accomplished philosopher, writer, and teacher and a known public figure as the intellectual leader of the German Catholic women’s movement. Until 1933, her life had been one of courage and […]
- [Pope Francis changes canon law on Opus Dei and any future personal prelatures](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-changes-canon-law-on-opus-dei-and-any-future-personal-prelatures-1389): Pope Francis changed canon law on Tuesday regarding the governance of Opus Dei and any future personal prelatures. In a motu proprio issued Aug. 8, the pope assimilated the personal prelature to “public clerical associations of pontifical right with the faculty of incardinating clerics.” It also further defined the role of the prelate as a “moderator endowed with the faculties of an ordinary.” The motu proprio modifies canons 295 and 296 of the Code of Canon Law on personal prelatures and immediately entered into force on the day of its publication. The updated canons now state that the statutes that […]
- [Vatican announces that artificial intelligence will be theme of next World Day of Peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-that-artificial-intelligence-will-be-theme-of-next-world-day-of-peace-1388): The Vatican announced Tuesday that Pope Francis’ annual peace message for 2024 will focus on artificial intelligence (AI). A statement from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development on Aug. 8 described an “urgent need” to guide the development and use of artificial intelligence in a responsible way, requiring that “ethical reflection be extended to the sphere of education and law.” “Pope Francis calls for an open dialogue on the meaning of these new technologies, endowed with disruptive possibilities and ambivalent effects,” it said. The Vatican office noted that artificial intelligence technologies are having “a rapidly increasing impact on […]
- [Pope Francis: ‘Spiritual worldliness’ one of greatest dangers facing priests, the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-spiritual-worldliness-one-of-greatest-dangers-facing-priests-the-church-1386): Spiritual worldliness is one of the most dangerous temptations facing priests and the Church because it “reduces spirituality to appearance” while disconnecting it from the Gospel, Pope Francis warned in a recently released letter to the priests of Rome. “[Spiritual worldliness] leads us to be ‘workers of the spirit,’ men clad of sacred forms that actually continue to think and act according to the fashions of the world,” the pope wrote. The pope’s message was communicated in a lengthy letter released by the Vatican on Monday but which was dated Aug. 5, the memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica […]
- [Pope Francis explains why he skipped Fatima prayer for peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-explains-why-he-skipped-fatima-prayer-for-peace-1385): On his return flight from World Youth Day on Sunday, Pope Francis explained why he opted to skip reading a prayer in Fatima that consecrated the Church and “countries at war” to the Blessed Virgin Mary. When asked by a journalist why he did not pray publicly for an end to the war in Ukraine during his visit to the Fatima shrine, the pope explained that he prayed for peace but did not want to “advertise” his private prayer. “I prayed, I prayed. I prayed to Our Lady, and I prayed for peace. I did not advertise this, but I […]
- [Next World Youth Day to be in South Korea in 2027](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/next-world-youth-day-to-be-in-south-korea-in-2027-1384): The next World Youth Day will be held in Seoul, South Korea in 2027, Pope Francis announced at the conclusion of the final Mass of World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. “The next World Youth Day will be in Asia,” the pope said following the Aug. 6 concluding Mass of the 15th international World Youth Day, immediately before reciting the Angelus prayer. The announcement was met by loud cheers and applause. Catholics from South Korea in attendance at WYD responded with happiness and excitement to the announcement. Young Ju Kim, 25, from the city of Busan, said it is […]
- [‘Be not afraid,’ Pope Francis tells young people at end of World Youth Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/be-not-afraid-pope-francis-tells-young-people-at-end-of-world-youth-day-1383): “Be not afraid,” Pope Francis told young Catholics Sunday at the closing Mass of World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal, echoing the well-known call of his predecessor and the founder of the international youth gathering, St. Pope John Paul II. “Dear young people, I would like to look into the eyes of each one of you and tell you: be not afraid, be not afraid,” he said Aug. 6 on a sunny morning in what organizers dubbed the “Field of Grace.” “I tell you something very beautiful: it is no longer me, it is Jesus himself who is looking […]
- [At World Youth Day vigil, Pope Francis urges Catholics to be ‘roots of joy’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-world-youth-day-vigil-pope-francis-urges-catholics-to-be-roots-of-joy-1382): Pope Francis on Saturday urged attendees at World Youth Day to make themselves “roots of joy” in the lives of others, calling on the huge young crowd to draw on the “love of Jesus” to “walk in hope” as they journey through life.  The Holy Father gave the address at the Saturday vigil that took place near the end of the World Youth Day celebrations in Lisbon, Portugal. The vigil took place in the city’s Parque Tejo.  Pope Francis gives an address at the Saturday vigil for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal’s Parque Tejo on Aug. 5, 2023. Credit: […]
- [Religious sister tells how she discovered her vocation at a WYD thanks to Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/religious-sister-tells-how-she-discovered-her-vocation-at-a-wyd-thanks-to-benedict-xvi-1381): Speaking from World Youth Day in Lisbon, the “City of Joy,” a Iesu Communio (Communion in Jesus) sister shared her vocation story with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. “I met Jesus at a WYD in Cologne [in 2005] when I was 14 years old. It was through some words of Pope Benedict XVI, who for me is a father,” recounted the sister, who did not wish to give her name. The sister, who is from the Emiliano-Romagnol area in northern Italy, related that during that World Youth Day, Benedict XVI spoke “of the Eucharist as a ‘kiss’ and of […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Francis prays the rosary in Fátima with young people with disabilities](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-francis-prays-the-rosary-in-fatima-with-young-people-with-disabilities-1380): Pope Francis visited Fátima, Portugal, on Saturday morning, where he prayed the rosary with young people with disabilities. Under the canopy of Fátima’s Chapel of Apparitions, which marks the exact location where three shepherd children received apparitions from the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1917, the pope laid a golden rosary at the feet of the statue of Our Lady of Fátima. Pope Francis prays the rosary in Fatima, Portugal, with young people with disabilities on Aug. 5, 2023. Daniel Ibanez “Dear brothers and sisters, today let us feel the presence of Mother Mary, the mother who will always tell us, […]
- [What’s so unique about Mouraria, the Lisbon neighborhood mentioned by Pope Francis this week?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/whats-so-unique-about-mouraria-the-lisbon-neighborhood-mentioned-by-pope-francis-this-week-1379): Pope Francis’ first speech in Lisbon, Portugal, where he arrived on Aug. 2 for World Youth Day, referenced a small neighborhood in Lisbon — Mouraria — unknown to most of the world. What is Mouraria? Mouraria is a Lisbon neighborhood where “people from more than 60 countries live in harmony,” according to the pope. The approximately 6,000 inhabitants of the neighborhood today come from dozens of different countries, especially China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Mozambique. “I greet you cordially, and I thank you, Mr. President, for your welcome and kind words. I am happy to have come to Lisbon, this […]
- [Pope Francis at WYD Stations of the Cross: ‘Jesus wipes away our hidden tears’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-wyd-stations-of-the-cross-jesus-wipes-away-our-hidden-tears-1378): Pope Francis told the estimated 800,000 young people praying the Stations of the Cross together at World Youth Day in Portugal on Friday evening that Jesus can open the windows of the soul and wipe away all “hidden tears.” Speaking outdoors in Lisbon’s Eduardo VII Park, the pope asked the crowd to spend a moment in silence to “tell Jesus what makes you cry in life.” “Jesus is with us. He cries with us. Because he accompanies us in the darkness that leads us to tears,” he said. Young people participate in Stations of the Cross at World Youth Day […]
- [Pope Francis Met With a 106-year-old Woman, Born on the Day of the Fátima Apparitions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-met-with-a-106-year-old-woman-born-on-the-day-of-the-fatima-apparitions-1377): Pope Francis met this Friday morning at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lisbon with a Portuguese woman who was born on May 13, 1917, the same day the Virgin Mary appeared in Fátima, Portugal. “This morning, before leaving the Apostolic Nunciature, the Pope briefly met with a 106-year-old woman, Maria da Conceição Brito Mendonça, born on the day of the Fátima apparitions, May 13, 1917,” reported the Holy See Press Office on Friday, August 4, 2023. The Holy Father also met with “young Edna Pina Lopes Rodrigues, who suffers from a serious illness, to whom the Pope had sent a message […]
- [Pope Francis hears young people’s confessions in Lisbon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-hears-young-peoples-confessions-in-lisbon-1376): As part of the Word Youth Day celebrations this week in Lisbon, Portugal, Pope Francis this morning heard the confessions of three young people in the Jardim Vasco da Gama, renamed Reconciliation Park or “Forgiveness Park” for World Youth Day. The pope took about 10 total minutes to hear the private confessions of the young people while seated in one of the dozens of custom-built white confessions dotted around the park, the largest square on the Iberian Peninsula. He was assisted into the confessional while seated in his wheelchair. Pope Francis prepares to hear confessions of young pilgrims at World […]
- [Pope Francis: Without concrete love, our lives have ‘no weight’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-without-concrete-love-our-lives-have-no-weight-1375): At a gathering with Portuguese charity workers Friday morning, Pope Francis went off script to insist that Christian love must be tangibly lived out in the world and not remain a figment of people’s fantasies. “There is no abstract love; it does not exist,” the pope said. “Concrete love is the one that gets its hands dirty.” Stating that it was difficult for him to continue reading his prepared text, the Holy Father delivered the impromptu remarks after hearing testimonials from ministry representatives, including a service that helps expectant mothers and their babies, a community formed to aid those suffering […]
- [How Pope Francis’ Heritage Influenced WYD Latin American Attendance](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-pope-francis-heritage-influenced-wyd-latin-american-attendance-1374): Out of the hundreds of thousands of young people in Portugal for World Youth Day 2023, several are from Latin America. Hailing from Colombia, Father Jeronimo Espinosa joins us with Andreas Thonhauser, EWTN Vatican’s bureau chief, to reflect on the great impact the Holy Father is having on the youth and the church in this region. Given the fact that Pope Francis is our Church’s first Latin American pope, Father Jeronimo sheds light on how this may have influenced Latin Americans’ attendance at World Youth Day this year. 
- [‘Preach the real Christ,’ Bishop Barron tells thousands of U.S. youth at WYD](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/preach-the-real-christ-bishop-barron-tells-thousands-of-us-youth-at-wyd-1373): “When you preach the real Christ, not a watered-down Christ, it lights a fire in people,” Bishop Robert Barron said to applause from tens of thousands of young people at a World Youth Day gathering in Lisbon, Portugal, on Wednesday evening. The event, hosted by the U.S. bishops’ conference, culminated in a eucharistic procession and holy hour, which prompted a profound silence among a crowd that had been singing, dancing, cheering, and chanting “U.S.A.” just an hour before. An estimated more than 10,000 teens, young adults, and their leaders, as well as 30-some U.S. bishops, adored the Eucharist to silence, […]
- [‘I want to give my life for this’: 2 priests, friar at WYD share their vocation stories](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/i-want-to-give-my-life-for-this-2-priests-friar-at-wyd-share-their-vocation-stories-1372): Father Mendo Saraiva de Refóios Paes de Ataíde found his way to the priesthood through Wisconsin.  The Portuguese priest, who serves in the Archdiocese of Lisbon, shared his journey to holy orders with CNA this week during the ongoing World Youth Day in Lisbon.  Ataíde, who was ordained in June 2020, said he had a “strong experience” visiting a host family in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, as a student years ago. “I lived with a family who lived out their faith in a very intense manner,” he said. “That made me question. Because I used to say that I was Catholic. But […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Francis’ first World Youth Day speech: ‘God’s heart beats uniquely for you’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-francis-first-world-youth-day-speech-gods-heart-beats-uniquely-for-you-1371): At Pope Francis’ first official World Youth Day event in Portugal, he told the 500,000 young people in the crowd that their presence was no accident and that God has called each one by name. “Dear friends, there is a happiness that Jesus has prepared for you, for each of you: It does not come from accumulating things but from putting your life on the line. The Lord says also to each of you: ‘Go, for there is a world that needs what you, and you alone, can give it,” the pope said in Lisbon’s Eduardo VII Park on the […]
- [Pope meets with clerical abuse survivors, urges Church to hear victims’ ‘anguished cry’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-meets-with-clerical-abuse-survivors-urges-church-to-hear-victims-anguished-cry-1370): Pope Francis met with 13 survivors of clerical sex abuse on his first day in Portugal and urged the Church to listen to “the anguished cry of the victims.” The emotional private meeting at Lisbon’s apostolic nunciature, or Vatican embassy, on Wednesday night was a moment of “intense listening” by the pope and lasted more than an hour, according to the Vatican. Representatives from Catholic institutions working for the protection of minors in Portugal accompanied the victims. In a speech to Portuguese clergy immediately before the pope’s encounter with the abuse survivors, Francis acknowledged the “anger with which some people […]
- [‘Attend to the planet and poor,’ Pope Francis urges college students](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/attend-to-the-planet-and-poor-pope-francis-urges-college-students-1369): In his first encounters with young people ahead of his arrival at World Youth Day later in the day, Pope Francis on Thursday urged his audiences to use their knowledge and skills to care for the planet and the poor. The Holy Father began his second day in Portugal with a meeting with students at the Portuguese Catholic University in Lisbon, followed by a visit with young volunteers in a coastal town outside the city who promote education in poor communities. At the university, the pope first heard the testimonies of four students who shared their academic experiences and hopes […]
- [Pope Francis celebrates Mass with the family members of a deceased catechist before the World Youth Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-mass-with-the-family-members-of-a-deceased-catechist-before-the-world-youth-day-1368): On Thursday, August 3rd, in the morning, before leaving the Apostolic Nunciature, Pope Francis celebrated a Mass with the family members of a catechist who passed away before the World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal. The Pontiff officiated the Holy Mass privately, accompanied by four relatives of Christine, a 62-year-old French woman and catechism animator, who came to Lisbon for the World Youth Day and passed away a few days ago due to an accident at the place where she was staying. Bishop Dominique Rey of the Diocese of Frejus-Toulon informed with “great sadness” about the news of Christine’s death. […]
- [Pope Francis makes urgent call to recover eucharistic adoration in the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-makes-urgent-call-to-recover-eucharistic-adoration-in-the-church-1367): From Lisbon, Portugal, Pope Francis on Wednesday reflected on the urgency of taking up again “the prayer of adoration” before the tabernacle to recover “the taste and passion for evangelization” in a message addressed to bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated women religious, and seminarians. “I would like to ask a question here, but each one should answer it interiorly. How do I pray? Like a parrot — blah blah blah blah blah? Or taking a nap in front of the tabernacle because I don’t know how to talk to the Lord? I pray? How do I pray? Only in adoration, only […]
- [Pilgrims from Liberia overcome travel troubles to attend WYD: ‘Being here is a miracle’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pilgrims-from-liberia-overcome-travel-troubles-to-attend-wyd-being-here-is-a-miracle-1366): They made it “by the grace of God,” 36-year-old Father Ernest Wisner said about the presence of his small group from Liberia at World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. The group of 10 — eight young adults and two priests — had to travel through four countries before arriving in Lisbon on the morning of Aug. 1, the first day of the international gathering that has welcomed hundreds of thousands of young people from 146 of the world’s countries. Wisner told CNA being at WYD feels like “a miracle” after the group had to travel to another West African […]
- [World Youth Day 2023: Pope Francis arrives in Lisbon, ‘a city of encounter’ in a divided world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-youth-day-2023-pope-francis-arrives-in-lisbon-a-city-of-encounter-in-a-divided-world-1365): Arriving in Lisbon for World Youth Day, Pope Francis on Wednesday called on Portugal’s leaders to promote peace, families, and environmental stewardship, policies he said would help light “lamps of hope” across Europe. In his first hours in Portugal’s coastal capital, the Holy Father met with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Assembly President Augusto Ernesto dos Santos Silva, and other civil authorities at the Belém Cultural Center in Lisbon. In his address to the dignitaries, Francis described Lisbon as “a city of encounter which embraces many peoples and cultures,” one that is “grounded in a desire to be open to […]
- [A Newly Baptized Young Korean Woman Shares Her Expectations for WYD Lisbon 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/newly-baptized-young-korean-woman-shares-her-expectations-for-wyd-lisbon-2023-1364): A young woman who recently received Baptism and joined the Catholic Church shared her expectations regarding a possible World Youth Day (WYD) in her native South Korea. Interviewed by ACI Prensa during the first day of WYD Lisbon 2023, the young woman, whose baptismal name is Justina, joyfully mentioned that she has “heard many times” that South Korea “will be the next country” to host this massive Catholic event. “It will be very challenging for Korea, because the Catholic community is not very large,” she stated, “but we are really looking forward” to welcoming young people “from all over the […]
- [World Youth Day 2023: Final Preparations and Papal Arrival in Lisbon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-youth-day-2023-final-preparations-and-papal-arrival-in-lisbon-1363): Join Andreas Thonhauser as he shares insights on the exciting final preparations for World Youth Day, where Pope Francis is set to arrive in Lisbon for a memorable gathering of pilgrims from around the globe. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and discover the anticipated highlights of this extraordinary event! Andreas, can you provide us with further insights into the final preparations for the opening of World Youth Day? Thank you, Tracy. I am currently at our EWTN studio for the English language, where we will be broadcasting live over the next few days, covering all the events of World Youth Day. […]
- [LIVE WYD 2023 | Pope Francis in Portugal for WYD in Lisbon | Official Welcoming | August 2nd, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-wyd-2023-pope-francis-in-portugal-for-wyd-in-lisbon-official-welcoming-august-2nd-2023-1362): LIVE | The Official Welcoming for Pope Francis in Portugal for World Youth Day in Lisbon 2023 at Figo Maduro Air Base.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are! Images – Vatican Media
- [‘The pope’s university’ gets a new rector](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-university-gets-a-new-rector-1361): Pope Francis has appointed an Italian moral theologian to head the Pontifical Lateran University, an influential Roman institute known as “the pope’s university,” which has incorporated many of the current pontiff’s priorities into its curriculum. But that’s not the only change at the Lateran. The new rector, Archbishop Alfonso V. Amarante, will also be aided by a papally appointed management director, a new post at the Lateran. The appointment of Amarante, a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists), to serve as the Lateran’s new rector, was announced by the Vatican on Tuesday, the feast day […]
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis' Encounters, Religious Freedom, and Sexual Abuse in Focus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-encounters-religious-freedom-and-sexual-abuse-in-focus-1360): On Monday, July 24th, Pope Francis met with Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. Uganda hosts some 1.5 million refugees and asylum seekers, according to the UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR. Many of them hail from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and even Central Asia.  On the same day of the Holy Father’s meeting with the Ugandan Prime Minister, a team from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India concluded a two-day visit to the riot-hit areas of Manipur, where it has distributed relief items to the population. It was the first CBCI official team […]
- [Behind the Scenes of WYD in Lisbon: an Interview with Cardinal-designate Americo Aguiar](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/behind-the-scenes-of-wyd-in-lisbon-an-interview-with-cardinal-designate-americo-aguiar-1359): In anticipation of the 2023 World youth Day, EWTN reporter Colm Flynn spoke with the Auxiliary Bishop of Lisbon, Cardinal-designate Americo Aguiar, about what to expect from World Youth Day, the centrality of young people meeting with the Holy Father, and why this event is so important to Pope Francis.     Colm Flynn: Bishop, great to talk to you. How are you feeling as World Youth Day approaches?    Bishop Aguiar: We are ninety days away. Today, there are exactly ninety days left until World Youth Day. It’s like a defibrillator, a shock to the heart of those remaining days. […]
- [Pope Francis: Discernment helps us find the gems among the junk](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-discernment-helps-us-find-the-gems-among-the-junk-1358): Pope Francis on Sunday encouraged Christians to learn how to seek and find the precious things in life, including a relationship with Christ and others. “Every day, at home, on the street, at work, on holiday, we have the possibility of discerning good. And it is important to know how to find what counts: to train ourselves to recognize the precious gems of life and to distinguish them from junk,” he said in his weekly Angelus address July 30. “Let us not,” he continued, “waste time and freedom on trivial things, pastimes that leave us empty inside, while life offers […]
- [Pope Francis calls Russia to renew Ukraine grain deal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-russia-to-renew-ukraine-grain-deal-1357): Pope Francis made a direct call to Russia on Sunday to renew the deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain to countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. “I appeal to my brothers, the authorities of the Russian Federation, that the Black Sea Initiative be restored and grain be transported safely,” the pope said July 30 at the end of his weekly Angelus prayer and address. The Kremlin announced July 17 that the wartime grain deal would be suspended until “the part of the Black Sea deal related to Russia is implemented.” Russia has also bombed Ukraine’s Black Sea […]
- [Saint Bonaventure of Bagnoregio: The Seraphic Doctor's Harmonization between Faith and Reason](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saint-bonaventure-of-bagnoregio-the-seraphic-doctors-harmonization-between-faith-and-reason-1356): Matthew Santucci sat down with the Bishop of Viterbo, Orazio Francesco Piazza, on the feast day of Saint Bonaventure of Bagnoreogio. They discussed the importance of the medieval saint’s theology as a source of harmony between faith and reason and how the impact of his work can be seen today, both as a guiding source in the Church and contemporary society. Saint Bonaventure significantly impacted the Franciscan Order, earning him the epithet of ‘the second founder’ for his work in quelling internal divisions within the order and developing a coherent understanding of St. Francis’s theology. Saint Bonaventure is an enduring […]
- [Entering the Final Phase of a Landmark Vatican Case: The Cardinal Becciu Trial](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/entering-the-final-phase-of-a-landmark-vatican-case-the-cardinal-becciu-trial-1355): The Promoter of Justice for the Vatican City State, Alessandro Diddi, started a two-week hearing to summarize his arguments in his high-profile case against ten people accused of alleged financial crimes, including Cardinal Angelo Becciu, and charging officials within the Vatican secretariat of state with serious violations of internal procedures and canon law.  These violations allegedly occurred in 2012 when these Vatican officials and others decided to invest papal funds in what attorney Diddi described as highly speculative ventures, namely a $390 million London real estate project.  The trial was based on the London deal but was expanded to implicate […]
- [Pope Francis Announces Consistory for Creation of New Cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-announces-consistory-for-creation-of-new-cardinals-1354): On July 9 at the end of the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis announced a Consistory for the creation of new cardinals, which will be held on September 30. The Pope will elevate 21 men to the college of cardinals and the total number of cardinals will be 243, with 137 being cardinal electors. However, the following day the number will decrease to 136, as a Bengali cardinal will turn eighty and no longer be eligible to vote in a conclave.    Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has created 121 cardinals from 66 countries at eight consistories. The last […]
- [Pope Francis celebrates World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-world-day-for-grandparents-and-the-elderly-in-rome-1353): On July 23, Pope Francis celebrated the third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in Rome. During Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis stressed that young and elderly should look out for, and support, each other. The centrality of this idea was reflected in the motto of the celebration: “His mercy is from age to age“ (Lk 1:50).   The Holy Father highlighted some of the many challenges facing the elderly today, telling us: “let us be careful, so that our crowded cities do not become ‘centers of loneliness’; that politics, called to provide for the needs of […]
- [Vatican announces Pope Francis’ Marseille visit schedule](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-pope-francis-marseille-visit-schedule-1352): Less than three weeks after he returns from Mongolia in early September, Pope Francis will travel internationally again with a day trip to Marseille, France, Sept. 22–23. It will be his third trip over a six-week period, as he will be in Lisbon, Portugal, Aug. 2–6 for World Youth Day. The pope will make the trip to France to participate in the Mediterranean Encounter, the “Rencontres Mediterraneennes” — a gathering of some 120 young people of various creeds with bishops from 30 countries. The encounter is a “cultural festival” drawing together associations and groups committed to dialogue and ecological issues. […]
- [Cardinal Versaldi Celebrates 80th Birthday: 120 Electors Await Consistory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-versaldi-celebrates-80th-birthday-120-electors-await-consistory-1351): Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi Celebrates 80th Birthday and Steps Away from Future Conclaves
- [Lisbon Prepares to Host World Youth Day 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lisbon-prepares-to-host-world-youth-day-2023-1350): World Youth Day: Lisbon Prepares to Welcome Pilgrims from Every Continent 
- [Pope Francis to Medjugorje Youth Festival: ‘God has a plan’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-medjugorje-youth-festival-god-has-a-plan-1349): Pope Francis Encourages Young People at Medjugorje Youth Festival: Embrace God's Plan for Your Life and Trust in His Grace.     
- [Vatican, Vietnam Announce Agreement on Permanent Papal Representative](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-vietnam-announce-agreement-on-permanent-papal-representative-1348): Improved relations: Holy See & Vietnam agree on permanent papal representative in communist country.       
- [Rome Transforms for Upcoming Jubilee 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-transforms-for-upcoming-jubilee-2025-1347): The Eternal City Launches Ambitious Renovations Ahead of the Upcoming Jubilee Year of 2025
- [World Youth Day Pilgrims From Mexico Surprised By Private Visit With Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-youth-day-pilgrims-from-mexico-surprised-by-private-visit-with-pope-francis-1346): Pope Francis Surprises World Youth Day Pilgrims with Personal Invitation and Fraternal Conversation at the Vatican.
- [Vatican Prosecutor Seeks 7 Years In Prison, $15 million In Cardinal’s Financial Trial](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-prosecutor-seeks-7-years-in-prison-15-million-in-cardinals-financial-trial-1345): Vatican prosecutor seeks 7 years in prison for Cardinal Becciu in financial malfeasance trial. $15M in funds to be confiscated.       
- [Vatican honors Venerable Cardinal Văn Thuận with new foundation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-honors-venerable-cardinal-van-thuan-with-new-foundation-1344): The Vatican has united two foundations into a single new foundation named for Venerable Nguyen Văn Thuận
- [Pope Francis Engages with Young People in New Podcast Ahead of World Youth Day 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-engages-with-young-people-in-new-podcast-ahead-of-world-youth-day-2023-1343): In anticipation of the upcoming World Youth Day, Pope Francis is actively listening to various testimonies from young people in a captivating new podcast. 
- [Jesuit superior blames ‘Vatican norms’ for blocking harsher penalties for Rupnik](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jesuit-superior-blames-vatican-norms-for-blocking-harsher-penalties-for-rupnik-1342): The former superior of the now-expelled Father Marko Rupnik has stated that “internal procedures” at the Vatican prevented the Jesuit order from prosecuting the disgraced artist priest more vigorously for his sexual, spiritual, and psychological abuse of several women, according to an Associated Press report published Monday. A communication officer at the Jesuit curia in Rome confirmed to CNA that the AP report, based on a letter written by Father Johan Verschueren, the major superior for the Jesuits’ international houses, is accurate. In the letter, Verschuren confirmed that Rupnik is no longer a Jesuit after the Slovenian priest did not […]
- [Pope meets with head of World Health Organization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-meets-with-head-of-world-health-organization-1341): Pope Francis met with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, this morning in a private Vatican audience, the Holy See’s press office announced. 
- [The Guardians of the Faith: A brief history of the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/guardians-of-the-faith-a-brief-history-of-the-vatican-dicastery-for-the-doctrine-of-the-faith-1340): On Saturday, July 1st Pope Francis appointed the new Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández from La Plata, Argentina. Formerly the President of the Episcopal Commission for Faith and Culture in Argentina, Archbishop Fernández will officially assume the position of Prefect of the Dicastery in mid-September.   The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, established by Pope Paul III in 1542, serves a crucial mission of overseeing matters of faith and preventing the spread of false doctrines within the Catholic Church. It was originally named the “Holy Roman and Universal Inquisition.”  To […]
- [Science at the Service of the Sick: An Interview with Dr. Andrea Manazza, Palliative Care Docto](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/science-at-the-service-of-the-sick-an-interview-with-dr-andrea-manazza-palliative-care-docto-1339): Palliative care, with its millenary roots deeply embedded in the essence of humanity, is a medical discipline dedicated to the assistance of the most complex and fragile patients. We had the privilege of discussing this delicate topic with Dr. Andrea Manazza, a renowned palliative care doctor and member of the new National Committee of Italian Bioethics.  Dr. Manazza shed light on the origins of palliative care, which emerged as a discipline serving the terminally ill, particularly those with advanced phase tumors like cancer. Over time, the scope of palliative care expanded to encompass patients facing complex symptoms and therapies, including […]
- [Humanae Vitae Anniversary: Reflecting on the Enduring Relevance of Pope Saint Paul VI's Encyclical](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/humanae-vitae-anniversary-reflecting-on-the-enduring-relevance-of-pope-saint-paul-vis-encyclical-1338): July 2023 marks the 55th anniversary of the publication of Pope Saint Paul VI’s final encyclical, Humanae Vitae, “Of Human Life”, in 1968. This landmark document upholds Catholic teaching on protecting the right to life and has been a subject of debate and controversy since its publication.   In it, Pope Paul VI upheld Catholic teaching on protecting the right to life. The birth control pill was made commercially available in 1960 and a debate on whether or not it could be used by Catholics along with natural family planning methods ensued.  The publication of Humanae Vitae came as a […]
- [Pope Francis Confirms Shanghai Bishop & Vatican Grants Plenary Indulgence St. Thomas Aquinas Jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-confirms-shanghai-bishop-and-vatican-grants-plenary-indulgence-st-thomas-aquinas-jubilee-1337): Top 1: Approval of Shanghai Bishop  One of the most notable updates is Pope Francis’s decision to approve the appointment of the bishop of Shanghai, Bishop Joseph Shen Bin. The appointment had previously been made by Chinese authorities without the Vatican’s approval, resulting in a violation of the Holy See’s provisional agreement with Beijing on the appointment of bishops. Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, emphasized that the pope’s intention in confirming the appointment is fundamentally pastoral. This episode is the latest development in a string of incidents in Sino-Vatican relations.  Top 2: Bishops Condemn Drafting of ‘Right to Abortion’ in the European […]
- [Top Vatican Diplomat Addresses Ukraine Challenges and Defends Pope Francis's Diplomacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/top-vatican-diplomat-addresses-ukraine-challenges-and-defends-pope-franciss-diplomacy-1336): Navigating Challenges and Defending Diplomacy: Vatican's Top Diplomat Clarifies Pope Francis's Approach to the Ukraine Conflict
- [Inaugural Joaquín Navarro-Valls Prize: Celebrating Benevolence and Leadership](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inaugural-joaquin-navarro-valls-prize-celebrating-benevolence-and-leadership-1335): Designer Brunello Cucinelli Awarded for Conservation and Social Impact at the Palazzo della Cancelleria in Rome
- [Cardinal in Mongolia dreams of establishing a Catholic monastery to advance evangelization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-in-mongolia-dreams-of-establishing-a-catholic-monastery-to-advance-evangelization-1334): When Italian Cardinal Giorgio Marengo first arrived as a missionary priest in Mongolia 20 years ago, his mission set up two yurts (round tents) in the steppe — one for activities and one for offering Mass.  “We were sent to a faraway area where the Church had never been before,” the cardinal recalled. “After a long process of getting the necessary permissions, we finally got a piece of land — empty, nothing.” The Catholic missionaries, who had each spent three years studying the Mongolian language in preparation, asked themselves: “Where do we start?” They decided to begin by praying. “We […]
- [Now hear this: St. Peter’s Basilica upgrades its sound system](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/now-hear-this-st-peters-basilica-upgrades-its-sound-system-1333): A common struggle for elderly Mass-goers is being able to hear in church. It seems, then, that the unveiling of a new sound system in St. Peter’s Basilica couldn’t have had better timing. It was inaugurated on July 23, after 10 months of work, just in time for the papal Mass for the third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Some 80 new speakers and a state-of-the-art digital system replaced the previous sound system, installed nearly 25 years ago in the lead-up to the year 2000 jubilee. The new system allows for “precise” and “perfect” sound, cutting down on the […]
- [Here’s a beautiful prayer you can say on the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/heres-a-beautiful-prayer-you-can-say-on-the-world-day-for-grandparents-and-the-elderly-2023-1332): The third annual World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly is observed on July 23, 2023. The event, instituted by Pope Francis in 2021, is now held on the fourth Sunday of July, which is the Sunday closest to the July 26 feast of Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. This year’s theme is a line taken from Mary’s prayer, the Magnificat: “his mercy is from age to age.” Pope Francis noted in his message for the day that the theme “takes us back to the joyful meeting between the young Mary and her elderly relative Elizabeth.” The meeting of young […]
- [Pope Francis celebrates World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-world-day-for-grandparents-and-the-elderly-1331): Calling for “a new bond between the young and old,” Pope Francis marked the third annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly with an intergenerational Mass Sunday in St. Peter’s Basilica. Old age is a “blessed time,” the pope affirmed in his homily, “for it is the season to be reconciled, a time for looking tenderly at the light that has shone despite the shadows, confident in the hope that the good wheat sown by God will prevail over the weeds with which the devil has wanted to plague our hearts.” “How much we need a new bond between […]
- [In Rome, relic of St. Mary Magdalene’s foot points way to the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-rome-relic-of-st-mary-magdalenes-foot-points-way-to-the-vatican-1330): As the stories of many ancient things go, the relic of St. Mary Magdalene’s left foot had been lost to memory for centuries before it was rediscovered in the year 2000. For a little over a decade now, the bone fragments, which rest in a silver foot-shaped reliquary, have been displayed for veneration in the Basilica of St. John the Baptist of the Florentines, a church just across the river from the Vatican. St. Mary Magdalene’s relic in Rome at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist of the Florentines. Photo credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA A popular belief says most of […]
- [Pope Francis expected to meet with abuse victims at World Youth Day in Portugal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-expected-to-meet-with-abuse-victims-at-world-youth-day-in-portugal-1329): Pope Francis is set to meet with victims of sexual abuse when he travels to Portugal for World Youth Day next month. The Holy Father will meet with victims as part of his multi-day visit to Lisbon, Cardinal Manuel Clemente, the patriarch of Lisbon, confirmed in a conversation with journalists July 20.  The location and date of the meeting would not be publicly announced to protect the privacy of the victims, Archdiocese of Lisbon Auxiliary Bishop Americo Aguiar told Reuters. A commission investigation had announced earlier in the year that nearly 5,000 children had been sexually abused by Church officials in […]
- [Vatican Authority Explains How the Commission for the New Martyrs Will Function](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-authority-explains-how-the-commission-for-the-new-martyrs-will-function-1328): New Initiative Aims to Recognize Those Persecuted for Their Faith and Foster 'Ecumenism of Blood' Across Christian Denominations
- [Archbishop Gänswein’s post-Vatican future beginning to take shape](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-gaensweins-post-vatican-future-beginning-to-take-shape-1327): The longtime personal secretary of Pope Benedict XVI, who was ordered to vacate the Vatican earlier this month by Pope Francis, will not take on a permanent position in his home archdiocese of Freiburg. Instead, Archbishop Georg Gänswein will be an honorary canon in the Freiburg cathedral, where he is expected to preside over liturgies beginning this fall. The archdiocese made the announcement on Monday, shortly after a meeting between Gänswein and the local ordinary, Archbishop Stephan Burger. “It is possible, after consultation with Archbishop Burger, to accept individual orders such as confirmations or local festive services,” the archdiocese said, […]
- [Pope Francis to Meet Abuse Victims in Private During World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-meet-abuse-victims-in-private-during-world-youth-day-2023-in-lisbon-1326): Cardinal Confirms Confidential Meeting
- [Hitler, the Holy See, and a historic treaty: The Reichskonkordat at 90](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hitler-the-holy-see-and-a-historic-treaty-the-reichskonkordat-at-90-1325): On Thursday, July 20, the Catholic Church marks the 90th anniversary of a deal made in Rome on a hot summer day in 1933 between Hitler’s Germany and the Holy See
- [Cardinal Zuppi meets with Biden to discuss humanitarian work in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zuppi-meets-with-biden-to-discuss-humanitarian-work-in-ukraine-1324): Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi met with President Joe Biden Tuesday evening to discuss the Vatican’s humanitarian efforts in war-torn Ukraine. Vatican News reported that the Holy See Press Office said Wednesday that the cardinal also handed Biden a letter “emphasizing the Pope’s sorrow for the suffering caused by the war.” A statement from the White House following the two-and-a-half-hour meeting read: “They … discussed the Holy See’s efforts providing humanitarian aid to address the widespread suffering caused by Russia’s continuing aggression in Ukraine, as well as the Vatican’s advocacy for the return of forcibly deported Ukrainian children.” The Ukrainian government says […]
- [Mongolia Prepares for Big Visit from Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mongolia-prepares-for-big-visit-from-pope-francis-1323): Pope Francis is planning to travel there from August 31st to September 4th. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser brings us a preview.
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Angelus with Pope Francis | July 23rd, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-angelus-with-pope-francis-july-23rd-2023-1322): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Angelus prayer led by Pope Francis. Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!
- [LIVE | Holy Mass with Pope Francis for the World Day for the Elderly | July 23rd, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-holy-mass-with-pope-francis-for-the-world-day-for-the-elderly-july-23rd-2023-1321): LIVE from St. Peter Basilica | Join us for the Holy Mass with Pope Francis for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are! Images – Vatican Media
- [Remembering Rome's Courageous Pope: Pius XII's Actions Amidst Bombings](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/remembering-romes-courageous-pope-pius-xiis-actions-amidst-bombings-1319): Pope Pius XII: A Beacon of Courage and Consolation in the Midst of Rome's Bombings
- [Cardinal Prefect Presides Over 700th Anniversary Mass Honoring St. Thomas Aquinas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-prefect-presides-over-700th-anniversary-mass-honoring-st-thomas-aquinas-1318): The Cardinal Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints presided over Mass at the Abbey of Fossanova on the day when, 700 years ago, the author of the "Summa," to whom Francis recently dedicated a letter
- [Msgr. Georg Gänswein's Role in Freiburg Diocese: No Fixed Assignment](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/msgr-georg-gaensweins-role-in-freiburg-diocese-no-fixed-assignment-1317): Former Personal Secretary to Benedict XVI Finds Himself in a New Chapter After Vatican Departure
- [Father Marko Rupnik can no longer appeal his dismissal from the Jesuits](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/father-marko-rupnik-can-no-longer-appeal-his-dismissal-from-the-jesuits-1316): Jesuit official expels Father Marko Rupnik for refusal to address abuse allegations and comply with restrictions.       
- [Pope Francis Appoints Two New Heads to Dicastery for Evangelization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/title-pope-francis-appoints-two-new-heads-to-dicastery-for-evangelization-1315): Two new heads have been appointed to the first section of the Dicastery for the Evangelization of Peoples by Pope Francis.
- [Argentine Priest Appointed as Pope Francis's Personal Secretary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/argentine-priest-appointed-as-pope-franciss-personal-secretary-1314): Fr. Daniel Pellizzon to Assume Key Role in Vatican Administration
- [Cardinal Zuppi traveling to Washington to promote peace in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zuppi-traveling-to-washington-to-promote-peace-in-ukraine-1313): Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Italian prelate tasked by Pope Francis to head a peace mission between Ukraine and Russia, is traveling to Washington, D.C. this week, the Vatican announced. The cardinal’s visit comes only weeks after the Biden administration announced it was sending an additional $800 million in weapons to aid Ukraine’s counteroffensive — including morally problematic “cluster bombs” that have been banned by most countries, including the Holy See. Zuppi, who has already visited both Ukraine and Russia, will be in the U.S. capital from July 17-19 and will be accompanied by an official from the Vatican’s Secretariat of […]
- [Vatican News: Vatican plans to gather accounts of Christian martyrs who have been killed since 2000](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-vatican-plans-to-gather-accounts-of-christian-martyrs-who-have-been-killed-since-2000-1312): Welcome to this week’s Vaticano Updates, bringing you the latest news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. In this episode, we cover the Vatican’s initiative to collect stories of Christian martyrs since 2000, the meeting between Pope Francis and former US President Bill Clinton, the Holy Father’s call for peace in the West Bank, and the release of the schedule for Pope Francis’ historic visit to Mongolia in September. Stay tuned for the most important updates from the Vatican and Pope Francis.
- [Vatican Radio: Spreading the Pope's Message Worldwide](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-radio-spreading-the-popes-message-worldwide-1311): On February 12, 1931, Vatican Radio, also known as the Pope’s Radio, was inaugurated by Guglielmo Marconi, the scientist credited with the invention of the radio. Pope Pius XI delivered his radio message in Latin, reaching faithful listeners around the world. This marked the beginning of a groundbreaking medium that would revolutionize the communication of the Pope’s message. Pope Pius XI’s vision for Vatican Radio was to establish an independent and influential platform for the Pope to communicate without interference. He recognized the importance of technology and collaboration with Marconi, who was a pioneer in international broadcasting.  During World War […]
- [Unveiling the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress in Quito, Ecuador](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/unveiling-the-53rd-international-eucharistic-congress-in-quito-ecuador-1310): From September 8 to 15, 2024, Quito, Ecuador will be the host city for the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress (IEC). This significant event not only brings together participants from around the world but also commemorates the 150th anniversary of Ecuador’s consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. To gain insights into the preparations for this occasion, we sat down with Fr. Livingston Olivares, the President of the Communications Commission for IEC 2024. Fr. Olivares expressed his enthusiasm for this international event, emphasizing its significance as a blessing for Latin America. As the representatives of the Pontifical committee in Rome overseeing […]
- [Communicating for a Saint: The Legacy of Joaquin Navarro-Valls](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/communicating-for-a-saint-the-legacy-of-joaquin-navarro-valls-1309): It has been six years since the passing of Joaquin Navarro-Valls, the first director of the Holy See Press Office and the man who will always be remembered as the spokesperson of Pope Saint John Paul II.
- [Pope Francis' Creates 21 New Cardinals for the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-creates-21-new-cardinals-for-the-catholic-church-a-global-expansion-of-leadership-1308): Pope Francis has announced the creation of 21 new cardinals in an upcoming consistory on September 30th.
- [Pope Francis Names Synod Participants](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-a-landmark-inclusion-of-laypeople-and-diverse-voices-1307): For the first time ever, religious and laypeople will hold voting powers alongside the Bishops, marking a step towards inclusivity and shared decision-making within the Church.
- [At Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis asks parents to sow faith in their children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-sunday-angelus-pope-francis-asks-parents-to-sow-faith-in-their-children-1306): At the Angelus on Sunday, July 16, Pope Francis reflected on the parable of the sower and encouraged parents not to give in to “fashions” of the world and to continue to sow goodness and faith in their children. From the window of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father explained that “if the word is the seed, we are the soil: We can receive it or not. But Jesus, the ‘good sower,’ does not tire of sowing it generously,” he said. Pope Francis addresses the crowd in St. Peter’s Square in his Sunday Angelus on July 16, 2023. Credit: […]
- [Pope Francis' Curious Promise: A Television-Free Vow to Our Lady of Mount Carmel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-curious-promise-a-television-free-vow-to-our-lady-of-mount-carmel-1305): In 1990, while still serving as the Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina, Pope Francis made a curious promise to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which remains in effect today. Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has demonstrated a special devotion to certain saints and Marian advocations. One notable example is his choice of the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Additionally, he holds a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary under the title of Undoer of Knots, with her image present on his desk. In 2021, he specifically prayed to her for an end to the pandemic. […]
- [The Orthodox Archbishop of Cyprus: "We Have in Mind to Visit Pope Francis"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/orthodox-archbishop-of-cyprus-we-have-in-mind-to-visit-pope-francis-1304): A Conversation on Relations with the Holy See, the Ukrainian Situation, and the Last Wall of Europe
- [Pope Francis Rectifies Canonical Irregularity in Shanghai, Highlights Ongoing Challenges in China Relations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-rectifies-canonical-irregularity-in-shanghai-highlights-ongoing-challenges-in-china-relations-1303): A Concession Towards Diocesan Stability and a Call for Consensus in the Sino-Vatican Agreement
- [New Shelter in Rome for the Needy During the 2025 Jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-shelter-in-rome-for-the-needy-during-the-2025-jubilee-1302): Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa Establish New Shelter to Accommodate Participants of Historic Event
- [Pope Francis' Vision for Peace in Ukraine: Defending Genuine Pacifism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-vision-for-peace-in-ukraine-defending-genuine-pacifism-1301): Examining the Holy Father's Courageous Stance and Efforts to End the Conflict and Foster Dialogue
- [First Successor of Don Bosco Appointed Cardinal by Pope Francis:  Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/first-successor-of-don-bosco-appointed-cardinal-by-pope-francis-fr-angel-fernandez-artime-1300): of 21 Cardinals, among them Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, the Rector Major of the Salesians.
- [Vatican: Seal of confession not violated in ‘Vatican girl’ investigation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-seal-of-confession-not-violated-in-vatican-girl-investigation-1299): In the latest twist in the 40-year-old cold case of the disappearance of 15-year-old Emanuela Orlandi, who lived in Vatican City, investigators are reportedly looking into the possible involvement of the uncle of the missing “Vatican girl.”
- [LIVE from St. Peter Square | Angelus with Pope Francis | July 16th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-st-peter-square-angelus-with-pope-francis-july-16th-2023-1298): LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the recitation of the Angelus prayer led by Pope Francis. Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are! Images – Vatican Media
- [The 'Bakery of the Popes' is closing its doors after 90 years of history in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bakery-of-the-popes-is-closing-its-doors-after-90-years-of-history-in-rome-1297): Borgo Pio's Iconic 'Bakery of the Popes' Closes: A Historic Institution That Sustained Pontiffs and Needy Romans
- [Consistory 2023: The Significance of Religious Orders in the College of Cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/consistory-2023-the-significance-of-religious-orders-in-the-college-of-cardinals-1296): Consistory Unveils Diversity of Cardinals from Religious Orders: 243 Members to Gather on September 30th       
- [For the First Time in Synod's History, Over 50 Women to Participate as Voters](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/for-the-first-time-in-synods-history-over-50-women-to-participate-as-voters-1295): For the First Time in Synod's History, Over 50 Women to Participate as Voters, Marking a Step towards Synodality 
- [Pope Francis Gears Up for Busy Travel Schedule Amid Summer Break and Reflects on Historic Trip](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-gears-up-for-busy-travel-schedule-amid-summer-break-and-reflects-on-historic-trip-1294): July marks the beginning of Pope Francis's summer break from receiving guests and holding public talks. However, the Holy Father's schedule is set to become much busier in the coming months.
- [How to interpret Pope Francis’ choice of new cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-to-interpret-pope-francis-choice-of-new-cardinals-1293): With his ninth consistory in 10 years of his pontificate, Pope Francis will lock down his influence on the College of Cardinals for the next conclave, considering the overwhelming majority of cardinals will have been created by him.
- [Gugerotti's Journey in Belarus: A Chronicle of Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/gugerottis-journey-in-belarus-a-chronicle-of-faith-1292): Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, was chosen by Pope Francis to represent him in the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the Madonna of Budslau in Belarus.
- [WYD is an invitation to young people to experience God, explains future Portuguese cardinal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/wyd-is-an-invitation-to-young-people-to-experience-god-explains-future-portuguese-cardinal-1291): "World Youth Day is an invitation to all the young people of the world to experience God," Bishop Américo Aguiar told ACI Digital, clarifying comments he made in a July 6 interview.
- [Future Portuguese cardinal on WYD: ‘We don’t want to convert the young people to Christ’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/future-portuguese-cardinal-on-wyd-we-dont-want-to-convert-the-young-people-to-christ-1290): “We don’t want to convert the young people to Christ or to the Catholic Church or anything like that at all,” said Bishop Américo Aguiar, the head of World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023 who will be created a cardinal by Pope Francis in September.
- [Unveiling the Hidden History: The Extraordinary Conclave of 1823 at the Quirinal Palace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/title-unveiling-the-hidden-history-the-extraordinary-conclave-of-1823-at-the-quirinal-palace-1289): The conclave that led to the election of Leo XII in 1823 unfolded in an unexpected location, breaking away from the familiar setting of the Vatican.
- [Rome to Host Congress on New Documents of Pius XII and the Holocaust](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-to-host-congress-on-new-documents-of-pius-xii-and-the-holocaust-1499): From October 9th to 11th, a congress will convene at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, bringing together historians, experts, and theologians.
- [Synod 2023: What has Pope Francis Said About Synodality?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-2023-what-has-pope-francis-said-about-synodality-1498): The Synod on Synodality is set to launch the first of two assemblies on Oct. 4.
- [Inauguration of a Statue Commemorating Korea's First Priest and Martyr at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inauguration-of-a-statue-commemorating-koreas-first-priest-and-martyr-at-the-vatican-1497): A statue commemorating Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Korea's first priest and martyr, was blessed and unveiled at the Vatican
- [Cardinal Grech shares blessing for Synod on Synodality to be given after Sunday Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-grech-shares-blessing-for-synod-on-synodality-to-be-given-after-sunday-mass-1496): Cardinal Mario Grech has asked Catholics around the world to pray a blessing and special intercessory prayers for the Synod on Synodality.
- [Pope Francis: Forgiveness is the cure that heals ‘the poisons of resentment’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-forgiveness-is-the-cure-that-heals-the-poisons-of-resentment-1495): Think of someone who has hurt you and ask God for the strength to forgive that person, Pope Francis told the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. Speaking from a window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Sept. 17, the pope underlined that forgiveness can heal “the poisons of resentment” and “restore peace to our hearts.” In his Angelus message, the pope said that forgiving is “not a good deed that we can choose to do or not do” but “a fundamental condition for those who are Christians.” “Every one of us, in fact, is ‘forgiven,’” he said. […]
- [Pope Francis: Catholics in Korea called ‘to a burning faith’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-catholics-in-korea-called-to-a-burning-faith-1494): Pope Francis on Saturday invited Catholics in Korea to emulate the zeal of their patron saint, St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, as his statue was blessed at St. Peter’s Basilica. “[St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn’s] figure invites us to discover the vocation entrusted to the Korean Church, to all of you: You are called to a young faith, to a burning faith that, animated by love of God and neighbor, becomes a gift,” he said Sept. 16. The pope met with a delegation of 300 members of the Catholic Church in Korea several hours before a permanent installation of a statue of […]
- [Pope Francis meets close collaborator of Rupnik](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-close-collaborator-of-rupnik-1493): Pope Francis had a private meeting on Friday with the theologian Maria Campatelli, a close collaborator of Father Marko Rupnik, who was dismissed from the Jesuits in June for failing to obey the directions of his superiors. Campatelli, 61, has been the director of the Aletti Center — an art and theology school founded by Rupnik in Rome — since 2020. In June, Campatelli published a letter defending Rupnik against “a media campaign based on defamatory and unproven accusations” and claiming the Jesuits had withheld documents “which would demonstrate a truth different from that which was being published.” The Vatican […]
- [Why the Queen of Belgium can wear white when meeting the pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-the-queen-of-belgium-can-wear-white-when-meeting-the-pope-1492): Queen Mathilde of Belgium is one of only a few women in the world who can wear white, rather than the customary black, when meeting the pope for an official private audience at the Vatican. As a Catholic queen, she has the “privilège du blanc,” a papal privilege currently granted only to the Catholic royalty from Spain, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Monaco, as well as the House of Savoy. The traditional Vatican protocol required women to wear a black mantilla and a black dress with long sleeves for official papal audiences, although this custom has been made optional in recent decades. […]
- [Vatican allows a peek at historic palazzo in heart of Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-allows-a-peek-at-historic-palazzo-in-heart-of-rome-1491): The Vatican this week invited journalists to a special tour of the Palace of the Chancellery, a centuries-old building that the Holy See refers to as “one of the most prestigious palaces in Rome.” The Administration of the Heritage of the Apostolic See (APSA) opened the building to journalists for a special tour, according to Vatican News, in part in order to offer what APSA president Bishop Nunzio Galantino described as “a less commercial look at the realities that belong to the Apostolic See.” The palace was built over a roughly 25-year period at the end of the 15th century […]
- [Cardinal Zuppi in China: "Seeking Pathways to Peace"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zuppi-in-china-seeking-pathways-to-peace-1490): Pope Francis' special envoy recently embarked on a mission to China
- [Ordination of women should not be focal point of synod, Scandinavian cardinal says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ordination-of-women-should-not-be-focal-point-of-synod-scandinavian-cardinal-says-1489): Scandinavia’s top Church leader hopes the role of women in the Church’s mission is a focal point at the upcoming synodal assembly on synodality — and, therefore, that the conversation isn’t bogged down on the settled question of whether the Church can ordain women.  “It would be very frustrating if the discussion was limited to this issue that cannot lead further, as priestly ministry is reserved to men in Catholic and Orthodox doctrine,” Cardinal Anders Arborelius, ordinary of the Archdiocese of Stockholm, told the National Catholic Reporter in an interview published Sept. 13. Arborelius, who became the first cardinal ever […]
- [Women to Play an Important Role in the Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/women-to-play-an-important-role-in-the-synod-on-synodality-1488): Insights from Monica Santa Marina
- [Pope Francis Appoints Venezuelan Priest as Chief of Protocol at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-venezuelan-priest-as-chief-of-protocol-at-the-vatican-1487): New Chief of Protocol of the Vatican
- [The Vatican Says a Newborn Martyr had a ‘Baptism of Blood.’ What Does that Mean?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-says-a-newborn-martyr-had-a-baptism-of-blood-what-does-that-mean-1486): Why is the newborn, who was unbaptized, also considered a martyr?
- [Pope Francis, Former President Clinton to Have ‘Special Conversation’ at Foundation Meeting](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-former-president-clinton-to-have-special-conversation-at-foundation-meeting-1485): Pope Francis and Bill Clinton to Address Global Challenges at Clinton Foundation's Annual Meeting
- [Zelensky Advisor Criticizes Pope as ‘Pro-Russian’: An Ongoing Diplomatic Dilemma](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/zelensky-advisor-criticizes-pope-as-pro-russian-an-ongoing-diplomatic-dilemma-1484): Mr. Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior advisor to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, criticized Pope Francis
- [Civiltà Cattolica Appoints First Non-Italian Director](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/civilta-cattolica-appoints-first-non-italian-director-1483): Portuguese Jesuit Nuno Gonçalves Takes Over from Father Antonio Spadaro, Who Becomes Undersecretary for Culture at the Vatican
- [Pontifical Urban University, a delegate of the Pope for reforming the Statutes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-urban-university-a-delegate-of-the-pope-for-reforming-the-statutes-1482): Appointments and Reforms: Changes in Pontifical Universities and Historical Sciences Leadership       
- [Dicastery for Consecrated Life, Archbishop Carballo Returns to Spain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dicastery-for-consecrated-life-archbishop-carballo-returns-to-spain-1481): He had been the Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life for 10 years.       
- [Controversial Iraqi Christian didn’t meet with Pope Francis privately, Vatican confirms](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/controversial-iraqi-christian-didnt-meet-with-pope-francis-privately-vatican-confirms-1480): An Iraqi Christian figure involved in a dispute with the leader of the Catholic Church in the country was not, as he has implied online, granted a private audience with Pope Francis, the Vatican clarified on Tuesday.  Rayan Al-Kildani, whose name means “Rayan the Chaldean,” is a Christian lawmaker and leader of the paramilitary group the “Babylon Brigades.” He has previously been sanctioned by the United States for alleged human rights abuses, including the cutting off of a detainee’s ear.  In addition, Al-Kildani has publicly clashed with the leader of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Cardinal Louis Sako, over allegations by […]
- [The Jesuits at the Synod on Synodality 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jesuits-at-the-synod-on-synodality-2023-1479): The presence of members of the Society of Jesus at the Synod, which will open in just under a month, is substantial
- [Vatican Orders Investigation into Swiss Clergy Sexual Abuse Allegations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-orders-investigation-into-swiss-clergy-sexual-abuse-allegations-1478): The preliminary findings, presented in Switzerland, expose the extent of clergy sexual abuse within the country. Since the mid-20th century, the study identifies 1,002 cases of abuse, involving approximately 510 accused abusers and 921 alleged victims. 39 of these cases concern female victims, with just under 56 percent being male. In 5 percent of cases, the gender could not be conclusively determined. The research team uncovered 74 cases of sexual abuse involving minors, including infants. Another aspect highlighted by the research team is the alleged negligence of church leaders in applying church law and, in many instances, actively covering up […]
- ["Founder of Hakuna: The 'Cries of Search' of Young People Reflect Their Desire for God"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/founder-of-hakuna-the-cries-of-search-of-young-people-reflect-their-desire-for-god-1477): After meeting with Pope Francis on Monday, September 11th, at the Vatican, Father José Pedro Manglano, the priest and founder of the “Hakuna” movement, reflects on the deep desire young people have to find meaning in their lives—a “cry of hope” reflecting the “desire for God.” The Spanish priest, known as “Don Josepe,” affirms that he has witnessed “the conversion of many young people” and clarifies that almost none of these conversions occurred “through rational means” but rather “by seeing how we love each other” as Christians, by discovering “that Heaven begins here,” and by perceiving the “true joy of […]
- [Pope Francis Highlights Life of Service of Venezuelan Blessed at General Audience](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-highlights-life-of-service-of-venezuelan-blessed-at-general-audience-1476): Pope Francis presented the life of Blessed José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros
- [The 5 Week 'Season of Creation' Begins at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-week-season-of-creation-begins-at-the-vatican-1475): A Call for Environmental Responsibility
- [Floods in Libya reportedly kill up to 10,000; pope ‘deeply saddened,’ offers prayers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/floods-in-libya-reportedly-kill-up-to-10000-pope-deeply-saddened-offers-prayers-1474): Catastrophic flooding in Libya resulted in what officials estimated was up to 10,000 deaths there in the wake of multiple dam failures amid torrential downpours. The Vatican, meanwhile, said in a telegram that Pope Francis was “deeply saddened” by the national tragedy, offering prayers to the country as it works to address the disaster and rescue those still affected by it. The state-controlled Libyan News Agency said on Monday that “dangerous weather conditions and torrential rains” persisted after widespread flooding swept over the eastern region of the country. The disaster came after Cyclone Daniel, a storm that formed in the Mediterranean Sea, […]
- [Cardinal Zuppi heading to Beijing to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zuppi-heading-to-beijing-to-discuss-peace-efforts-in-ukraine-1473): Cardinal Matteo Zuppi is traveling to Beijing this week to continue the Vatican’s diplomatic efforts to help bring peace in Ukraine.
- [Ukrainian Catholic leader offers Divine Liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ukrainian-catholic-leader-offers-divine-liturgy-in-st-peters-basilica-1472): The leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church presided over a Divine Liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday where he prayed for peace in the Ukraine war at the tomb of the first pope. Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk said on Sept. 10 that he wanted to express gratitude to the pope and Catholics around the world for not abandoning Ukraine and “for the fact that we can say to Rome, Ukraine, and the world from the tomb of St. Peter: Ukraine stands! Ukraine is fighting! Ukraine is praying.” “Amidst the pain and darkness of the great war, the Lord […]
- [Statue of Korea’s patron saint to be permanently installed at St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/statue-of-koreas-patron-saint-to-be-permanently-installed-at-st-peters-basilica-1471): The Vatican will dedicate a new statue of the patron saint of Korea, St. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, at St. Peter’s Basilica this Saturday. Born in 1821, Tae-gŏn was the first native Korean priest and one of the country’s earliest martyrs. The statue of the Korean martyr was proposed by Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, a Korean prelate and prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, and approved by Pope Francis, according to the Holy See’s news arm, Vatican News. The pope has pointed to Tae-gŏn’s missionary zeal as a model for all Christians to follow. “The Christian is by nature a […]
- [Vatican investigating Swiss bishops’ handling of sex abuse cases](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-investigating-swiss-bishops-handling-of-sex-abuse-cases-1470): The Swiss Bishops’ Conference on Sunday revealed an ongoing Vatican-ordered investigation into the handling of sexual abuse allegations by Church officials, with the inquiry expected to run until at least the end of the year. The conference said in a statement on Monday that allegations had been made in May of this year “against several emeriti and acting members of the Swiss Bishops’ Conference” as well as against “other clerics in their handling of sexual abuse cases.” Swiss Church authorities forwarded the allegations to the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome. Several weeks later the dicastery “ordered a preliminary canonical investigation into the […]
- [Pope Francis urges faithful to ‘be close to the people of Morocco’ in wake of earthquake](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-faithful-to-be-close-to-the-people-of-morocco-in-wake-of-earthquake-1469): Pope Francis expressed solidarity with the people of Morocco on Sunday in the wake of that country’s devastating earthquake and offered his prayers for material help in response to the tragedy and the charity group pledging to help distribute it. The country was hit by a 6.8-magnitude quake overnight on Friday, with the death toll rapidly climbing to upward of 2,500 fatalities amid major building collapses there. Pope Francis last week had offered “prayerful communion in the face of this natural disaster.” In the pope’s customary address after his regular Sunday recitation of the Angelus, the Holy Father reiterated his “proximity to the dear […]
- [New doctrine chief welcomes debate but warns bishops about ‘schism’ risks](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-doctrine-chief-welcomes-debate-but-warns-bishops-about-schism-risks-1468): Cardinal-elect Víctor Manuel Fernández, who is poised to take up his position as the head of the Vatican’s chief doctrinal office in the coming days, has signaled an openness to theological debates, saying they help deepen the Church’s understanding of the Gospel. “True doctrine can only be a light, a guide for our steps, a sure path and a joy for the heart. But it is clear that even the Church does not yet fully grasp the full richness of the Gospel,” Fernández told veteran Vatican journalist Edward Pentin of the National Catholic Register, CNA’s sister news outlet, in an […]
- [Pope Francis Urges Youth to Keep the Memory of World Youth Day Alive](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-youth-to-keep-the-memory-of-world-youth-day-alive-1467): The Pontiff encourages young attendees not to consign their WYD experiences to the past
- [Pope Francis: Addressing others’ wrongs ‘without rancor’ requires kindness, courage](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-addressing-others-wrongs-without-rancor-requires-kindness-courage-1466): To dialogue with someone who has wronged us is a process that requires “real courage,” Pope Francis said Sunday, reflecting on the theme of “fraternal correction.” In Sunday’s Gospel reading (Mt 18:15-20) Jesus says: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.” Fraternal correction is “one of the highest expressions of love, and also the most demanding, because it is not easy to correct others,” the Holy Father observed, speaking on Sept. 10 from a window at the Apostolic Palace […]
- [Vatican News: Prayer for the Marginalized and Pope Francis' Message for Young Russian Catholics](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-prayer-for-the-marginalized-and-pope-francis-message-for-young-russian-catholics-1465): Welcome to Vaticano Updates, your trusted source for the latest news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. In this edition, Pope Francis’ September prayer intention calls us to combat the ‘throwaway culture’ marginalizing those in poverty, facing addictions, mental illness, or disability. We clarify the recent controversy surrounding the Pope’s message to young Russian Catholics, emphasizing his intent to celebrate Russia’s culture, not imperialism. Explore Pope Francis’ reflections on St. Kateri Tekakwitha’s inspiring patience in suffering. Learn about Father Robert Mark’s appointment as the new bishop of an Ohio-based Byzantine Catholic eparchy, bridging faith and community. Join Pope Francis in […]
- [St. Bonaventure: A Figure of Spiritual Unity and Ecclesial Renewal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saint-bonaventure-a-life-of-faith-dialogue-and-christocentrism-1464): Matthew Santucci sat down with Father Carmine De Fillipis, OFM Cap., in the convent of the Order of Friars Minor in Viterbo, to discuss the importance of St. Bonaventure’s legacy. St. Bonaventure of Bagnoregio was one of the leading theologians of the 13th century who, through his numerous theological works and his governance of the Franciscan order, was able to navigate a divided ecclesial environment and bring stability to the Franciscan order.   Father Carmine De Fillipis: Peace and all good: our Franciscan greeting.    Matthew Santucci: Peace and all good! Can we say that St. Bonaventure gave the Franciscans […]
- [The Path to Sanctity: An Interview with the Postulator of the Ulma Family](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ulma-family-a-remarkable-beatification-of-martyrdom-1463): Matthew Santucci spoke with Fr. Witold Burda, the Postulator of the beatification cause of the Ulma Family, ahead of their beatification on September 10, 2023. Fr. Burda spoke about the story of the Ulma family, the centrality of the faith in their life and his allowed them to not only grow in holiness, but to defend the gift of life.       Matthew Santucci: Good morning, Fr. Burda, it is a pleasure to have you with us today. I wanted to ask if you can start by giving us a brief overview of the family, and how their story has […]
- [Pope Francis Meets with Ukrainian Bishops to Address the Ongoing Conflict  at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-ukrainian-bishops-to-address-the-ongoing-conflict-at-the-vatican-1462): In Rome ahead of the Synod on Synodality, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church bishops gather to address the pastoral support needed for those affected by war.
- [Pope Francis announces an Apostolic Letter dedicated to Saint Therese of Lisieux](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-announces-an-apostolic-letter-dedicated-to-saint-therese-of-lisieux-1461): Pontiff's tribute to 'The Little Flower' set for release on October 15th
- [Pope Francis in Mongolia: A Symbol of Religious Freedom](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-mongolia-a-symbol-of-religious-freedom-1460): Pope becomes first pontiff to visit the world's most sparsely populated nation
- [Pope Francis meets ‘Rocky’ actor Sylvester Stallone at Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-rocky-actor-sylvester-stallone-at-vatican-1458): Pope Francis received U.S. actor and director Sylvester “Sly” Stallone at the Vatican on Friday morning. The “Rocky” actor met the pope in the Apostolic Palace together with his brother, actor and musician Frank Stallone; his wife, Jennifer Flavin; and their three daughters: Sophie, Sistine, and Scarlet. The Vatican released photos of the meeting but did not provide details of the encounter. A video shared by Vatican News showed Pope Francis meeting Stallone and telling him, “We grew up with your films.” Stallone, jokingly making fists, responded: “Ready, we box!” The 77-year-old actor and director was also seen in the […]
- [The Catholicos of the East, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, meets with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholicos-of-the-east-baselios-marthoma-mathews-iii-meets-with-pope-francis-1457): A Historic Meeting in the Vatican
- [Pope Francis' Visit to Mongolia: The Ongoing Efforts of Salesians and Caritas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-visit-to-mongolia-the-ongoing-efforts-of-salesians-and-caritas-1456): A Look at the Impact and Determination of Two Charitable Forces in the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky
- [Catholics in Vietnam ask Pope Francis to visit their country next](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholics-in-vietnam-ask-pope-francis-to-visit-their-country-next-1455): A delegation of 90 Vietnamese Catholics and seven bishops traveled to Mongolia last weekend for the chance to see Pope Francis and deliver a special message. “We came to Mongolia to ask the pope to visit Vietnam,” Father Huynh The Vinh from Vietnam’s Diocese of Phu Coung told CNA on Sept. 3. Unlike Mongolia, which has one of the smallest Catholic populations in the world, Vietnam is home to millions of Catholics, yet no pope has ever visited the southeast Asian country.  Vietnam and the Holy See have never had full diplomatic relations, a usual prerequisite for a papal trip, […]
- [Cardinal Cupich: ‘Nothing to be feared’ from ‘ancient reality’ of synod](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-cupich-nothing-to-be-feared-from-ancient-reality-of-synod-1454): Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, urged Catholics to shed any fears or concerns of the upcoming Synod on Synodality, declaring the gathering to be part of an ancient Catholic tradition that seeks how to “remain faithful to Christ’s own plan” for the Church.  A “synod” is a periodic gathering of bishops in the Catholic Church to address questions of the Church’s faith, morals, and practices. Next month’s synod, the first since 2018, will address synodality itself, which the Vatican defines in part as “the involvement and participation of the whole people of God in the life and mission […]
- [After the Pope's Visit to Mongolia, 'The Mission of the Church is to Stand with the Little Ones'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/after-the-popes-visit-to-mongolia-the-mission-of-the-church-is-to-stand-with-the-little-ones-1453): Exploring the Pope's Historic Visit and Its Profound Influence on the Faithful, Minorities, and Marginalized Communities in Central Asia
- [Misunderstandings Resolved: Pope Francis Meets Ukrainian Greek Catholic Synod](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/misunderstandings-resolved-pope-francis-meets-ukrainian-greek-catholic-synod-1451): Pope Francis engages in candid dialogue with Ukrainian Greek Catholic Synod, addressing controversies and affirming support for Ukraine
- [Pope Francis thanks Cardinal Ladaria for years heading Dicastery for Doctrine of the Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-thanks-cardinal-ladaria-for-years-heading-dicastery-for-doctrine-of-the-faith-1450): Pope Francis Thanks Cardinal Ladaria and Prepares for New Doctrine Chief
- [Pope Francis: Don’t overlook goodness because of scandal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-dont-overlook-goodness-because-of-scandal-1449): Pope Francis Encourages Recognizing Quiet Goodness Amidst the Noise of Scandal
- [Vatican to Beatify Baby Born During Mother's Martyrdom in Historic Ulma Family Beatification](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-beatify-baby-born-during-mothers-martyrdom-in-historic-ulma-family-beatification-1448): Vatican announces the inclusion of a child killed during his mother's martyrdom in the list of Church martyrs during the Ulma family beatification set for September 10, 2023, in Markowa, Poland.
- [Pope Francis Wraps Up Historic Mongolia Visit, Addresses Geopolitical Significance](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-wraps-up-historic-mongolia-visit-addresses-geopolitical-significance-1447): Pope Francis returns from historic Mongolia visit with messages of peace, charity, and insights on Vatican-China relations.       
- [What Pope Francis had to say about the Synod on Synodality in the in-flight press conference](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-pope-francis-had-to-say-about-the-synod-on-synodality-in-the-in-flight-press-conference-1445): Pope Francis outlined his vision for the upcoming synodal assembly in October, which he said should be a prayerful exercise in dialogue free from ideology,
- [Pope Francis gives a glimpse into Vatican-China deal on appointment of Chinese bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-gives-a-glimpse-into-vatican-china-deal-on-appointment-of-chinese-bishops-1444): Pope Francis revealed the existence of a joint China-Vatican commission on the appointment of bishops
- [Maintaining the Christian Presence in the Holy Land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/maintaining-the-christian-presence-in-the-holy-land-1443): The plight of Christians in the Middle East is deeply concerning. Tasked with upholding the Christian presence in the Holy Land is the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a Catholic chivalric order of knighthood dating back to 1099. Dr. Matthew Bunson, Vice President of EWTN News, spoke with Leonardo Visconti di Modrone, the Governor General of the Order, to uncover their initiatives. Di Modrone sheds light on the unsettling decline of Christianity in the Holy Land and the underlying causes as well as providing insights into his endeavor centered around the Palazzo della Rovere in Rome.      Matthew Bunson: I’d like to start with a question about your vision for the Order of the […]
- [World Youth Day 2023 Recap: A Message of Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-wraps-up-wyd-2023-highlights-and-messages-for-youth-1442): Relive the highlights of World Youth Day 2023 with Pope Francis. In his final Mass at Lisbon’s Tejo Park, the Pope delivered powerful messages to 1.5 million young people. Discover the event’s significance and Pope Francis’s encouragement for youth seeking an encounter with Jesus. Explore key moments, from the Stations of the Cross to the challenge to “shine, listen, and be unafraid.” Stay tuned for the Jubilee year 2025 in Rome and World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea.  Subscribe for more inspiring content! Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican
- [The Second Vatican Enviromental Document After Laudato Sì](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-on-synod-human-nature-and-more-1441): Welcome to this week's Vaticano Updates
- [Pope Francis discusses family values, Ukraine war with Hungarian president](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-discusses-family-values-ukraine-war-with-hungarian-president-1440): Pope Francis discussed family values, religious freedom, and the Ukraine war with Hungary’s President Katalin Novák at the Vatican on Friday August 25th.   In the 45-minute meeting, the pope and Novák spoke about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and efforts to end the conflict, according to a statement by the Holy See Press Office.  Additionally, “some topics of common interest were discussed, such as the family and Christian values,” it said.   Novák, a 45-year-old mother of three, has served as Hungary’s president since May 2022. She is the first woman president in the country’s history. Prior to taking […]
- [Pope Francis: ‘Mongolia is a symbol of religious freedom’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-mongolia-is-a-symbol-of-religious-freedom-1439): Pope Francis called Mongolia a “symbol of religious freedom” in his first speech in the Asian country sandwiched between China and Russia and underlined how Mongolia’s democratic government is in a unique position to play “an important role on behalf of world peace.” In an address to government authorities in Mongolia’s State Palace in Ulaanbaatar on Sept. 2, the pope asked that heaven may grant the “earth devastated by countless conflicts” a renewal and respect for international laws. “May the dark clouds of war be dispelled, swept away by the firm desire for a universal fraternity wherein tensions are resolved […]
- [A Look at Mongolia's Catholic Church as Pope Francis Makes Historical Visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/look-at-mongolias-catholic-church-as-pope-francis-makes-historical-visit-1438): ‘The faith here is amazing. Yes, we have less than 1% Catholics in the country, but when they commit themselves, they do it fully… That is the most beautiful part…’ The Sisters of Charity are an active presence in Mongolia working with orphans and women in need. Nomads ride horses across the countryside. A priest offers a homily during Mass. (Photo: Colm Flynn )     We had already been driving for two hours en route to the town of Arvaikheer, the closest town to the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar. Looking out the window, cameraman Patrick and I took in […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Francis’ first day in Mongolia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-francis-first-day-in-mongolia-1437): Pope Francis received an enthusiastic welcome to Mongolia on Friday morning after a nearly 10-hour flight on the papal plane. Upon his arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport at 9:52 a.m. local time on Friday, Sept. 1, Pope Francis was greeted with a bowl of Aaruul, dried curds that are a traditional food of Mongolia’s nomadic peoples. Upon his arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport on Sept. 1, 2023, Pope Francis was welcomed with a bowl of Aaruul, dried curds which are a traditional food of Mongolian nomadic peoples. Credit: Vatican Media A Mongolian cell service provider sent out a […]
- [Pope Francis becomes first pope in history to set foot in Mongolia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-becomes-first-pope-in-history-to-set-foot-in-mongolia-1436): Pope Francis made history Friday morning when he became the first pope to travel to Mongolia, the world’s most sparsely populated sovereign country. The papal plane touched down in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar at 9:52 a.m. local time on Sept. 1. As Pope Francis debarked from the plane at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, he was welcomed by the Asian country’s foreign minister and a young woman who offered the pope a cup of traditional Mongolian dried curds. Pope Francis told journalists aboard the chartered ITA Airways plane that to visit Mongolia is to encounter “a small people, but a […]
- [Pope Francis to publish apostolic letter on St. Thérèse of Lisieux Oct. 15](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-publish-apostolic-letter-on-st-therese-of-lisieux-oct-15-1435): On board the plane taking him to Mongolia, Pope Francis announced Aug. 31 that he is preparing an apostolic letter on St. Thérèse of Lisieux to be published Oct. 15. The pontiff made his statement while greeting the 70 journalists who are accompanying him for a four-day visit to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, including Andrea Gagliarducci of ACI Stampa, CNA’s Italian- language news partner. During a general audience on June 7, Pope Francis announced that he was writing an apostolic letter on the patron saint of missions. “She was born 150 years ago and on this anniversary I intend […]
- [How Blessed Mary found her way to Mongolia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-blessed-mary-found-her-way-to-mongolia-1434): Pope Francis entrusted his apostolic journey to Mongolia to the Virgin Mary at the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Wednesday. Thursday, the pope is traveling to Mongolia, where during his Aug. 31–Sept. 4 trip he will bless a statue of Our Lady known as “Heavenly Mother,” which was miraculously discovered in a landfill in the northern region of that country by a Buddhist woman. Father Andrew Tin Nguyen, SDB, the parish priest of Mary Help of Christians Church in the city of Darkhan, shared with CNA that the woman who found the statue can’t recall the exact year she […]
- [Beatification novena for family of 9 martyred by Nazis begins Friday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/beatification-novena-for-family-of-9-martyred-by-nazis-begins-friday-1433): An archdiocese in Poland is encouraging Catholics to join them in nine days of prayer leading up to the beatification of a family martyred by the Nazis in 1944. Józef and Wiktoria Ulma and their seven children were executed by the Nazis for hiding eight Jews, including a 3-year-old girl, in their home outside the village of Markowa in southeast Poland. The Ulma family — including one unborn child — will be beatified at a Mass in Markowa on Sept. 10. It is believed to be the first time the Catholic Church will beatify an unborn child and an entire […]
- [Pope Francis to release second Laudato Si’ on Oct. 4](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-release-second-laudato-si-on-oct-4-1432): Pope Francis said Wednesday he will release a follow-up environmental document to the 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ on Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Speaking at the end of his general audience Aug. 30, the pope said he plans “to publish an exhortation, a second Laudato Sì’,” at the end of a Vatican-supported ecumenical initiative that will run Sept. 1–Oct. 4. The Season of Creation will begin, Pope Francis said, on Sept. 1, which is the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This year’s theme is “Let Justice and Peace Flow.” “Let us join […]
- [Pope Francis: St. Kateri Tekakwitha is an example of patience in suffering](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-st-kateri-tekakwitha-is-an-example-of-patience-in-suffering-1431): St. Kateri Tekakwitha teaches us to live an ordinary holiness and to confront the suffering of life with patience, Pope Francis said on Wednesday. At his weekly public audience Aug. 30, the pope spoke about the Native American saint in his continuing series of talks on apostolic zeal. “Kateri Tekakwitha’s life shows us that every challenge can be overcome if we open our hearts to Jesus, who grants us the grace we need: patience and a heart open to Jesus. This is a recipe to live well,” he said in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. Francis described the intense difficulties […]
- [Pope Francis: People — not machines — are the value of work](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-people-not-machines-are-the-value-of-work-1430): Pope Francis told a group of entrepreneurs this week that work’s greatest value comes from human beings, not from machines. He also said businessmen and businesswomen can contribute to the common good through job creation, especially for young people. “Today, an increasingly important way of participating in the common good is to create jobs, jobs for everyone, especially young people — trust young people: They need work, and you need them,” he said in the message delivered Aug. 28. “Every new job created is shared wealth,” the pope said, “which does not end up in the banks to generate financial […]
- [Pope Francis asks for prayers as he travels to Mongolia, ‘the heart of Asia’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-asks-for-prayers-as-he-travels-to-mongolia-the-heart-of-asia-1429): Pope Francis has asked for prayers as he prepares to visit “the heart of Asia,” the sparsely-populated country of Mongolia. The pope will travel approximately 5,600 miles to Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian capital, from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4. “It is a much-desired visit,” he said on Aug. 27 after his weekly Angelus address at the Vatican. The trip, he said, “will be an opportunity to embrace a Church that is small in number but vibrant in faith and great in charity, and also to meet at close quarters a noble, wise people with a strong religious tradition that I will […]
- [Pope Francis: ‘We cannot be indifferent’ to people caught in drug addiction](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-we-cannot-be-indifferent-to-people-caught-in-drug-addiction-1426): Pope Francis said on Sunday we are called to act like Jesus and cannot be indifferent to the situations that lead people, especially adolescents, into drug addiction. “Behind every addiction there are concrete experiences, stories of loneliness, inequality, exclusion, lack of integration,” he said. “Faced with these situations, we cannot be indifferent.” “The Lord Jesus stopped, became close, healed wounds,” the pope said in a message to toxicologists Aug. 27 for the 60th International Congress of Forensic Toxicologists in Rome Aug. 27–31. “In the style of his closeness,” he continued, “we too are called to act, to stop before situations […]
- [Brazilian Cardinal Geraldo Majella Agnelo dies at age 89](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/brazilian-cardinal-geraldo-majella-agnelo-dies-at-age-89-1425): Cardinal Geraldo Majella Agnelo, archbishop emeritus of São Salvador da Bahia in Brazil, died Saturday morning at the age of 89. According to the Archdiocese of Londrina, where Agnelo had been living since 2014, the cardinal’s health had been in decline since suffering a stroke in December 2022 and had worsened in recent days. Masses, including the funeral rites, will be said for Agnelo every two hours in the Cathedral of Londrina from 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27, to 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 28. The cardinal will be buried in the cathedral crypt following the last Mass on […]
- [What Pope Francis’ trip to Mongolia could mean for Vatican relations with Russia and China](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-pope-francis-trip-to-mongolia-could-mean-for-vatican-relations-with-russia-and-china-1424): Pope Francis’ next international trip will bring him to Mongolia, a democracy sandwiched between the authoritarian powers of Russia and China. When Pope Francis lands in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar on Sept. 1, he will become the first pope in the history of the Catholic Church to visit Mongolia, but the trip could have geopolitical implications beyond the country’s small population of just 1,450 Catholics. Mongolia is a post-Soviet democracy that continues to have strong ties with its geographic neighbors China and Russia as well as an important diplomatic relationship with the United States, which Mongolia calls its “third […]
- [Pope Francis: ‘Look to Jesus always’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-look-to-jesus-always-1423): Christ is with us and walking beside us in our daily journey through life, including our struggles to be holy, Pope Francis said Sunday. Emphasizing that Jesus is not just a historical figure, the pope said Aug. 27 that “we are not alone on the path of life, because Christ is with us and Christ helps us to walk, as he did with Peter and the other disciples.” “Let us not be discouraged if at times the summit of the Christian life seems too high and the path too steep,” he said. “Let us look to Jesus — look to […]
- [Pope Francis: Synod on Synodality ‘truly important’ despite being ‘of little interest to the general public’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-synod-on-synodality-truly-important-despite-being-of-little-interest-to-the-general-public-1422): Pope Francis acknowledged Saturday that the upcoming Synod on Synodality may be “of little interest to the general public” but underlined that the synod is “truly important” for the Catholic Church. “I am well aware that speaking of a ‘Synod on Synodality’ may seem something abstruse, self-referential, excessively technical, and of little interest to the general public,” Pope Francis said on Aug. 26. “But what has happened over the past year, which will continue with the assembly next October and then with the second stage of Synod 2024, is something truly important for the Church.” The pope spoke about the […]
- [Pope Francis: The Eucharist can fill ‘the wounds and voids produced by sin’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-eucharist-can-fill-the-wounds-and-voids-produced-by-sin-1419): Jesus’ healing presence in the Eucharist can “fill with tenderness” the voids and wounds produced by sin in individual lives and in society, Pope Francis said Friday. In a meeting at the Vatican with a pilgrimage group led by the Sister Disciples of Jesus in the Eucharist on Aug. 25, the pope noted that in the eyes of the world, it might appear “absurd” to begin confronting societal problems by prayers on one’s knees in “adoration and reparation” but that it is always effective. Pope Francis pointed out that the story behind the founding of the sisters’ religious order and […]
- [Pope Francis: Like Our Lady of Guadalupe, mothers can be great evangelizers today](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-like-our-lady-of-guadalupe-mothers-can-be-great-evangelizers-today-1418): Our Lady of Guadalupe proclaimed the Gospel in “mother tongue,” Pope Francis said Wednesday in a message that highlighted the important role mothers play in passing on the faith to the next generation. In his catechesis on evangelization on Aug. 23, the pope spoke about how the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531 helped to spread the Gospel across the Americas, praising her as an inspired model of motherhood and inculturation. “The Virgin of Guadalupe … appears dressed in the clothing of the native peoples, she speaks their language, she welcomes and loves the local culture. Mary is […]
- [Peace, Life, and the Care for Creation – Pope Francis Continues Laudato Si’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-writes-a-second-part-to-his-encyclical-laudato-si-1417): Pope Francis recently announced that he will be writing a second installment of his encyclical Laudato Si’, published in 2015.    The title Laudato Si’ (Praise be to you) comes from the beginning of St. Francis of Assisi’s famous Canticle of Creatures in which he praises the beauty of nature and the goodness of God. This praise of creation has become a defining theme for the current pontificate. The Holy Father has repeatedly emphasized the themes of protecting creation and caring for our environmen. He is reminding us that we are stewards of creation. At the recent World Youth Day in Lisbon […]
- [Pope Francis writing a second environmental document after Laudato Si’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-writing-a-second-environmental-document-after-laudato-si-1416): Pope Francis announced during an audience with lawyers Monday that he is writing a second part to his 2015 environmental encyclical Laudato Si’. The pope said with this new writing he is updating Laudato Si’ to cover current issues. The Holy See Press Office Director, Matteo Bruni, confirmed to CNA Aug. 21 that “the pope is working on a letter updating Laudato Si’ with regard to the recent environmental crises.” He could not provide any information on when the letter will be released. Pope Francis made the statement about an update to Laudato Si’ on the morning of Aug. 21 at […]
- [Pope Francis: Christians ‘are invited to be open to change’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-christians-are-invited-to-be-open-to-change-1415): Christians should imitate Jesus in being steadfast — not inflexible — in their convictions, thus being open to change for the good of others, Pope Francis said on Sunday. “This is what God is like: He is love, and the one who loves does not remain rigid,” the pope said on Aug. 20. “You stand firm, you stay firm, not rigid.” The Christian, he added, “does not remain rigid in his own positions but allows him or herself to be moved or touched. He or she knows how to change plans. It’s creative love.” Pope Francis said: “We Christians want […]
- [The Story of the First Papal Legate in China](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/story-of-the-first-papal-legate-in-china-1413): In 1703, precisely 320 years ago, Carlo Tommaso Maillard de Tournon, who was dispatched directly by Pope Clement XI, arrived in India after a two-year journey that would lead him to China as the first papal legate in the country. Prior to his departure, he addressed the issue of the Malabar rites. This situation bears some resemblance to contemporary events, where Pope Francis recently dispatched a Greek Catholic archbishop as a commissioner to India.  De Tournon’s voyage to China, which tragically ends with his imprisonment in Macao, where he passed away at the age of 41 – following his elevation […]
- [Bishop Robert Barron at World Youth Day: An Authentic Encounter with Christ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-robert-barron-at-world-youth-day-an-authentic-encounter-with-christ-1412): Colm Flynn: Today, in the year 2023, when we hear so much about religion declining around the world and about so many different distractions for young people, why do you think an event like World Youth Day is not only relevant, but also important?    Bishop Robert Barron: Well, the faith, in some respects, is declining in the West, but in other parts of the world it’s not. One thing about World Youth Day is that we see Catholics from all over the world and it braces out of our western, myopic view of things. I love that you see […]
- [Pope Francis Merges Two Dioceses in Japan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-merges-two-dioceses-in-japan-1411): Pope Francis this week merged the Diocese of Takamatsu with the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Osaka in Japan. Cardinal Thomas Aquino Manyo Maeda, archbishop of Osaka since 2014, was named on Aug. 15 as the first archbishop of the new Archdiocese of Osaka-Takamatsu. The last bishop of the Diocese of Takamatsu, John Eijiro Suwa, died in 2022. The two territories are on different islands: Takamatsu is on Japan’s Shikoku Island while Osaka is on Honshu. They are connected by water through the Osaka Bay and Seto Inland Sea or by land by crossing Awaji Island, already part of the territory of […]
- [Marian embrace: Gänswein speaks of loneliness and solace in first public appearance](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/marian-embrace-gaenswein-speaks-of-loneliness-and-solace-in-first-public-appearance-1410): In the bustling heart of Catholicism that is Rome, Archbishop Georg Gänswein once stood as a close aide to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. On Tuesday, the former prefect of the Papal Household found himself seeking solace in a tiny Bavarian hamlet called Maria Vesperbild, which typically boasts a modest population of 34.  Yet, on the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, this quiet village in Bavaria’s Swabian district was transformed, drawing several hundred pilgrims, all eager to witness the archbishop’s return to the public eye. The contrast was stark: from the grandeur of Vatican corridors to the serene simplicity of […]
- [Vatican Transparency: APSA Releases Annual Profit Report for 2022](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-transparency-apsa-releases-annual-profit-report-for-2022-1409): The Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA) published its annual report last week. APSA is responsible for the administration and management of real estate and movable property of the Holy See. According to L’Osservatore Romano, the document highlights the 32.37 million euros contributed by the organization to the total operational budget of the Vatican in 2022. In the apostolic constitution “Praedicate Evangelium,” published almost a year ago, Pope Francis indicates that “through understandable, effective, and transparent procedures, APSA is called to contribute to the evangelizing mission of the Church.” In this regard, Archbishop Nunzio Galantino, President of […]
- [Why did Pope Francis not hold the General Audience this Wednesday?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-did-pope-francis-not-hold-the-general-audience-this-wednesday-1408): The traditional General Audience on Wednesday did not take place on August 16, 2023, at the Vatican.
- [Vatican Continues Diplomatic Efforts Regarding Ukraine & China](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-continues-diplomatic-efforts-regarding-ukraine-and-china-1407): The Vatican is continuing its diplomatic efforts regarding both the war in Ukraine and the Church in China. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi is continuing his outreach to Russia and Ukraine and now he is set to travel to Beijing in September. Following visits to Kiev, Moscow and Washington, a new chapter in this mission is poised to unfold, with Beijing as the next destination. Pope Francis personally confirmed this development on August 4th in an exclusive interview with Vida Nueva Magazine. Shifting focus to the near future, Pope Francis’ voyage to Mongolia is poised to make its own contribution to peace. […]
- [Vatican Secretary of State to Meet Refugees from Sudan in Four-Day Visit to South Sudan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-secretary-of-state-to-meet-refugees-from-sudan-in-four-day-visit-to-south-sudan-1406): Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin arrived in South Sudan on Monday, Aug. 14, to meet people fleeing violence from neighboring Sudan among other activities lined up for his four-day visit to the east-central African country. In an interview with ACI Africa, CNA’s partner news agency in Africa, ahead of the visit, the apostolic nuncio in South Sudan said the visit by Parolin is an extension of the “care and love” of Pope Francis to the people of South Sudan. Parolin is visiting South Sudan at the invitation of Bishop Stephen Nyodho of the Diocese of Malakal as a […]
- [Pope Francis Calls for a ‘Spirit of Service’ on Feast of Mary’s Assumption](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-a-spirit-of-service-on-feast-of-marys-assumption-1405): Pope Francis on Tuesday urged the faithful to adopt a “spirit of service"
- [Are We Alone in the Universe? Vatican Astronomer Answers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/are-we-alone-in-the-universe-vatican-astronomer-answers-1404): In the quest for extraterrestrial life, the Vatican Observatory leads the scientific exploration beyond our solar system.
- [On a Day Like Today, the First Mass was Celebrated in the Sistine Chapel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/on-a-day-like-today-the-first-mass-was-celebrated-in-the-sistine-chapel-1403): The Sistine Chapel: A Journey Through Art, History, and Worship from its Consecration to the Masterpieces of Michelangelo and Beyond.       
- [LIVE from Lourdes | Holy Mass on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-lourdes-holy-mass-on-the-feast-of-the-assumption-of-mary-1401): Sign up for our weekly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/3rM83Vj  LIVE from Lourdes | Holy Mass on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary celebrated by Mons. Celestino Migliore, Apostolic Nuncio in France.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!
- [LIVE from the Sanctuary of Lourdes | Marian Procession](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-sanctuary-of-lourdes-marian-procession-1400): Sign up for our weekly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/3rM83Vj  LIVE from Lourdes | Marian Procession, led by Mons. Ulrich, Archbishop of Paris. We will pray the glorious mysteries of the rosary, as well as some prayers of intercession and songs.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!
- [‘An open wound’: Pope Francis decries thousands of deaths in Mediterranean Sea this year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/open-wound-pope-francis-decries-thousands-of-deaths-in-mediterranean-sea-this-year-1399): Pope Francis called attention Sunday to the thousands of people who have lost their lives trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to immigrate to Europe in 2023. “It is an open wound of our humanity,” he said after reciting the Angelus prayer at the Vatican on Aug. 13. He added that the deaths bring “pain and shame.” The U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that 2,175 men, women, and children are either missing or dead in the Mediterranean Sea as of Aug. 13. In 2022, in the same period, the estimated dead and missing was 1,361. Speaking to a crowd of […]
- [Pope Francis: Jesus conquers ‘death, sin, the devil’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-jesus-conquers-death-sin-the-devil-1398): In times of fear and difficulty, call on Jesus, who has already conquered the powers of evil, Pope Francis said on Sunday. “The powers of evil that frighten us, that we cannot master, immediately take on smaller proportions with Jesus,” he said, encouraging people to “call on the Lord with faith.” On Aug. 13, the pope addressed approximately 15,000 people from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square before reciting the Angelus, a Marian prayer. His message focused on the day’s Gospel passage, which recalls when Jesus walked on the water of the Lake of Galilee to meet his disciples, who […]
- [Pope Francis condemns assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-condemns-assassination-of-ecuadorian-presidential-candidate-1397): After Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was gunned down at a campaign rally this week, Pope Francis appealed for a unified effort for peace in the country plagued by drug-related violence. The pope sent a condolence telegram to Archbishop Alfredo Espinoza Mateus of Quito on Aug. 12 in which he condemned the assassination “with all his strength” and expressed his deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased and “all of the beloved Ecuadorian people.” Villavicencio, 59, was assassinated on Wednesday night at a campaign event only ten days before the first round of voting in Ecuador’s presidential election. The […]
- [Pope Francis appoints EWTN’s Colin Donovan to Marian pontifical academy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-ewtns-colin-donovan-to-marian-pontifical-academy-1396): Pope Francis appointed Colin Donovan, vice president of theology at EWTN Global Catholic Network, to the Pontifical International Marian Academy, which is tasked with promoting theological understanding and devotion to the Mother of God, the network announced Wednesday.  Donovan was presented with the Marian Academy’s Letter of Appointment and Diploma by Birmingham Bishop Steven J. Raica during an Aug. 9 televised Mass. The appointment honors Donovan for his contributions to the field of Mariology and his commitment to spreading devotion to Mary.  In an interview with CNA on Thursday, Donovan called his appointment “a great privilege,” adding that it wasn’t […]
- [Pope Francis names new patriarch of Lisbon following World Youth Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-new-patriarch-of-lisbon-following-world-youth-day-1395): Pope Francis on Thursday named Bishop Rui Manuel Sousa Valério as patriarch of Lisbon, just days after the conclusion of World Youth Day in the capital city of Portugal. The pope on Aug. 10 also accepted the resignation of Cardinal-Patriarch Manuel Clemente, who has led the patriarchate since May 2013. Clemente turned 75 last month. Valério, a member of the Missionaries of the Company of Mary for more than three decades, has been bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Portugal since the end of 2018. The 58-year-old bishop was born in Ourém, in the Diocese of Leira-Fátima. He studied for […]
- [Pope Francis appoints delegate to resolve Syro-Malabar liturgical dispute in India](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-delegate-to-resolve-syro-malabar-liturgical-dispute-in-india-1394): Pope Francis has appointed Slovak Archbishop-Bishop Cyril Vasil’ to resolve a decades-long liturgical dispute in the Syro-Malabar Church in India. Francis has directly intervened several times in the controversy, which centers on a debate about which direction the priest should face when celebrating the liturgy. Vasil’, an expert on canon law of the Eastern Churches, has been given special faculties in the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly to ensure “the implementation of the liturgical reform approved by the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Major Archdiocesan Church,” according to an Aug. 10 press release from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. The archbishop’s […]
- [Archdiocese of Seoul Reacts to South Korea Hosting the Next World Youth Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archdiocese-of-seoul-reacts-to-south-korea-hosting-the-next-world-youth-day-1393): Reaction continues to pour in following the Vatican’s announcement that the next World Youth Day will take place in South Korea. The Holy Father unveiled the choice during the closing Mass of World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon. South Korea has a population of 52 million people, around 8% of whom are Catholic. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser, recently spoke with a priest from the East Asian nation who will spearhead World Youth Day 2027. Father Matteo Choi Kwang-Hee, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Seoul, joins to discuss what the expectations are for WYD 2027. He explains […]
- [Jonathan Roumie & Matt Maher on "The Change" Event at WYD Lisbon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jonathan-roumie-and-matt-maher-on-the-change-event-at-wyd-lisbon-1392): During World Youth Day in Lisbon, Catholics and Evangelical Christians gathered for an event called “The Change.” Among the guests were a well-known actor and a musician. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhauser sat down with Matt Maher and Jonathan Roumie to discuss what the event was and what “the change” they are looking for is. They expand on their Catholic faith and finding common ground with other Christian denominations and how they have been able to reach all types of Christians. The artists share what they hope the youth that attended the event will get out of it. 
- [Pope Francis: Mary ‘never keeps us waiting’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-mary-never-keeps-us-waiting-1391): Pope Francis said Wednesday he likes to invoke the Virgin Mary under the title of “Our Lady ‘in haste’” because she is always ready to swiftly intercede for her children’s requests. “At World Youth Day, the Gospel proposed to young people the model of the Virgin Mary. At her most critical moment, [Mary] goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth. The Gospel says ‘she arose and went in haste,’” the pope said at his weekly audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall Aug. 9. “I really like to invoke Our Lady in this aspect,” Francis added. “Our Lady ‘in haste,’ who […]
- [Read some of the reactions to the pope’s ‘heartfelt appeal’ on climate change](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/read-some-of-the-reactions-to-the-popes-heartfelt-appeal-on-climate-change-1602): Pope Francis receives positive responses from church leaders and environmental activists worldwide for his latest apostolic exhortation "Laudate Deum,
- [Vatican Launches Month-Long Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-launches-month-long-synod-on-synodality-1601): Pope Francis inaugurates the month-long Synod on Synodality at the Vatican, emphasizing unity and the Church's merciful gaze on humanity.       
- [The dubia were not meant as an attack on the pope, Cardinal Burke says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dubia-were-not-meant-as-an-attack-on-the-pope-cardinal-burke-says-1600): Cardinal Raymond Burke has spoken out on the reactions raised by the “dubia” he and four other cardinals submitted to Pope Francis on the eve of the opening of the plenary assembly of the Synod on Synodality, asserting that the move was aimed neither at the pope’s person nor his agenda, but merely at safeguarding the Church’s perennial doctrine.  The cardinal was speaking at a conference organized in Rome on Oct. 3 by the Italian Catholic newspaper Nuova Bussola Quotidiana on the theme “the synodal Babel,” designed to discuss the main points of contention raised by the synod, which opened at the Vatican on Oct. […]
- [Ukraine: Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Discusses Peace Plan with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ukraine-orthodox-patriarch-of-jerusalem-discusses-peace-plan-with-pope-francis-1599): The Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem recently held discussions with Pope Francis regarding a peace plan aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine
- [St. Peter’s Basilica to offer nightly Eucharistic adoration during Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-peters-basilica-to-offer-nightly-eucharistic-adoration-during-synod-on-synodality-1598): St. Peter’s Basilica has extended its usual hours of daily Eucharistic adoration this month as the Synod on Synodality assembly meets at the Vatican.  The Vatican announced on Oct. 4 that the basilica will hold an additional hour of adoration in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays to offer the synod delegates and the faithful the chance to pray during the XVI Ordinary Synod of Bishops Oct. 4–29. St. Peter’s Basilica will also host weekly candlelight rosary processions at 9 p.m. each Saturday in the month of October, a month traditionally dedicated […]
- [Pope Francis to Synod on Synodality: ‘Do not sadden the Holy Spirit’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-synod-on-synodality-do-not-sadden-the-holy-spirit-1597): Pope Francis in his opening remarks for the Synod on Synodality on Wednesday offered guidance to participants on how the monthlong assembly will proceed. Pointing synod delegates to texts by St. Basil on the Holy Spirit, the pope emphasized the importance of listening over speaking. He said the Church is “paused” just like the apostles were when together in the upper room before Pentecost, except they were hiding in fear and “we are not.” “It’s a pause of the listening Church. And that’s the most important message,” he said Oct. 4 in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall.   The opening […]
- [New ‘grammar of synodality’ on display at start of synod gathering](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-grammar-of-synodality-on-display-at-start-of-synod-gathering-1596): On the opening day of the Synod on Synodality, a leading official of the process urged participants to read “the signs of the times” in order to “discover a grammar of synodality for our time.” “Just like the grammar of our languages changes as they develop, so does the grammar of synodality: It changes with time,” said Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the relator general of the 16th Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, in prepared remarks at the start of the afternoon session. Discovering a new grammar of synodality, a term that means “journeying together,” may be the stated goal […]
- [India: Cardinal Toppo Passes Away at the Age of 83](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/india-cardinal-toppo-dies-at-83-1594): The Archbishop Emeritus of Ranchi, India, passed away at the age of 84.
- [Dubia are Nothing New: Here are the Best Known Ones from Vatican II to Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dubia-are-nothing-new-here-are-the-best-known-ones-from-vatican-ii-to-pope-francis-1593): In the recent history of the Church, starting from the end of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, dubia relating to the most diverse issues have been proposed 
- [Consistory: New Cardinals' Roles in the Roman Curia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/consistory-new-cardinals-roles-in-the-roman-curia-1592): Overview of the Roles and Assignments of New Cardinals in the Roman Curia Following the Recent Consistory.       
- [Pope Francis Publishes the New Exhortation "Laudate Deum" on the Climate Crisis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-issues-new-call-for-dramatic-climate-change-measures-1591): Pope Francis Issues Laudate Deum, a Call to Address Climate Change with Urgency
- [Pope Francis: Synod on Synodality’s Primary Task ‘To Refocus our Gaze on God’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-synod-on-synodalitys-primary-task-to-refocus-our-gaze-on-god-1590): Pope Francis Calls for a Church Focused on God, Not Politics, at Synod Opening Mas
- [Read Pope Francis’ response to the dubia presented to him by 5 cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/read-pope-francis-response-to-the-dubia-presented-to-him-by-5-cardinals-1589): Five cardinals have sent a set of questions known as “dubia” to Pope Francis to express their concerns and seek clarification on points of doctrine and discipline ahead of this week’s opening of the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican. Dubia are questions brought before the pope and the appropriate Vatican office that seek a simple “yes” or “no” response in order to clarify disputed matters of Catholic teaching and practice.  The prelates — German Cardinal Walter Brandmüller, American Cardinal Raymond Burke, Chinese Cardinal Zen Ze-Kiun, Mexican Cardinal Juan Sandoval Íñiguez, and Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah — had submitted an […]
- [Here’s the full text of the Vatican’s response to dubia on divorced and remarried Catholics](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/heres-the-full-text-of-the-vaticans-response-to-dubia-on-divorced-and-remarried-catholics-1588): The Vatican on Monday publicly released responses to 10 “dubia” submitted by Czech Cardinal Dominik Duka regarding “the administration of the Eucharist to divorced couples living in a new union.”  Originally submitted by the archbishop emeritus of Prague on July 13 on behalf of the Czech Bishops’ Conference, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s response — signed both by Pope Francis and new prefect Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández — had been issued to the Czech cardinal on Sept. 25. At the heart of Duka’s dubia and the Vatican’s response was the practical application of Amoris Laetitia (“The Joy […]
- [Here’s what the Church’s newest cardinals think about the Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/heres-what-the-churchs-newest-cardinals-think-about-the-synod-on-synodality-1587): Just days before the start of the first monthlong assembly of the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis convened a consistory to create 21 new cardinals — eight of whom are also delegates in the October synodal gathering at the Vatican. Following a Mass to create the cardinals on Sept. 30, one of the new “red hats” and a synod member, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, said: “Being a synodal Church that knows how to listen to everyone is the way not only to live the faith personally but also to grow in true Christian fraternity.” Reading a letter of thanksgiving, the […]
- [LIVE | Opening of the Assembly of the Synod of Bishops with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-opening-of-the-assembly-of-the-synod-of-bishops-with-pope-francis-1586): LIVE | Join us for the Opening of the Synod of Bishops’ Assembly, featuring a welcome address by the President Delegate, Pope Francis, reports from the Secretary-General and Relator General, and the presentation of the Instrumentum Laboris.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are! Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican
- [LIVE | Pope Francis’ Holy Mass with New Cardinals for the Opening of the Synod](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-general-audience-with-pope-francis-1585): LIVE from St. Peter’s Basilica | Join us for the Holy Mass for the opening of the Synod on Synodality with Pope Francis, the new Cardinals and the College of Cardinals.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are! Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican 
- [Jesuit Father James Martin says there are many chaste gay priests in the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jesuit-father-james-martin-says-there-are-many-chaste-gay-priests-in-the-church-1584): Jesuit Father James Martin, who will attend the first session of the Synod on Synodality as a participant appointed by Pope Francis, said that “without a doubt, there are many chaste and celibate gay priests in the Church. It’s important that that be said.” In an Oct. 1 interview with the Spanish newspaper El Periódico, Martin stressed that “it is crucial to point out that these priests lead a chaste and celibate life, like their heterosexual colleagues, and dedicate their lives to service in the Church. It’s probably always been this way.” In his opinion, “it is impossible” to know […]
- [Vatican Releases Pope Francis’ Responses to Pre-Synod Dubia, Criticizes Cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-releases-pope-francis-responses-to-pre-synod-dubia-criticizes-cardinals-1583): The Vatican has released Pope Francis’ original responses to a set of dubia on highly-charged doctrinal questions
- [The 5 Cardinals Behind the Latest Dubia Issued to Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-cardinals-behind-the-latest-dubia-issued-to-pope-francis-1582): Five cardinals have sent a set of questions to Pope Francis to express their concerns before this week’s Synod on Synodality opening at the Vatican.
- [Pope Francis sends telegram to Iraqi Christian community after tragic wedding fire](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sends-telegram-to-iraqi-christian-community-after-tragic-wedding-fire-1581): Pope Francis sent his condolences on Saturday to an Iraqi Christian community in Qaraqosh, northern Iraq, that was devastated by a massive fire
- [Vatican responds to Cardinal Duka’s dubia on divorced and remarried Catholics](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-responds-to-to-cardinal-dukas-dubia-on-divorced-and-remarried-catholics-1580): The Vatican publicly responds to Cardinal Dominik Duka's 10 dubia regarding the administration of the Eucharist to divorced couples living in a new union
- [Vatican News: 'Laudate Deum’: Pope Francis’ next environmental document](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-laudate-deum-pope-francis-next-environmental-document-1579): ‘Laudate Deum’: Pope Francis’ next environmental document  Pope Francis’ new document on the environment will be called Laudate Deum, which means “Praise God” in Latin.  It will be, he said, “a look at what has happened and say what needs to be done”. The Holy Father announced last month he would be releasing a follow-up document to the 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ and that it would be published on Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.    Two Chinese bishops to participate in Synod on Synodality  The Vatican announced that two bishops from mainland China have been added […]
- [Revelations from the Vatican Archives: Pope Pius XII and the Holocaust](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/revelations-from-the-vatican-archives-pope-pius-xii-and-the-holocaust-1578): In this video, we discuss recently uncovered documents that shed light on Pope Pius XII’s knowledge of Nazi atrocities during World War II. These documents challenge the Vatican’s previous stance and reignite the debate over the Pope’s actions during the Holocaust. One key document is a letter from a trusted Jesuit, Father Koenig, informing the Pope about mass murders in Poland. This revelation is significant as it occurred during a period when millions of Jews had already been killed. We’ll explore the implications of these findings and their impact on Pope Pius XII’s legacy in an upcoming conference at the […]
- [Pope Francis Created 21 New Cardinals for the Catholic Church at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-created-21-new-cardinals-for-the-catholic-church-at-the-vatican-1577): In this video, we delve into the recent consistory celebrated by Pope Francis on September 30th, marking his ninth consistory in his 10 years as pontiff. The Pope’s choice of timing for this consistory in September carries significant symbolism, as it underscores the importance of the upcoming Synod of Synodality. Many of the newly appointed cardinals hail from what Pope Francis calls the “peripheries” of the Church, emphasizing the diversity and inclusivity of his selections. Out of the 21 new cardinals, a whopping 18 are under the age of 80, making them eligible to participate in a papal conclave. With […]
- [Interview with Archbishop Gänswein at Ratzinger-Schülerkreis on Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/interview-with-archbishop-gaenswein-at-ratzinger-schuelerkreis-on-benedict-xvi-1576): In an interview with Martin Rothweiler, EWTN Germany, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, former private secretary of Benedict XVI, shared his reflection concerning the late Pope Emeritus’s final words. The interview took place at the Augustinianum in Rome during the annual symposium of the Ratzinger-Schülerkreis and the New Schülerkreis, or School Circle, of Joseph Ratzinger, gathering former students of Joseph Ratzinger and, since 2008, other young theologians inspired by the theological work of Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI. The former private secretary of Benedict XVI also shared the legacy of the late theologian’s work and the continuation of his life’s mission: love.  Welcome […]
- [Venerable Giorgio La Pira: The "Holy Mayor" of Florence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/venerable-giorgio-la-pira-the-holy-mayor-of-florence-1575): The Inspirational Legacy of a Mayor Devoted to the Poor
- [Pope Francis Calls for Compassion and Unity in the Face of Mediterranean Tragedy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-compassion-and-unity-in-the-face-of-mediterranean-tragedy-1574): In a heartfelt address during his visit to Marseille, Pope Francis referred to the Mediterranean as a “graveyard of dignity” and called for unity and compassion in the face of the ongoing migrant crisis. The Pope’s visit to this southern French city, known for its diversity and challenges, underscored his commitment to addressing pressing global issues, particularly migration. On Friday, September 22nd, Pope Francis met with local religious leaders at a memorial dedicated to sailors and migrants lost at sea. He spoke about the tragedy of shipwrecks and the loss of lives in the Mediterranean, emphasizing the need for urgent […]
- [Cardinal Stepinac's Beatification: 25 Years On](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-stepinacs-beatification-25-years-on-1573): It has been 25 years since the grand celebrations of Cardinal Aloizije Stepinac's beatification.
- [Pope Francis Appoints Salesian as President of Vatican's Financial Institution, APSA](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-salesian-as-president-of-vaticans-financial-institution-apsa-1572): The Vatican's financial institution, often referred to as the "central bank" of the Vatican, has a new leader.
- [EWTN Roman Nights | Chastity: An Outdated Virtue? - September 28th, 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-roman-nights-chastity-an-outdated-virtue-september-28th-2023-1571): This month, our focus was on the virtue of "chastity," exploring its relevance in today's world.
- [Cardinals send ‘dubia’ to Pope Francis ahead of Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-send-dubia-to-pope-francis-ahead-of-synod-on-synodality-1570): Five cardinals have sent a set of questions to Pope Francis to express their concerns and seek clarification on points of doctrine and discipline ahead of this week’s opening of the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican.  The cardinals said they submitted five questions, called “dubia,” on Aug. 21 requesting clarity on topics relating to doctrinal development, the blessing of same-sex unions, the authority of the Synod on Synodality, women’s ordination, and sacramental absolution.  Dubia are formal questions brought before the pope and the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) aimed at eliciting a “yes” or “no” response, […]
- [‘Not Much New’ Will Come Out of This Year’s Synod, Vatican’s Doctrine Chief Predicts](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/not-much-new-will-come-out-of-this-years-synod-vaticans-doctrine-chief-predicts-1569): New Vatican Chief of Doctrine Downplays Expectations for Upcoming Synod of Synodality
- [Pope Francis to hold meeting with children at the Vatican on Nov. 6](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-hold-meeting-with-children-at-the-vatican-on-nov-6-1568): Pope Francis on Sunday announced a meeting with children to be held at the Vatican on Nov. 6. The event in the Paul VI Audience Hall, sponsored by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, will be dedicated to the theme “Let us learn from boys and girls.” “It is an event to show the dream we all have: To go back to having the pure sentiments of children because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them,” the pope said after praying the midday Angelus on Oct. 1. Accompanied by five children from five continents, the pope on Sunday said that […]
- [Pope Francis calls silence ‘essential’ at prayer vigil for Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-silence-essential-at-prayer-vigil-for-synod-on-synodality-1567): Pope Francis told those gathered at an ecumenical prayer vigil days before the opening of the Synod on Synodality that silence is essential for Christians. “In a world full of noise, we are no longer accustomed to silence; indeed sometimes we struggle with it, because silence forces us to face God and ourselves. Yet it lies at the foundation of the Word and of life,” the pope said in St. Peter’s Square on Sept. 30. Before thousands of young people and Christian leaders from around the world, Francis emphasized the importance of silent prayer. “Silence is essential in the life […]
- [We asked the new cardinals: How should the Church evangelize the world today?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/we-asked-the-new-cardinals-how-should-the-church-evangelize-the-world-today-1566): Pope Francis created 21 new cardinals for the Catholic Church on Saturday. The men, whose ages range from 49 to 96, come from 15 different countries and five continents. And while some of the cardinals pastor churches in the countries they are from, others have lived in places other than their home while serving the Church as diplomats. From digital communication to hope to listening to the Gospel, here is what 12 of the cardinals told CNA they think is needed to evangelize the modern world: Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, 59, archbishop of Łódź, Poland: Listening Ryś said there are two […]
- [Pope Francis creates 21 new cardinals, expanding body’s geographic diversity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-creates-21-new-cardinals-expanding-bodys-geographic-diversity-1565): Pope Francis created 21 new cardinals from across the world at a Saturday morning consistory in St. Peter’s Square, reflecting on how the geographic expansion of the Church’s leadership represents a fulfillment of the promise of Pentecost. “You new cardinals have come from different parts of the world, and the same Spirit that made the evangelization of your peoples fruitful now renews in you your vocation and mission in and for the Church,” the pope in his homily for the event told the new cardinals, 18 of whom are under age 80 and therefore eligible to vote in a conclave. […]
- [Pope Francis denounces ‘body-shaming,’ admits to bullying overweight friend as a child](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-denounces-body-shaming-admits-to-bullying-overweight-friend-as-a-child-1564): In a Tuesday video call with university students from South Asia, Pope Francis highlighted the dignity and value of all human persons, denouncing “body-shaming,” and admitting to bullying an overweight boy as a child. The pope’s comments were given during a livestreamed dialogue with students titled “Building Bridges Across South Asia,” which was hosted by Chicago’s Loyola University and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. The full recorded conversation can be accessed here.  Responding to a question raised by Merlin Rosemary, a student at St. Joseph’s University in Bengaluru, India, Francis said that body-shaming is “something artificial” that disrupts the ability […]
- [Pope calls for an end to global food waste](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-calls-for-an-end-to-global-food-waste-1563): Pope Francis on Friday commended a U.N. agency’s efforts to end what the Holy Father called “the scourge of food loss and waste” across the planet, with the pope calling for a “radical paradigm shift” in how the world deals with wasted food. Francis in his letter to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization told FAO Director Qu Dongyu that the “prevailing culture” has “led to the denaturalization of the value of food, reducing it to a mere commodity to be exchanged.” The letter was sent on the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, established by […]
- [What is a consistory? Your questions answered](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-a-consistory-your-questions-answered-1562): Discover everything you need to know about the upcoming consistory where Pope Francis will create 21 new cardinals, including the significance of this event and the impact on the College of Cardinals
- [Catholic Church’s new cardinals explain why they chose their spiritual mottos](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-churchs-new-cardinals-explain-why-they-chose-their-spiritual-mottos-1561): Each of the new cardinals receiving the red hat at the consistory on Saturday has chosen a spiritual motto
- [6 Key Points to Understand the Role of Cardinals in the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/6-key-points-to-understand-the-role-of-cardinals-in-the-catholic-church-1560): Six essential facts about these often-referred-to "princes" of the Church.
- [France Debates End-of-Life Legislation Amid Papal Opposition](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/france-debates-end-of-life-legislation-amid-papal-opposition-1559): France Contemplates End-of-Life Legislation Amidst Papal and Public Debate
- [18 Seminarians Ordained to Diaconate at St. Peter's Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/18-seminarians-ordained-to-diaconate-at-st-peters-basilica-1558): Eighteen seminarians from the Pontifical North American College in Rome take a significant step toward priesthood
- [LIVE from the Vatican | Consistory for the creation of new Cardinals with Pope Francis | 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-consistory-for-the-creation-of-new-cardinals-with-pope-francis-2023-1557): LIVE | Join us for the Ordinary Public Consistory for the creation of new Cardinals with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Basilica.    Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!    Images: Vatican Media
- [How Pope Francis spread devotion to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-pope-francis-spread-devotion-to-our-lady-undoer-of-knots-1556): Of the many devotions Pope Francis has promoted during his pontificate, perhaps none is better known than his devotion to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots
- [Synod on Synodality: 23 Movers and Shakers at the 2023 Synodal Assembly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-23-movers-and-shakers-at-the-2023-synodal-assembly-1555): October’s synod assembly boasts an unprecedented level of participation in a Synod of Bishops. Of the record-high 360-plus voting members, nearly 27% of them are non-bishops, including women and sizable numbers of laypeople, for the first time ever at a synod. But even with this widened degree of participation, it’s still true that the synod proceedings — and the media narratives that emerge around them — will likely be shaped by a few key actors. Here are 23 key movers and shakers to keep an eye on at the 2023 Synod on Synodality.   Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the […]
- [Discipline of sister who led community co-founded by Rupnik raises questions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/discipline-of-sister-who-led-community-co-founded-by-rupnik-raises-questions-1554): A religious sister who co-founded a community with the ex-Jesuit and accused abuser Father Marko Rupnik three decades ago was quietly removed in June from the governance of the community, banned from contacting current or former sisters for three years, and ordered to make monthly pilgrimages to pray for Rupnik’s victims. Sister Ivanka Hosta, the superior general of the Loyola Community since 1994, is staying in a monastery in Braga, in northern Portugal, following the conclusion of an investigation into her leadership of the religious community by the Diocese of Rome, according to the Portuguese religious news outlet Sete Margens. […]
- ["The Smiling Pope" - Pope John Paul I's Brief but Impactful Pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/smiling-pope-pope-john-paul-is-brief-but-impactful-pontificate-1553): Pope John Paul I, "The Smiling Pope," left an indelible legacy of humility and compassion during his remarkably brief but impactful 34-day pontificate
- [Europe Needs Hope, Pope Francis Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/europe-needs-hope-pope-francis-says-1552): To deal properly with the crises it faces, Europe must first have hope
- [Pope Francis’ next environmental document to be called ‘Laudate Deum’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-next-environmental-document-to-be-called-laudate-deum-1551): Pope Francis’ new document on the environment, to be released Oct. 4, will be called Laudate Deum. The pope shared the name of his latest apostolic exhortation during a meeting with Latin American university rectors on Sept. 21, though the speech was only made public by Vatican News in Spanish on Monday afternoon. According to Vatican News, while speaking about the environment and the “culture of abandonment,” Pope Francis revealed that his new document on the topic will be titled Laudate Deum, which means “Praise God” in Latin. It will be, he said, “a look at what has happened and […]
- [Pope makes church first co-cathedral in history of British Isles](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-makes-church-first-co-cathedral-in-history-of-british-isles-1550): Pope Francis has awarded a U.K. church “co-cathedral status,” making it the first of its kind in the history of the British Isles. The Church of St. Mary of the Isle, located in Douglas on the Isle of Man, has achieved this rare status after Douglas was formally recognized as a city during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee celebrations in June 2022. St. Mary of the Isle will be co-cathedral along with Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. The two cathedrals are 80 miles apart and are separated by the Irish Sea, but both fall within the […]
- [Swiss bishop calls for women’s ordination, end to celibacy ahead of synod](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/swiss-bishop-calls-for-womens-ordination-end-to-celibacy-ahead-of-synod-1549): A Swiss bishop called for the end of mandatory priestly celibacy and for the ordination of women in an interview published Sunday, just days ahead of his participation at the Synod on Synodality in Rome next week.  “It’s time to abolish mandatory celibacy,” Bishop Felix Gmür of Basel told the Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag on Sept. 24. The bishop elaborated: “Celibacy means that I am available to God. But I believe that this sign is no longer understood by society today. Many think: What is wrong with this person, does he have a problem? When a sign is no longer understood, […]
- [Pontifical North American College Ordinations 2023 - From the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-north-american-college-ordinations-2023-from-the-vatican-1548): Join us for the Pontifical North American College Diaconate Ordinations from St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican.  Let’s pray for each of these man and may God inspires them Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!  
- [Theology Students of Pope Benedict XVI Meet at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/theology-students-of-pope-benedict-xvi-meet-at-the-vatican-1547): Pope Benedict XVI's Life and Legacy Explored by his Theology Students at Schuelerkreis 2023 
- [Diocese of Rome: Thousands expected at Vatican for ecumenical prayer vigil ahead of synod](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/diocese-of-rome-thousands-expected-at-vatican-for-ecumenical-prayer-vigil-ahead-of-synod-1545): he Diocese of Rome prepares for a significant ecumenical prayer vigil ahead of the historic synod, with thousands of pilgrims expected in attendance
- [Cardinal Electors to Total 136 After Consistory 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-electors-to-total-136-after-consistory-1544): On October 1st, the Sacred College, restricted to the cardinal electors in a future conclave, will have the presence of 136 cardinals under 80 years old.
- [Commission for the Protection of Minors Working on Guideline Updates](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/commission-for-the-protection-of-minors-working-on-guideline-updates-1543): The Pontifical Commission for Minors' Plenary Meeting: Updates on Safeguarding Efforts and Collaborative Initiatives.       
- [Vatican News: Korean Martyr Statue in St. Peter & Pope Francis' Message at Clinton Global Initiative](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-korean-martyr-statue-in-st-peter-and-pope-francis-message-at-clinton-global-initiative-1542): Stay informed with this week’s Vaticano Updates as we bring you the most significant news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. From the unveiling of a statue honoring a Korean saint at St. Peter’s Basilica to Cardinal Zuppi’s diplomatic mission in China for peace efforts in Ukraine, we cover it all. Plus, get insights into Pope Francis’ response to Libya’s devastating floods, his message at the Clinton Global Initiative, and his meeting with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. Join us for a glimpse into the Holy Father’s recent activities and important global issues. 
- [Is a New Armenian Genocide Looming? Insights from Armenian Catholic Patriarch Raphaël Bedros](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/is-a-new-armenian-genocide-looming-insights-from-armenian-catholic-patriarch-raphael-bedros-1541):  Armenia, known as “the first Christian country”, adopted the faith in 301 and has remained Christian ever since. Most citizens belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church tracing its roots back to the Apostles Barholomew and Thaddeus. The Armenian Catholic Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian is the head of the Catholic minority. There is a good relationship between the Christians and other religions in the country – a bond forged through suffering.  Over the centuries the Armenian people have faced many hardships. At the start of the 20th century, the Turkish state massacred millions of Armenians. Up to 1.5 million people […]
- [The Heroism of the Ulma Family: A mission of Love, Life, and Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ulma-family-heroism-faith-and-unity-interview-with-archbishop-adam-szal-1540): EWTN Rome correspondent Matthew Santucci spoke with Archbishop Adam Szal, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Przemyśl in Poland. Heroism. Faith. Unity. These three characteristics were exemplified by the Ulma Family and their courageous actions during World War II. In this interview Archbishop Szal explained the profound impact their beatification has on Poland, its youth, and the broader relationship between faith and society.     Your excellency, good morning and welcome to Rome. Could speak for a moment about the relics of the Ulma family that will be traveling around Poland: what exactly are those relics and, have you seen a […]
- [Rupnik Case: Diocese of Rome Commends Centro Aletti. Recent Developments and Controversies](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rupnik-case-diocese-of-rome-commends-centro-aletti-recent-developments-and-controversies-1539): At Centro Aletti, “there is a healthy community life without any particular critical issues”. These are the conclusions reached by the canonical visit to Centro Aletti, ordered by the Vicar Cardinal of Rome, Angelo De Donatis, at the beginning of the year.   The Vicariate of the Diocese of Rome, the chancery which handles the day-to-day governance of the pope’s diocese, issued a statement September 18th describing the conclusions of a visitation to the Centro Aletti, a center of art, theology, and culture at which Fr. Marko Rupnik lived and served as director.   Rupnik, a famed Slovenian artist, was charged with […]
- [Pope Francis Meets New Russian Ambassador at the Vatican: Diplomacy for Peace in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-new-russian-ambassador-at-the-vatican-diplomacy-for-peace-in-ukraine-1538): Pope Francis on September 18th, met with the newly appointed Russian ambassador to the Holy See, Ivan Soltanovsky.  The meeting, during which Soltanovsky presented his credential letters to the pontiff, comes days after papal envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi visited Beijing to discuss efforts to bring about peace in Ukraine amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. The 68-year-old Soltanovsky is a career diplomat who was appointed by President Putin. His predecessor was one of the first ambassadors to be famously visited by Pope Francis. When Russia invaded Ukraine, in February 2022 the Holy Father went to the Russian embassy and pleaded for […]
- [The Catholic Church and Spirituality in Mongolia: A Glimpse into a Minority Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-church-and-spirituality-in-mongolia-a-glimpse-into-a-minority-faith-1537): Buddhism stands as the predominant faith in Mongolia, with approximately 52 percent of the population adhering to it.    Shamanism, a belief system centered on communing with spirits and facilitating healing, also holds a significant place in the country’s identity and culture. In stark contrast, Catholics constitute a minuscule fraction of the populace, making up less than one percent.   Over the past three decades, the Catholic Church has been gradually growing in Mongolia, though not without its challenges. Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, is home to half of Mongolia’s population, approximately 1.3 million individuals.   It is in this bustling city that […]
- [Pope Francis: It’s never ‘too late’ to receive God’s love](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-its-never-too-late-to-receive-gods-love-1536): Pope Francis said Sunday that regardless of one’s stage of life, it is never too late to receive God’s love. Speaking in his Angelus address on Sept. 24, the pope said that God is seeking us out at every hour of the day and that his “bighearted” love for us is not based on our merits. “This is how God is: He does not wait for our efforts to come to us,” Francis said. “He does not give up if we are late in responding to him. On the contrary, he himself has taken the initiative and through Jesus came […]
- [‘You don’t play with life’: Pope Francis condemns euthanasia, abortion on papal plane](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/you-dont-play-with-life-pope-francis-condemns-euthanasia-abortion-on-papal-plane-1535): Pope Francis condemned euthanasia and abortion as actions that “play with life” and said there is such a thing as “bad compassion” during a press conference aboard the papal plane from Marseille to Rome on Saturday. “You don’t play with life, neither at the beginning nor at the end. It is not played with!” he told journalists Sept. 23, as he returned from a two-day trip to Marseille, in southern France, to speak at a meeting of young people and bishops called Mediterranean Encounter. “Whether it is the law not to let the child grow in the mother’s womb or […]
- [Pope Francis: Be Christians who ‘leap for joy’ in the face of life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-be-christians-who-leap-for-joy-in-the-face-of-life-1534): Pope Francis told those gathered Saturday at a Mass in Marseille, France, to be Christians who “leap for joy” in the face of life’s challenges — with hearts ready to encounter the Lord and others. “We want to be Christians who encounter God in prayer, and our brothers and sisters in love; Christians who leap, pulsate, and receive the fire of the Holy Spirit and then allow ourselves to be set afire by the questions of our day, by the challenges of the Mediterranean, by the cry of the poor — and by the ‘holy utopias’ of fraternity and peace […]
- [Pope Francis: Migrant crisis requires wisdom, not ‘alarmist propaganda’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-migrant-crisis-requires-wisdom-not-alarmist-propaganda-1533): Pope Francis on Saturday told an interreligious youth conference in Marseille, France, that the deepening migrant crisis unfolding in the Mediterranean is “a reality of our times” that calls for wisdom and a collaborative response from European nations, not “alarmist propaganda.” Speaking at an event called the Mediterranean Encounter, the pope said the “stifled cry of migrant brothers and sisters” is turning the Mediterranean Sea from “the cradle of civilization” to the “graveyard of dignity.” More than 20,000 people have died on Central Mediterranean migration routes since 2014. At least 441 perished in the first three months of this year, […]
- [Pope Francis in Marseille: It’s ‘a duty of humanity’ to save migrants abandoned at sea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-marseille-its-a-duty-of-humanity-to-save-migrants-abandoned-at-sea-1532): Pope Francis said humanity is at a crossroads between fraternity and indifference regarding the migrant crisis. 
- [Pope Francis entrusts to Mary ‘Mediterranean Encounter’ with youth and bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-entrusts-to-mary-mediterranean-encounter-with-youth-and-bishops-1531): Pope Francis commences his 44th International Apostolic Journey in Marseille, France, entrusting a meeting of Mediterranean bishops and youth to the Virgin Mary at the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde.
- [Concistory 2023: Presbyteral Titles and Vacant Diaconates](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/concistory-2023-presbyteral-titles-and-vacant-diaconates-1530): In addition to receiving the red biretta and the ring, during the consistory on Saturday, September 30th, the Pope will assign a church in Rome to each new cardinal, whether it is a presbyteral title or a diaconate, as a sign of his pastoral care for the city. Currently, there are 12 vacant presbyteral titles, which are assigned to cardinals of the Order of Priests. These include Saints Ambrose and Charles, which have been vacant since 2017, with the last holder being Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi. St. Anthony of Padua on Via Merulana has been vacant since 2022 due to the […]
- [Cardinal Parolin: Pope's Trip to Marseille Represents an Opportunity to Foster Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-popes-trip-to-marseille-represents-an-opportunity-to-foster-hope-1529): Within the framework of Pope Francis’ apostolic journey to Marseille, scheduled for September 22nd to 23rd, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, has asserted that this visit presents an “opportunity to promote hope” in light of the intricate migratory situation in the Mediterranean. “In the Mediterranean, the predominant debate currently revolves around the migration issue. Beyond the challenges, what becomes evident is the necessity to collectively address these problems with a forward-looking perspective, not merely as immediate crises, with each entity pursuing its individual interests,” expressed Cardinal Parolin to Vatican News on September 21st. The Cardinal emphasized the […]
- [Why is the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, which the Pope will visit in Marseille, important?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-is-the-basilica-of-notre-dame-de-la-garde-which-the-pope-will-visit-in-marseille-important-1528): Pope Francis to Visit Iconic Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica in Marseille: A Testament to Faith, History, and Scenic Beauty
- [Who are the Chinese bishops attending the Synod on Synodality?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-are-the-chinese-bishops-attending-the-synod-on-synodality-1527): The Vatican has included two bishops from mainland China as official delegates in the upcoming Synod on Synodality assembly
- [LIVE from San Giovanni Rotondo | Holy Mass on the Feast St. Pius of Pietrelcina](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-san-giovanni-rotondo-holy-mass-on-the-feast-st-pius-of-pietrelcina-1526): LIVE | Join us for the Holy Mass in remembrance of St. Pius of Pietrelcina, from San Giovanni Rotondo.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!  Stay connected with us and have a front seat to witness everything that is happening at the Vatican!  Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican 
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in Marseille | Holy Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-marseille-holy-mass-1525): LIVE | Join us for Pope Francis’ Holy Mass from the “Vélodrome Stadium” of Marseille.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!  Stay connected with us and have a front seat to witness everything that is happening at the Vatican! Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in Marseille | Final session Rencontres Méditerranéennes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-marseille-final-session-rencontres-mediterraneennes-1524): LIVE | Join us for the final session of the Rencontres Méditerranéennes from the Palais du Pharo with the participation of Pope Francis. Afterwards, the Holy Father will have a meeting with the President of the Republic of France, Emmanuel Macron.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!  Stay connected with us and have a front seat to witness everything that is happening at the Vatican!  Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican 
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in Marseille | Marian Prayer & Moment of Reflection with Religious Leaders 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-marseille-marian-prayer-and-moment-of-reflection-with-religious-leaders-2023-1523): LIVE | Join us for the Marian Prayer of Pope Francis with the Diocesan Clergy from the Basilica of “Notre Dame de la Garde”. Afterwards the Holy Father will have a moment of Reflection with Religious Leaders from the Memorial dedicated to sailors and migrants lost at sea.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!  Stay connected with us and have a front seat to witness everything that is happening at the Vatican!  Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican
- [LIVE | Schülerkreis Symposium 2023: Collaborators of Truth with Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-schuelerkreis-symposium-2023-collaborators-of-truth-with-pope-benedict-xvi-1522): Join us for the Schülerkreis Symposium featuring distinguished speakers exploring the rich legacy of Pope Benedict XVI. From essential features of his theological thought to the beauty of liturgy, revelation, and the practice of faith, delve into profound discussions that carry the wisdom of Pope Benedict into the future.
- [LIVE | Pope Francis Arrives in Marseille | Official Welcome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-arrives-in-marseille-official-welcome-1521): LIVE | Join us for the Official welcome of Pope Francis by the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron from Marseille International Airport.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are! Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican
- [Pope Francis Appoints Cardinal-Designate Aguiar as New Bishop of Setúbal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-cardinal-designate-aguiar-as-new-bishop-of-setubal-1520): Pope Appoints New Bishop of Setúbal
- [Vatican Authority at the UN: The Holy See Stands with Ukraine and Supports its Integrity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-authority-at-the-un-the-holy-see-stands-with-ukraine-and-supports-its-integrity-1519): Holy See Stands Firmly with Ukraine, Advocates for Dialogue and Peace Amid Conflict
- [Synod 2023: Participants to include two bishops from mainland China, Archbishop Paglia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-2023-participants-to-include-two-bishops-from-mainland-china-archbishop-paglia-1518): Chinese bishops and Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia will join the Synod on Synodality in October, according to the final list of participants released by the synod's leadership
- [Caravaggio's Masterpieces: A Glimpse into the Life of Saint Matthew](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/caravaggios-masterpieces-a-glimpse-into-the-life-of-saint-matthew-1517): Caravaggio's Masterpieces: Illuminating the Life of Saint Matthew through Light and Artistry
- [Vatican Cardinal to Make Charity Mission to Ukraine City Hit by Russian Drones](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-cardinal-to-make-charity-mission-to-ukraine-city-hit-by-russian-drones-1516): The head of the Vatican’s charity office is traveling to Ukraine to inaugurate a new home for displaced mothers and children in Lviv
- [Pope Francis lauds Catholic saint who fought to end slavery in Africa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-lauds-catholic-saint-who-fought-to-end-slavery-in-africa-1515): Pope Francis extolled Wednesday the “apostolic zeal” of St. Daniele Comboni, an Italian missionary priest and bishop who fought to end slavery in Africa.
- [Vatican launches investigation into Australian bishop accused of child sex abuse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-launches-investigation-into-australian-bishop-accused-of-child-sex-abuse-1514): Former bishop Christopher Saunders of the Diocese of Broome faces allegations of sexual assault and misuse of funds
- [Rupnik’s victims say Diocese of Rome’s statement ‘ridicules’ their pain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rupniks-victims-say-diocese-of-romes-statement-ridicules-their-pain-1513): Victims of Father Marko Rupnik's alleged abuse express dismay over the Diocese of Rome's statement
- [Pope Francis Calls for Peace in Nagorno-Karabakh Amid Ongoing Conflict](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-peace-in-nagorno-karabakh-amid-ongoing-conflict-1512): The Pope urges all parties to seek peaceful resolutions in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, while extending thoughts to Ukraine and the ailing Giorgio Napolitano
- [Peace in Ukraine – The Vatican Efforts Intensify](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/peace-in-ukraine-the-vatican-efforts-intensify-1511): Vatican's Diplomatic Protocol at Work: New Russian Ambassador Presents Credentials to Pope Francis Amid Ongoing Peace Efforts in Ukraine
- [Archbishop Gugerotti: "The Church is a House of Peace Where One Enters Without Weapons"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-gugerotti-the-church-is-a-house-of-peace-where-one-enters-without-weapons-1510): The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches in Syria consecrated Bishop Fra Hanna Jallouf, OFM, Apostolic Vicar of Aleppo for Catholics of the Latin rite     
- [Pope Francis to Receive Eighth Edition of German Martyrology](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-receive-eighth-edition-of-german-martyrology-1509): Split into four categories and regularly updated since 2000, the German Martyrology is a crucial resource for comprehending martyrs' sacrifices during the Nazi era
- [Pope Francis says ‘no to war,’ urges climate action in livestreamed chat with Bill Clinton](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-no-to-war-urges-climate-action-in-livestreamed-chat-with-bill-clinton-1507): In a conversation with former President Bill Clinton, Pope Francis advocated for climate action, diplomacy over war, improved child healthcare access, and addressed migrant and refugee crises.
- [Pope Francis meets with new Russian ambassador to the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-new-russian-ambassador-to-the-vatican-1506): Pope Francis on Monday met with the newly appointed Russian ambassador to the Holy See, Ivan Soltanovsky. 
- [Custodian of Culture: Interview with Dr. Barbara Jatta, the First Woman Leading the Vatican Museums](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/custodian-of-culture-interview-with-dr-barbara-jatta-the-first-woman-leading-the-vatican-museums-1505): In an interview with Colm Flynn, EWTN News Rome Correspondent, Dr. Barbara Jatta, the director of the Vatican Museums, shared her experience and insight into her role overseeing more than 200,000 pieces and seven miles of corridors and hallways. She expressed her gratitude for her position, which she has held since January 2017, and reflected on her appointment as the first woman to hold this position a decade ago. Jatta also discussed the increasing opportunities for women in the Vatican and noted that Pope Francis has been instrumental in driving this change. The Director of the Vatican Museums also shared […]
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis' Meeting with Sylvester Stallone & Upcoming Marseille Trip](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-meeting-with-sylvester-stallone-and-upcoming-marseille-trip-1504): Stay updated with the latest news from Pope Francis and the Vatican in this week’s Vaticano Updates. Pope Francis met Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone, though details remain undisclosed. The Vatican is investigating Swiss bishops’ handling of sexual abuse cases, and Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk offered a Divine Liturgy for peace in Ukraine at St. Peter’s Basilica. Vatican Bank clarifies it has no money from Russia and works exclusively with Vatican-associated clients. Plus, get a preview of Pope Francis’ upcoming two-day visit to Marseille for the “Mediterranean Meetings.” Stay informed on significant developments from the Vatican. Sign Up Here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican  
- [Open Skies: El Greco's Masterpieces Exposed in Rome for the First Time](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/open-skies-el-grecos-masterpieces-exposed-in-rome-for-the-first-time-1503): Explore ‘Open Skies: Art in View of the Jubilee 2025’ with Archbishop Rino Fisichella, a spiritual journey featuring El Greco’s masterpieces. An exploration of the mysteries of Christ’s life, and the unity it represents, El Greco’s unique style bridges cultures, bringing East and West together. Witness three unprecedented works of art, leaving Spain for the first time. Discover the profound spiritual insights they offer. Experience art as prayer, preparing for the Holy Year 2025. Explore El Greco’s legacy and the ‘Jubilee is Culture’ program. Reflect on who we are and where we’re going through a visionary artist’s eyes. This exhibition […]
- [Beatification of the Ulma Family: A Family of Martyrs For Sheltering Jews](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/beatification-of-the-ulma-family-a-family-of-martyrs-for-love-and-goodness-1502): In a historic event on September 10th, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro announced the beatification of an entire family – farmer Jozef Ulma, his seven-month-pregnant wife Wiktoria, and their six children, aged one and a half to eight. The Holy Mass celebrating their beatification took place in Markowa, a village in southeastern Poland, which was the family’s home. This beatification is unprecedented in the history of the Catholic Church, as it marks the first time an entire family has been beatified simultaneously. The Ulma family, often referred to as “the Samaritans of Markowa,” earned this recognition due to their unwavering commitment to […]
- [Pope Francis Offers Deep Solidarity with Morocco After Devastating Earthquake](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-offers-deep-solidarity-with-morocco-after-devastating-earthquake-1501): Morocco's deadliest earthquake in over half a century prompts a heartfelt response from Pope Francis
- [Paving the Way to the Jubilee: Transforming Rome for 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/paving-the-way-to-the-jubilee-transforming-rome-for-2025-1500): Ambitious projects to beautify and reconnect Rome's iconic landmarks ahead of the Jubilee Year.
- ['Be Not Afraid:' 45 Years Since the Election of John Paul II  | The First Moments of His Papacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/be-not-afraid-45-years-since-the-election-of-john-paul-ii-the-first-moments-of-his-papacy-1736): The First Moments of His Papacy
- [20 Years Since Mother Teresa’s Beatification](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/20-years-since-mother-teresas-beatification-1735): A vocal defender of life against abortion and nuclear weapons
- [Pope Francis Publishes Exhortation on Saint Therese of Lisieux for her 150th birth anniversary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-publishes-exhortation-on-saint-therese-of-lisieux-for-her-150th-birth-anniversary-1734): A Young Saint’s Example for Our Times
- [Synod on Synodality 2023 Update | Work Begins on the Final Synthesis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-2023-update-work-begins-on-the-final-synthesis-1733): Work Begins on the Final Synthesis
- [LIVE from the Vatican: Synod on Synodality Special Coverage](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-synod-on-synodality-special-coverage-1732): This EWTN News special from the Vatican covers the last week of the Synod on Synodality. Our hosts, Catherine Hadro, Fr. Raymond de Souza and Matthew Bunson, analyze the latest developments from the Synod with special guests. On Oct. 23, our guests Hannah Brockhaus, from Catholic News Agency (CNA), and Martin Rothweiler, of EWTN Germany dive into the major topics from the first weeks of the Synod as it approaches its final days.  Let us know where you are watching from and share your questions and thoughts in the comments. #synod #synod2023 #synodality
- [Synod on Synodality’s ‘Most Fertile Time’ Will be Between the Assemblies, Radcliffe Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodalitys-most-fertile-time-will-be-between-the-assemblies-radcliffe-says-1731): Father Timothy Radcliffe said Monday that “the most fertile time” of the Synod on Synodality will be the months of “active waiting” leading up to the final 2024 synod assembly.
- [Pope says what happened in Libya and Iraq shows ‘we must not export democracy’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-says-what-happened-in-libya-and-iraq-shows-we-must-not-export-democracy-1730): Pope Francis cited the examples of Western intervention in Libya and Iraq in arguing that the West should not “export” democracy to other countries, according to a recently published interview.
- [Pope Francis, a Mass in Remembrance of Benedict XVI and the Deceased Cardinals and Bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-a-mass-in-remembrance-of-benedict-xvi-and-the-deceased-cardinals-and-bishops-1729): For the first time, in the announcement of the Mass for the cardinals who died during the year, there is also an announcement remembering the Pope Emeritus. Appointment on November 3, at 11 am in Saint Peter’s
- [UPDATE: Pope Francis and U.S. President Biden speak by phone, discuss Israel and Gaza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/update-pope-francis-and-us-president-biden-speak-by-phone-discuss-israel-and-gaza-1728): Pope Francis and U.S. President Joe Biden spoke by phone on Sunday afternoon to discuss “the latest developments in Israel and Gaza,” according to a statement from the White House. The Holy See Press Office said earlier the phone call lasted about 20 minutes and focused on “conflict situations in the world and the need to identify paths to peace.” “The president condemned the barbarous attack by Hamas against Israeli civilians and affirmed the need to protect civilians in Gaza,“ the White House statement said. The two also talked about Biden’s trip to Israel last week and his efforts at […]
- [Pope Francis at Sunday Angelus: ‘We must not be slaves to any earthly power’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-sunday-angelus-we-must-not-be-slaves-to-any-earthly-power-1727): During Sunday’s Angelus address, Pope Francis spoke to the faithful on the importance of the correct relationship between the Church and the state. The pope opened with a reflection on the words in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus says: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s (Mt 22:21).” The pope inveighed against an improper understanding of these words. “These words of Jesus have become commonplace, but at times they have been used incorrectly — or at least reductively — to talk about the relations between Church and state, Christians […]
- [15 quotes from St. John Paul II on His Love For the Eucharist](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/15-quotes-from-st-john-paul-ii-on-his-love-for-the-eucharist-1726): Catholics worldwide remember St. John Paul II on his feast day, Oct. 22. His “secret” to life and all that he did, he said, was the Eucharist — Christ present on earth.
- [Pope Francis and U.S. President Biden speak by phone](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-and-us-president-biden-speak-by-phone-1724): Pope Francis and U.S. President Joe Biden spoke by phone on Sunday afternoon, according to the Holy See Press Office.
- [German bishop at Synod on Synodality: Church should not ignore ‘signs of the times’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/german-bishop-at-synod-on-synodality-church-should-not-ignore-signs-of-the-times-1723): A German bishop participating in the Synod on Synodality challenged the idea that the Catholic community in his country is at odds with the universal Church — and reasserted that it will continue to play a role in the ongoing discussions in Rome about the Church’s future.  Speaking at the Synod press briefing Saturday afternoon, Bishop Franz Josef Overbeck of Essen acknowledged that others have expressed concerns to him regarding the Catholic Church in Germany’s controversial “Synodal Way.”  “Many people have asked me, ‘Are you still Catholics and part of the Catholic Church?”, said Overbeck, one of the German Bishops […]
- [‘It’s a challenge to seek the will of God’ at Synod on Synodality, Mexican archbishop says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/its-a-challenge-to-seek-the-will-of-god-at-synod-on-synodality-mexican-archbishop-says-1722): The archbishop of Durango, Mexico, Faustino Armendáriz, commented that “it’s a challenge to seek the will of God” at the Synod on Synodality, where he is a participating member. The synod is taking place at the Vatican through Oct. 29 and for the first time laypeople, including 54 women, will have the right to vote. The Synod of Synodality was announced in October 2021 with the theme “For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission.” Hundreds of people, including bishops, priests, and laypeople, are taking part in this year’s session, which will be followed by a second session in October […]
- [A day in the life of a U.S. delegate to the Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/day-in-the-life-of-a-us-delegate-to-the-synod-on-synodality-1721): “I think we all agree when I say that we are tired,” Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich said in his remarks to open the Synod on Synodality’s 15th day on Wednesday. One synod delegate agreed that the schedule has been “loaded” but said it’s “understandable that we tackle a lot in a short period of time.” “It’s intense but it’s good work,” Father Ivan Montelongo told CNA this week about his participation as one of 11 delegates representing the United States at the Oct. 4–29 assembly at the Vatican. Father Ivan Montelongo, Wyatt Olivas, and Julia Oseka, all delegates representing the United […]
- [Archbishop: If a Synod proposal is at odds with the Gospel, ‘that’s not of the Holy Spirit’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-if-a-synod-proposal-is-at-odds-with-the-gospel-thats-not-of-the-holy-spirit-1720): During the Synod on Synodality, we must be careful about “blaming everything on the Holy Spirit,” Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney has said, noting that if a proposal is radically at odds with the Gospel then “that’s not of the Holy Spirit.” “The Holy Spirit is Christ’s Spirit. He is the Spirit of the Father and the Son, and so he is only ever going to be saying things that are consistent with what Christ has revealed to us in the apostolic tradition,” Fisher told CNA in an interview in Rome this week. Much emphasis has been placed on listening […]
- [At Vatican Observatory, astronomers reveal thousands of newly discovered galaxies](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-vatican-observatory-astronomers-reveal-thousands-of-newly-discovered-galaxies-1719): Astronomers gathered at the Vatican Observatory this month to hear the results of major research into thousands of previously hidden galaxies that the Milky Way has long obscured.  A press release from the Vatican’s astronomical research station said astronomers gathered there earlier in October “to present the latest results of a deep survey of the heart of the Milky Way,” known as the VISTA Variables in the Via Lactea extended (VVVX) survey.  Astronomers have long been frustrated by what is known in celestial science as the “Zone of Avoidance,” a patch of the sky in which our own Milky Way […]
- [Irish president honors WWII hero Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/irish-president-honors-wwii-hero-monsignor-hugh-oflaherty-at-the-vatican-1718): Irish Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, known for hiding and saving over 6,000 lives, including the head of the Gestapo in Rome, was honored at the Vatican on the 60th anniversary of his death.
- [Vatican Appointments. Fernandez as Member of Another Dicastery, the Number 2 of the Academy of Theology](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-appointments-fernandez-as-member-of-another-dicastery-the-number-2-of-the-academy-of-theology-1717): Two minor appointments, but which may change some perspectives. Fernandez also ends up at the Dicastery for Legislative Texts. A new secretary for the Pontifical Academy of Theology 
- [The 400th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Saint Josaphat Kuncewycz on Exhibition at the Gregorian University](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/400th-anniversary-of-the-martyrdom-of-saint-josaphat-kuncewycz-on-exhibition-at-the-gregorian-university-1716): An event to remember a saint who dedicated his life to the pursuit of unity among Christians 
- [The Vatican Confirms It Will Receive 12 Priests Released by the Nicaraguan Government](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-confirms-it-will-receive-12-priests-released-by-the-nicaraguan-government-1715): The Vatican confirmed this Thursday that it will receive the twelve priests who were released yesterday by the Nicaraguan dictatorship. Among them, however, is not the Bishop of Matagalpa, H.E. Rolando Álvarez, who has been in prison since February.
- [Synod on Synodality: Laywoman’s Speech Opposing Women’s Ordination Draws Big Ovation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-laywomans-speech-opposing-womens-ordination-draws-big-ovation-1714): Described as ‘profound and real,’ the speech characterized calls for women’s ordination as a form of clericalism and as a distraction from what Catholic women want and need. 
- [World Jewish Congress leader asks pope to use ‘moral authority’ to help Israeli hostages](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-jewish-congress-leader-asks-pope-to-use-moral-authority-to-help-israeli-hostages-1713): Pope Francis on Thursday met with the president of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, with the leader imploring the Holy Father to use his “moral authority” to address the hostage crisis in that conflict.
- [Cardinal: Synod on Synodality poses ‘no danger to the nature of the Church’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-synod-on-synodality-poses-no-danger-to-the-nature-of-the-church-1712): Vatican Cardinal Michael Czerny affirms that synodality doesn't threaten the Church's hierarchical structure, emphasizing the growing understanding that holy orders aren't necessary for every office
- [Synod on Synodality Report](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-report-1711): Colm Flynn reports for EWTN News Nightly on the important themes being discussed at the Synod on Synodality and the report being drafted in this stage of the Synodal process. Questions of sexuality and women’s participation in the life of the Church remain emotional and germane issues in the Synodal discussion. EWTN News Nightly brings you voices from the Synod on Synodality that are asking the discussion to go a bit deeper to the “big issues” of the actual needs of those in the Church and the problem that throngs have left or are leaving the Church. It is the […]
- [LIVE from the Vatican | Pope Francis’ prayer for Migrants and Refugees](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-pope-francis-prayer-for-migrants-and-refugees-1710): Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican  LIVE from St. Peter Square | Join us for the prayer for Migrants and Refugees with Pope Francis.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!  Stay connected with us and have a front seat to witness everything that is happening at the Vatican! 
- [Synod on Synodality: Who Will Be Writing the Crucial Summary Report of the Synod?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-who-will-be-writing-the-crucial-summary-report-of-the-synod-1709): VATICAN CITY — As well as withholding the names of who is seated in which small groups, the Vatican is also declining to share with journalists the complete list of those who will be drafting the final synthesis report that will bring together all the contributions of the small groups and the General Congregations. Synod chief spokesman Paolo Ruffini told reporters on Oct. 11 that the main drafters, the Synod’s two special secretaries, are being assisted by synodal “experts” whom he called “sherpas” but added that “it makes no sense to give their names.” Some synod participants as well as […]
- [Latvian bishop at Synod: If someone is living in sin, we can’t tell them that’s all right](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/latvian-bishop-at-synod-if-someone-is-living-in-sin-we-cant-tell-them-thats-all-right-1708): In response to a question about blessing same-sex unions, a Latvian archbishop at the Synod on Synodality warned that telling someone living in sin that “everything is all right” places that person in great spiritual danger. Speaking at a synod press conference on Oct. 18, Archbishop Zbigņev Stankevičs of Riga, Latvia, said that the Church teaches that people with same-sex attraction should be accepted with respect, quoting Pope Francis that there is room for everyone in the Church. “We welcome with love and respect, but true love cannot be separated from truth because if love is separated from truth, it […]
- [Synod on Synodality asked to ‘rethink the whole Church’ according to synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-asked-to-rethink-the-whole-church-according-to-synodality-1707): The next stage of the Vatican’s Synod on Synodality opened Wednesday with a call to focus on authority, decentralization, the co-responsibility of the laity, and concrete changes to the institutional Church. Before beginning discussions Oct. 18, delegates were presented with a sweeping vision for the hierarchical Church in a theological exposition from Father Dario Vitali. “When we reach the consensus that the Church is constitutively synodal, we will have to rethink the whole Church, all the institutions, the whole life of the Church in a synodal sense,” the Italian theologian said. Father Timothy Radcliffe, OP, also spoke about “new processes, […]
- [Pope Francis announces prayer vigil, day of fasting for peace in Israel-Hamas war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-announces-prayer-vigil-day-of-fasting-for-peace-in-israel-hamas-war-1706): Pope Francis at the end of his general audience on Wednesday morning announced another day of prayer and fasting for an end to the Israel-Hamas war.
- [Pope Francis stresses need to put Jesus at the center of our lives](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-stresses-need-to-put-jesus-at-the-center-of-our-lives-1705): Pope Francis drew upon the example of St. Charles de Foucauld during his general audience Wednesday in his ongoing catechesis on apostolic zeal to stress the importance of centering our lives on Jesus.
- [Pope Francis meets with U.S. LGBT group previously denounced by Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-us-lgbt-group-previously-denounced-by-vatican-1704): Pope Francis met Tuesday at his residence with leadership from the U.S. LGBT organization New Ways Ministry, which was previously denounced by both the U.S. bishops’ conference and the Vatican’s doctrinal office for causing confusion on sexual morality among the Catholic faithful. It’s unclear what the topic of the meeting was, but the organization said in an Oct. 17 statement that it lasted 50 minutes and its controversial co-founder, Sister of Loretto Jeannine Gramick, thanked the Holy Father for “his openness to blessing same-sex unions, as well as for his opposition to the criminalization of LGBTQ+ people in civil society.” […]
- [Pope Francis in new interview: ‘Church has to change’ in favor of human dignity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-new-interview-church-has-to-change-in-favor-of-human-dignity-1703): Pope Francis, speaking in a new interview published by a media outlet in his native Argentina, said the Church must change “in favor of the dignity of the people.” But in the same interview, conducted late last month and published Tuesday by state-owned news agency Telam Digital, he stressed that change must take place “without recanting the essence of the Church.” “Since the Second Vatican Council, John XXIII had a very clear perception: The Church has to change. Paul VI agreed, just like the succeeding popes,” Francis said in the interview. “It’s not just changing ways, it’s about a change […]
- [Pope Francis names an auxiliary bishop for Paris](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-an-auxiliary-bishop-for-paris-1702): The Vatican Press Office announced Oct. 17 that Pope Francis has appointed Father Emmanuel Tois as a new auxiliary bishop of Paris. The auxiliary bishop-elect was until now vicar general of the Archdiocese of Paris, led by Archbishop Laurent Bernard Ulrich, who assumed the main French see in May 2022 following the resignation of the now-archbishop emeritus, Michel Aupetit. With the appointment of Tois as an auxiliary bishop, whose episcopal consecration will take place on Nov. 17 in the Church of Saint-Sulpice, the Archdiocese of Paris will have two auxiliary bishops. The other is Bishop Philippe Marsset. Tois was born […]
- [Theologian at Synod on Synodality: There’s ‘too much emphasis’ on women priests](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/theologian-at-synod-on-synodality-theres-too-much-emphasis-on-women-priests-1701): Spending too much time on the “niche issue” of women priests or deacons distracts the Church from addressing what women really need, a theologian participating in the Synod on Synodality said Tuesday. “As a woman, I’m not focused at all on the fact that I’m not a priest,” Renée Köhler-Ryan, one of 54 women delegates to the Synod on Synodality, said at a press briefing Oct. 17. “I think that there’s too much emphasis placed on this question,” the Catholic professor added. “And what happens when we put too much emphasis on this question is that we forget about what […]
- [A papal visit to the South Pole? Pope Francis looks to new peripheries](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-visit-to-the-south-pole-pope-francis-looks-to-new-peripheries-1700): Pope Francis, who is known as “the pope of the peripheries,” has suggested the possibility of traveling to somewhere no pope has gone before — the South Pole. In a new interview published on Oct. 17, the pope said that he plans to visit his native Argentina, adding: “Somebody said that if I go to Argentina, I should stop at Rio Gallegos, then head to the South Pole, land in Melbourne, and visit New Zealand.” “It would be a rather long journey,” he joked.  The 86-year-old pope does not currently have any international trips on his official schedule, but he […]
- [Pope Francis: Liturgical Calendar Highlights for November 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-liturgical-calendar-highlights-for-november-2023-1697): Pope Francis: Liturgical Calendar Highlights for November 2023
- [Is an Argentine Friend of Pope Francis among the Victims of Hamas?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/is-an-argentine-friend-of-pope-francis-among-the-victims-of-hamas-1696): Pope Francis has reportedly expressed fear that some Argentine friends were among the victims of the Hamas attack against Israel. This would have occurred in a phone call with the journalist and friend Henrique Cymerman on Saturday, October 14. Although for Cymerman, it was more an expression of a general suspicion than something about which the Pope has direct knowledge, the Argentine newspaper La Nación published an article titled “War in the Middle East: Pope Francis fears that a friend of his is among the Argentine victims in Israel.” During the almost four-minute call posted on Instagram, the Pope responded […]
- [This week at the Synod on Synodality: Participation focus comes amid exit of Chinese bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-week-at-the-synod-on-synodality-participation-focus-comes-amid-exit-of-chinese-bishops-1695): As the Synod on Synodality hits the halfway mark for this year, the two Chinese bishops’ experience on the international religious stage is prematurely drawing to an end. The Vatican confirmed Monday that the bishops from the People’s Republic of China are leaving ahead of the event’s conclusion, planning to return to their homeland early this week. In answer to a question by CNA at the press briefing on Oct. 16, Paolo Ruffini, prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, said this was because of “pastoral needs in their diocese that require their presence.” The attendance of the two prelates at […]
- [Synod on Synodality ‘cannot remove pages from the Bible,’ synod archbishop says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-cannot-remove-pages-from-the-bible-synod-archbishop-says-1694): José Miguel Gómez Rodríguez, the archbishop of Manizales in Colombia, shared his experience at the Synod of Synodality taking place this month at the Vatican, commenting on what this assembly can ultimately give to the Catholic Church and stressing that it “cannot remove pages from the Bible.” The Synod on Synodality was announced in October 2021 with the theme “For a synodal Church: communion, participation, and mission.” Participating in the session taking place in Rome this October are 364 people including bishops, religious, priests, deacons, and laypeople. For the first time, non-bishops — including 54 women — will have the […]
- [Cardinal De Donatis leads faithful in Rome for prayer vigil for peace in the Holy Land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-de-donatis-leads-faithful-in-rome-for-prayer-vigil-for-peace-in-the-holy-land-1693): Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, vicar of the Diocese of Rome, on Sunday evening, Oct. 15, led a crowd of faithful in a candlelit prayer vigil and recitation of the rosary for peace in the Holy Land.  Cardinal Angelo De Dontis prays in front of the Salus Populi Romani icon Oct. 15, 2023. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez   The illuminated papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore formed the backdrop of the event. At the center of the parvis, framed by red damask, was the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, literally “salvation of the Roman people.”  This Byzantine icon, […]
- [Chinese bishops leaving Synod on Synodality early](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chinese-bishops-leaving-synod-on-synodality-early-1692): Two Chinese bishops, Bishop Antonio Yao Shun and Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang, have left the Vatican's Synod on Synodality early without providing reasons.       
- [Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem offers to be exchanged for hostages held by Hamas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-patriarch-of-jerusalem-offers-to-be-exchanged-for-hostages-held-by-hamas-1691): The Latin Catholic patriarch of Jerusalem has offered to be exchanged for the children being held hostage in the Gaza Strip by Hamas.  Speaking to journalists via video conference on Oct.16, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was asked if he would be willing to offer himself in exchange to free the children hostages who were taken in Hamas’ attack on Israel last week. The cardinal responded that he is willing to do anything to “bring those children home.”  “Am I ready for an exchange? Anything, if that can lead to freedom and bring those children home, no problem. There is an absolute […]
- [Pope Francis Appoints Religious Under-secretary of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-religious-under-secretary-of-the-administration-of-the-patrimony-of-the-holy-see-1690): Pope Francis has appointed the new under-secretary of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA) Sister Silvana Piro, until now bursar general of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Child Jesus (FMGB). APSA’s mission is to administer the assets that are property of the Holy See, intended to provide the funds necessary to fulfill the functions of the Roman Curia. Sister Silvana Piro was born on November 6, 1972, in the town of Torre del Greco, in the province of Naples (Italy). She is 50 years old. After completing her studies in business administration at the University […]
- [The Beautiful Prayer of Pope Francis to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in His New Document](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/beautiful-prayer-of-pope-francis-to-saint-therese-of-the-child-jesus-in-his-new-document-1689): This Sunday the Vatican published the apostolic exhortation C’est la confiance of Pope Francis, on trust in the merciful love of God, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. The exhortation, composed of 53 paragraphs, points out at the end that “a century and a half after her birth, Therese is more alive than ever in the pilgrim Church, in the heart of God’s people. She accompanies us on our pilgrim way, doing good on earth, as she had so greatly desired.” “The most lovely signs of her spiritual vitality […]
- [Vatican Offers Free Dental Care for the Poor & Plea To Protect Children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-offers-free-dental-care-for-the-poor-and-plea-to-protect-children-1688): In this Vatican News roundup, we bring you the latest top stories that matter. From the Holy See’s plea to protect every child to offering free dental care for the poor in Rome, these stories touch hearts and inspire change. Join us as we also pay tribute to the late Cardinal Toppo and pray for the victims of a tragic bus crash in Venice. Plus, don’t miss Pope Francis’ prayer intention for October, emphasizing the importance of the Synod.
- [The Protagonist of the Synod is the Holy Spirit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/protagonist-of-the-synod-is-the-holy-spirit-1687): On the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4, 2023, Pope Francis inaugurated the Synod of Bishops on Synodality. During the Holy Mass, the Pope emphasized the importance of an approach centered on God.  With a fraternal greeting, the Holy Father spoke of the path to be followed in the ongoing Synod this October, “Dear brother Cardinals, brother Bishops, sisters, and brothers, we are at the opening of the General Assembly of the Synod.”   The Pope continued, saying, “The Synod is not a parliament.” In contrast, “The Holy Spirit is the protagonist. We are not here to form a […]
- [Israel Under Attack](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/israel-under-attack-1686): Pope Francis says every war is a defeat
- ["The Apostle of the Eucharist"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/apostle-of-the-eucharist-1685): Showing the Path to the Church through the Eucharist
- [War in the Holy Land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/war-in-the-holy-land-1684): An interview with the Auxiliary Bishop of Jerusalem
- [Pius XII and the Jews](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pius-xii-and-the-jews-1672): A Wartime Pope's Quest to Save the Jews
- [Pope Francis highlights ‘little greatness’ of St. Thérèse of Lisieux in apostolic letter](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-highlights-little-greatness-of-st-therese-of-lisieux-in-apostolic-letter-1665): Pope Francis has commended the “little greatness” of St. Thérèse of Lisieux in a new message focusing on the 19th-century Carmelite’s relevance for the Church today. St. Thérèse’s “genius consists in leading us to what is central, essential and indispensable,” the pope wrote in an apostolic letter published Oct. 15. The young saint, whose life and writings focused on love and following a “little way” of holiness, “shows that, while it is true that all the Church’s teachings and rules have their importance, their value, their clarity, some are more urgent and more foundational for the Christian life,” he said. […]
- [Synod 'setting the stages for future changes' on role of women, first woman presides over assembly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-setting-the-stages-for-future-changes-on-role-of-women-first-woman-presides-over-assembly-1664): The first woman to preside over a Synod of Bishops described the experience of sitting with Pope Francis at the head table as “a gift and a grace” — and a sign of things to come in the Catholic Church.  Speaking at a press briefing today, Sister Maria de los Dolores Valencia Gomez, a Sister of St. Joseph, described the participation of women in the ongoing Synod of Synodality as “setting the stage for future changes.”   “I feel that this is a gradual process,” said Gomez, who is from Mexico. “Little by little, we shall see changes.”  The Oct. 4-29 […]
- [Synod on Synodality 2023: Work begins on the final text as Second Week wraps up](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-2023-work-begins-on-the-final-text-as-second-week-wraps-up-1653): The Synod on Synodality hit a stride this week as delegates not only walked the catacombs but elected a commission to oversee the drafting of a “synthesis report,” although an interim report on the German Synodal Way delivered to participants served as a reminder that potential storms lay ahead.  The lively debates and events outside the Synod, including a lay-led assembly that featured well-known Liberation theologian Leonardo Boff, contrasted somewhat with the subdued atmosphere inside the Synod hall, where ideological pressures are expected to surface in the concluding week surrounding the drafting of the Synod synthesis document. Synthesis report commission […]
- [Your Ultimate Guide on How to See Pope Francis at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/your-ultimate-guide-on-how-to-see-pope-francis-at-the-vatican-1652): Your Comprehensive Guide to Seeing Pope Francis in Rome
- [Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation on St. Thèrèse of Lisieux: FULL TEXT](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-apostolic-exhortation-on-st-therese-of-lisieux-full-text-1651): Discovering Confidence: Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation on God's Merciful Love
- [Report: Confidential Synod on Synodality records aren't secure](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/report-confidential-synod-on-synodality-records-arent-secure-1646): Reports on the private deliberations of participants at the Synod on Synodality are accessible via an unsecured server, The Pillar news outlet reported Friday. The records, which the Pillar found to be openly available to anyone with the correct web address without any need of a password, include rosters of the Synod’s working groups and the “table” reports they filed at the conclusion of the synod’s first round of discussions. The Pillar said it is not publishing the group assignments or the reports “following Pope Francis’ request for ‘a certain restraint’ in press coverage of the synodal process.” But its report […]
- [COP28 president-designate meets with Pope Francis to discuss common climate goals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cop28-president-designate-meets-with-pope-francis-to-discuss-common-climate-goals-1645): Pope Francis received Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, president-designate of COP28 UAE, on Wednesday at the Vatican. The meeting comes ahead of the COP28 meeting taking place at Expo City Dubai from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.  The Conference of the Parties (COP) is an annual conference that was established after the signing of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) treaty in 1992 at the U.N. Rio Conference, also known as the Earth Summit. The COP represents all the states that are party to the UNFCCC and is an opportunity for world leaders, representing state and nonstate actors, to meet and […]
- [Oceania, Africa delegates say Synod on Synodality is their turn to speak](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/oceania-africa-delegates-say-synod-on-synodality-is-their-turn-to-speak-1644): Synod on Synodality delegates from Africa and Oceania said this week their communities are already living out synodality — and they are ready for their voices to finally be heard by the universal Church. A representative of the bishops’ conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands said she is happy the Church and Pope Francis invited those two countries to participate, despite their small size. “For many years we have been listening and now we would like to speak. And we would like you to listen,” Grace Wrakia said, addressing journalists at a press briefing Oct. 11.  Archbishop […]
- [Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Her Journey to Rome, and Meeting the Pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/santa-teresa-of-lisieux-her-journey-to-rome-and-meeting-the-pope-1643): Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: Her Spiritual Journey to Rome to Meet the Pope.
- [The Vatican's Synod on Synodality Enters Its Second Week](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-global-synod-enters-its-second-week-1642): Round-table dialogue encourages the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 
- [The Pilgrimage to the Roman Catacombs and St. Philip Neri: A School of Spirituality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pilgrimage-to-the-roman-catacombs-and-st-philip-neri-a-school-of-spirituality-1641): Today Synod participants are pilgrims to the catacombs in Rome.
- [The cardinals at the Synod on Synodality: A prelude for the next conclave?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-at-the-synod-on-synodality-a-prelude-for-the-next-conclave-1640): While not exactly a dress rehearsal for an upcoming conclave, the Synod on Synodality provides a setting for numerous cardinals to interact, build alliances, and ascertain their stances on complex issues.  A glance at the attendees reveals the synod’s potential to shape the dynamics of a forthcoming conclave, albeit not determinative. A numerical gaze: the cardinals at the Synod on Synodality With 64 cardinals actively engaged in discussions in the Paul VI Hall and mingling in Rome’s more relaxed ambiance after meetings, the synod could establish a foundation for the eventual conclave. However, media restrictions at the synod keep these […]
- [Mexican dubia cardinal: A synod ‘does not have doctrinal authority’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mexican-dubia-cardinal-a-synod-does-not-have-doctrinal-authority-1639): Cardinal Juan Sandoval Íñiguez, archbishop emeritus of Guadalajara, Mexico, and one of the five signatories of the recent dubia sent to Pope Francis on matters of doctrine and discipline in the Catholic Church, assured that “a synod does not have doctrinal authority … and the danger is that they give it to it.” The word “dubia” — plural for a “dubium” — literally means, from the Latin, “doubts.” But another way of translating it is to see the word meaning “questions that seek clarification.” In an Oct. 6 telephone interview with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, the 90-year-old cardinal […]
- [Synod on Synodality members ask ‘for greater discernment’ of Church teaching on sexuality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-members-ask-for-greater-discernment-of-church-teaching-on-sexuality-1638): Participants in the Synod on Synodality have asked “for greater discernment on the teaching of the Church on the subject of sexuality,” a Vatican spokesman said at a press briefing today.  The revelation seems to be at odds with synod organizers’ repeated insistence that the monthlong assembly will not take up doctrinal questions but will instead focus on how the Church can better listen to its members. The discussion of sexual doctrine came during the synod members’ work in the morning session, shared Paolo Ruffini, the president of the synod’s communications commission. During that session, participants focused on the theme […]
- [Pope Francis highlights St. Josephine Bakhita’s example of forgiveness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-highlights-st-josephine-bakhitas-example-of-forgiveness-1637): Speaking in his first general audience since the start of the Synod on Synodality last week, Pope Francis on Wednesday resumed his ongoing catechesis on the theme of apostolic zeal, this time focusing on the story of the Sudanese-Italian saint Josephine Bakhita, which he described as “an existential parable of forgiveness.” Born in 1869 in the region of Darfur, Josephine was sold into slavery as a young girl. She was traded between different owners and endured incredible hardship, being forcibly converted to Islam and was subjected to scarification, a process by which the skin is intentionally cut, or branded, to […]
- [Pope Francis Has Lunch with Rome’s Poor Who Tell Him ‘What They Expect From the Church’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-has-lunch-with-romes-poor-who-tell-him-what-they-expect-from-the-church-1636): Pope Francis shares lunch with Rome's poor during Synod on Synodality, highlighting the desire for a Church characterized by "love, only love."       
- [Synod on Synodality: Who is overseeing the draft report at the end of the assembly?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-who-is-overseeing-the-draft-report-at-the-end-of-the-assembly-1635): Synod on Synodality delegates elected this week the members of a commission who will supervise the drafting of a “synthesis report” that will sum up what was discussed during the confidential conversations and speeches during the 2023 October assembly. The Commission for the Synthesis Report has “the task not to write but of periodically  supervising, amending, and approving the preparation of the draft” that will be published at the conclusion of the first Synod on Synodality assembly, according to a communiqué published Tuesday by synod organizers. Vatican spokesman Paolo Ruffini explained at a press conference on Oct. 10 that the […]
- [Synod on Synodality asks members to foster communion with the marginalized](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-asks-members-to-foster-communion-with-the-marginalized-1634): Synod on Synodality leaders invited participants to greater communion with Jesus and with others, including those who may rub them the wrong way, as they started a new discussion topic on Monday. “All are invited to be part of the Church,” Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich said at the start of the Oct. 9 general congregation. He cited Pope Francis’ comments at World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, in August, that the Church is for “todos” (“everyone”). Though he was slated to attend the synod’s morning session, Pope Francis pulled out at the last minute due to “unforeseen commitments,” Vatican News reported. […]
- [Prayer opportunities abound at Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/prayer-opportunities-abound-at-synod-on-synodality-1633): Throughout the Synod on Synodality, participants are engaging in various forms of prayer and reflection, emphasizing the importance of spiritual guidance in the synodal process.
- [Pope Francis Calls for Immediate Release of Israeli Hostages Held by Hamas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-immediate-release-of-israeli-hostages-held-by-hamas-1632): Pope Francis appeals for the release of hostages and expresses concern for the safety of Palestinian civilians in Gaza amid ongoing conflict.       
- [Synod Cardinal Speaks on LGBTQ+ Catholics and Those Who Love the Traditional Latin Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-cardinal-speaks-on-lgbtq-catholics-and-those-who-love-the-traditional-latin-mass-1631): Cardinal Joseph Tobin addresses questions on welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics and Traditional Latin Mass enthusiasts during the Synod on Synodality
- [Pope Francis Calls Gaza Priest as Israel Announces Blockade](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-gaza-priest-as-israel-announces-blockade-1630): Pope Francis speaks with Catholic priest in Gaza amid escalating conflict and extends his blessings to the besieged community
- ["The Barque of Peter" becomes part of the Vatican Museums by Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/barque-of-peter-becomes-part-of-the-vatican-museums-by-pope-francis-1629): A replica of the ancient Little Boat of Peter found in the Sea of Galilee and gifted to the Vatican Museums is now on display at the entrance, welcoming pilgrims and tourists
- [The Return of Saint Pius X to Veneto: the Pilgrimage of His Remains, October 6-22](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/return-of-saint-pius-x-to-veneto-the-pilgrimage-of-his-remains-october-6-22-1628): For the 120th anniversary of his papal election, the Dioceses of Treviso, Padua, and Venice welcome Saint Pius X’s remains. An official press release from the Patriarchate of Venice gave the news, already anticipated in ACI Stampa. For Treviso, Riese, and Padua, the arrival of Pius X’s relics represents a historic “first visit.” At the same time, for Venice, it is a return after the passage experienced in 1959 and which, in fact, confirmed the promise made by the then Patriarch Sarto on his departure from the lagoon city to reach the conclave: “Alive or dead, I will return to […]
- [FACT CHECK: Did 118 Participants at the Synod on Synodality Really Come Down with COVID?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fact-check-did-118-participants-at-the-synod-on-synodality-really-come-down-with-covid-1627): Vatican Synod Participants Testing Positive for COVID-19: Disputed Reports and Cardinal's Clarification
- [Archbishop Chaput offers advice to the Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-chaput-offers-advice-to-the-synod-on-synodality-1626): Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia Charles Chaput, OFMCap, has written some brief reflections addressed to the participants of the Synod on Synodality, noting that the most difficult problems for the Church today do not have to do with structures but with “what a human being really is.” Writing for First Things in an article posted Oct. 6, the prelate responded to the question of what he would say to the synod delegates if he were there. The former archbishop of Denver pointed out to the 450 participants that “the most difficult problems facing the Church today are not matters of ecclesial […]
- [PHOTOS: Synod on Synodality delegates attend Divine Liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-synod-on-synodality-delegates-attend-divine-liturgy-in-st-peters-basilica-1625): The second week of the Synod on Synodality assembly began Monday with a Greek-Byzantine Divine Liturgy offered in St. Peter’s Basilica for all synod delegates.  Patriarchs representing many Eastern Catholic Churches chanted prayers and processed up to the basilica’s Altar of the Chair, where Patriarch Youssef Absi, the Greek Melkite Patriarch of Antioch, presided over the morning liturgy on Oct. 9. An icon of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez   Standing under the amber stained-glass window depicting the Holy Spirit as a dove, Absi frequently incensed the altar, adorned with two Byzantine icons for the liturgy, as […]
- [This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of October](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-october-1624): Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of October is for the Synod.  “Mission is at the heart of the Church,” Pope Francis said in a video released Oct. 2. “And even more when a Church is in Synod, this synodal dynamic alone carries its missionary vocation forward — that is, her response to Jesus’ mandate to proclaim the Gospel.” The Synod on Synodality, which brings clerics and laity together for nearly one month of discussions, is taking place at the Vatican from Oct. 4–29. The Holy Father recalled that “nothing ends here,” but instead “we are continuing an ecclesial […]
- [Saint John Henry Newman and The Oratory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saint-john-henry-newman-and-the-oratory-1623): John Henry Newman and His Enduring Legacy: The Oratory, Faith, and Cardinalship 
- [Cardinal Saint John Henry Newman’s Time in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-saint-john-henry-newmans-time-in-rome-1622): Saint John Henry Newman’s Footsteps In Rome: A Journey of Faith and Conversion 
- [Eastern Orthodox synods are bishops-only, metropolitan tells delegates](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/eastern-orthodox-synods-are-bishops-only-metropolitan-tells-delegates-1621): An Eastern Orthodox bishop highlights differences in the understanding of synodality between the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican and the Orthodox Church's historical practice
- [This Week at the Synod on Synodality: Deliberations and Veiled Agendas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-week-at-the-synod-on-synodality-deliberations-and-veiled-agendas-1620): The Synod on Synodality Shifts to Plenary Assembly: Key Speeches and Themes Emerge
- [Parolin: Hamas attack jeopardizes peace accord with Saudi Arabia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/parolin-hamas-attack-jeopardizes-peace-accord-with-saudi-arabia-1619): After Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel this weekend, the Vatican’s Secretary of State commented on how the violence could jeopardize the potential for a diplomatic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Israel amid talks to establish formal relations.
- [TIMELINE: What has the Catholic Church said about same-sex ‘blessings’?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/timeline-what-has-the-catholic-church-said-about-same-sex-blessings-1618): Comments from Pope Francis released by the Vatican last week about the possibility of blessing same-sex unions sparked debate among Church leaders.
- [Pope Francis: Do not forget your life and faith are a gift from God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-do-not-forget-your-life-and-faith-are-a-gift-from-god-1617): Do not forget to be grateful to God for the free gift of your life and faith, Pope Francis said in his weekly message at the Vatican on Sunday. 
- [21 New Cardinals for the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/21-new-cardinals-for-the-catholic-church-1616): The Pope likened the College of Cardinals to an orchestra
- [Vatican News: Vatican's Doctrine Head Forecasts Limited Changes at Synod & Cardinal's Dubia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-vaticans-doctrine-head-forecasts-limited-changes-at-synod-and-cardinals-dubia-1615): Top 1: Vatican’s Doctrine Head Anticipates Limited Changes at Synod Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the newly appointed head of doctrine at the Vatican, has set modest expectations for this year’s Synod of Bishops. In an interview with ACI Prensa, Cardinal Fernández expressed the view that “those who expect big changes” from the upcoming synod will likely be “disappointed.” He added that while the outcomes of the synod are uncertain, it’s unlikely that significant changes will occur this year, suggesting that both conservative and progressive factions within the Church may not achieve their desired outcomes. Top 2: Pope Francis Pays Tribute […]
- [Pick Out from Among You Seven Men of Good Repute: NAC Diaconate Ordination](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pick-out-from-among-you-seven-men-of-good-repute-nac-diaconate-ordination-1614): Continuing the Tradition of Service: NAC Diaconate Ordination in Rome
- [Chastity: An Outdated Virtue?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chastity-an-outdated-virtue-1613): A Roman Nights discussion about chastity: a human and wholesome virtue.
- [The History of the Synod](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/history-of-the-synod-1612): From the "Council of Jerusalem" to the Synod on Synodality
- [Pope Francis, Jerusalem patriarch react to violence between Israel and Hamas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-jerusalem-patriarch-react-to-violence-between-israel-and-hamas-1611): Pope Francis and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem respond to escalating violence in Israel and Palestine, calling for an end to weapons attacks and a lasting solution to the conflict.       
- [Pope Appoints Woman as Secretary of Dicastery Overseeing Religious Worldwide](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-appoints-woman-as-secretary-of-dicastery-overseeing-religious-worldwide-1610): Pope Francis Appoints Sister Simona Brambilla as Secretary of Vatican Dicastery for Religious Governance.
- [Police: Suspect in theft of Benedict XVI’s pectoral cross arrested](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/police-suspect-in-theft-of-benedict-xvis-pectoral-cross-arrested-1609): Several months after the theft of a pectoral cross bequeathed by the late Pope Benedict XVI to a parish in his native Bavaria, police have apprehended the suspect in the Czech Republic.
- [Outcome of Synod will be welcomed as the ‘will of God,’ says African cardinal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/outcome-of-synod-will-be-welcomed-as-the-will-of-god-says-african-cardinal-1608): A leading African prelate participating in the Synod on Synodality expressed confidence Saturday that the process’ outcome will be “welcomed by everyone as the will of God.”
- [Secrecy at the Synod on Synodality: What we Know About Delegates’ Confidentiality Requirements](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/secrecy-at-the-synod-on-synodality-what-we-know-about-delegates-confidentiality-requirements-1607): Synod on Synodality 2023: A Journey in Confidentiality and Listening
- [Synod on Synodality 2023: Facts, anecdotes, and analysis from the first week](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-2023-facts-anecdotes-and-analysis-from-the-first-week-1606): Rules and Challenges in the Synod on Synodality in Rome: Transparency or Confidentiality?
- [Bartholomew I in Rome: The Consistory, the Vigil, the Divine Liturgy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bartholomew-i-in-rome-the-consistory-the-vigil-the-divine-liturgy-1605): Ecumenical Patriarch's Historic Visit to Rome and His Message on Synodality and Ecumenism       
- [Cardinal Zen expresses concerns about Synod on Synodality in leaked letter to bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zen-expresses-concerns-about-synod-on-synodality-in-leaked-letter-to-bishops-1604): Cardinal Zen expresses grave concerns about the Synod on Synodality in a leaked letter
- [What is being discussed during the first week of the Synod on Synodality?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-being-discussed-during-the-first-week-of-the-synod-on-synodality-1603): Over 400 participants gather at the Vatican to officially launch the Synod on Synodality
- [Pope Francis relieves Strickland of his duties as bishop of Tyler](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-relieves-strickland-of-his-duties-as-bishop-of-tyler-1841): The Vatican announced Saturday that Pope Francis has relieved Bishop Joseph Strickland from his duties in the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, and appointed an apostolic administrator to replace him. Strickland’s removal on Nov. 11 comes after the Texas bishop refused a Vatican request for him to submit his resignation two days prior, according to Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Houston. The Vatican Dicastery for Bishops completed a formal investigation in the Diocese of Tyler earlier this year called an apostolic visitation, which, according to a source, looked into the bishop’s social media use and questions related to diocesan management. The apostolic […]
- [Pope Francis Baptizes Ukrainian Child at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-baptizes-ukrainian-child-at-the-vatican-1840): On Monday, November 6, Pope Francis baptized Zakhariy, a 3-month-old Ukrainian baby, in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta at the Vatican. 
- [Italian Senate launches inquiry into disappearance of Vatican Girl and another missing teen](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-senate-launches-inquiry-into-disappearance-of-vatican-girl-and-another-missing-teen-1839): The Italian Senate voted nearly unanimously on Thursday to launch a new parliamentary inquiry into the 40-year-old cold case of the disappearance of 15-year-old Emanuela Orlandi, who lived in Vatican City, as well as another girl who went missing in Rome the month prior. The four-year parliamentary commission will have “full investigative powers” and a budget of 50,000 euros per year to shed light on the 1983 disappearance of the two girls.  The Italian government inquiry comes after a separate Vatican investigation into the Orlandi case opened in January and shared its findings six months later with Rome prosecutors, who […]
- [Mother of Israeli hostage thanks Pope Francis for his efforts to free captives in Gaza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mother-of-israeli-hostage-thanks-pope-francis-for-his-efforts-to-free-captives-in-gaza-1838): The mother of a hostage held by the Palestinian terror group Hamas has expressed thanks to Pope Francis for his efforts to free the hundreds of innocent people who were abducted from Israel on Oct. 7.  In a Nov. 10 video released by Vatican News, Rachel Goldberg Polin, whose 23-year-old son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, was kidnapped, said: “Holy Father, thank you for taking the time to try to help us free the 240 human beings who are buried alive under Gaza.” Polin, whom Religion News Service called “one of the most prominent spokespersons for the hostages,” said that the hostages “are from all different religions: […]
- [Vatican Museums announce new hours, ticket price, and entrance](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-museums-announce-new-hours-ticket-price-and-entrance-1837): The Vatican Museums have announced a series of novelties beginning both this month and after the new year, in anticipation of the 2025 Jubilee Year. Beginning Nov. 17, the Vatican Museums will open an additional entrance every Friday and Saturday for those who wish to only visit the Necropolis of the Via Triumphalis, the ruins of an ancient Roman burial ground located on Vatican property. The entrance to the archeological site will be the St. Rose Gate of the Vatican, which is located off of Risorgimento Square, about halfway between St. Peter’s Square and the main entrance to the Vatican […]
- [Inter Mirifica: The Legacy of the Second Vatican Council](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inter-mirifica-the-legacy-of-the-second-vatican-council-1836): December 4, 2023 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the promulgation of Inter Mirifica, the Decree of the Second Vatican Council that revolutionized the Catholic Church’s approach to social communication media. This historic document opened the doors to a modern and systematic reflection on ecclesiastical communication, and its impact endures in our world today, marked by rapid technological evolution. To celebrate this anniversary, a three-day conference has been organized to explore the past, present, and future of institutional communication.      Co-organized by three prominent Pontifical academic institutions, the Faculty of Institutional Social Communication at the Pontifical University of the Holy […]
- [St. Paul VI: A Special Exhibition for the 60th Anniversary of His Election](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-paul-vi-a-special-exhibition-for-the-60th-anniversary-of-his-election-1835): On June 21st, 1963, the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel announced the election of the Petrine successor to Pope St. John XXIII. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini became Pope, taking the name Paul VI.    On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of his election, an exhibition of the personal belongings of Saint Paul VI was set up in the Poli Art Gallery, steps away from Vatican City.    EWTN Vatican spoke with the director and curator of the exhibition, Ivan Marsura. As founder of the Museum of the Popes, Marsura is also a great enthusiast of the lives of […]
- [Remembering Pope Benedict XVI: Life, Teaching, Legacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/remembering-benedict-xvi-life-teaching-legacy-1834): Reflecting on Pope Benedict XVI's Legacy: A Two-Day Conference Marks First Anniversary of His Passing 
- [Pope Francis laments ‘innocent dead’ in Holy Land conflict](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-laments-innocent-dead-in-holy-land-conflict-1833): Pope Francis lamented the innocent deaths in Israel and Palestine during a meeting Thursday with a Catholic order of knighthood that supports the Holy Land. “We are sadly witnessing tragedy unfolding in the very places where the Lord lived, where he taught us through his humanity to love, forgive, and do good to all,” the pope said Nov. 9. “And instead we see them torn apart by tremendous suffering that especially affects so many innocents, so many innocent dead.” Francis said he is spiritually united with the leaders of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem as they […]
- [Vatican Says Transgender Adults & Children Can Be Baptized](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-says-transgender-adults-and-children-can-be-baptized-1831): Catholic Church maintains inclusive stance on baptism, guided by established teachings and conditions
- [Pope Francis' Itinerary for His Apostolic Journey to Dubai at COP28 Unveiled](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-itinerary-for-his-apostolic-journey-to-dubai-at-cop28-unveiled-1830): Pope Francis' Advocacy for Climate Action Takes Center Stage During His Apostolic Visit to Dubai for COP28
- [Pope Francis to Preside Over Mass for the 7th World Day of the Poor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-preside-over-mass-for-the-7th-world-day-of-the-poor-1829): Pope Francis to preside over the Eucharistic Celebration at St. Peter's Basilica, underscoring the Church's commitment to the needy with a range of supportive events
- [Lebanon and the Role of the Eastern Patriarchs at the Synod](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lebanon-and-the-role-of-the-eastern-patriarchs-at-the-synod-1828): Lebanon's Testament to Unity: A Beacon of Hope Amidst Crises and Diversity
- [Pope Francis Calls for Eradication of 'Poisonous Weed' of Violence Against Women](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-eradication-of-poisonous-weed-of-violence-against-women-1827): Pope Francis has condemned violence against women as a "poisonous weed" that must be uprooted completely, a message released by the Vatican Press Office reveals.
- [Vatican joins interfaith declaration on fighting climate change](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-joins-interfaith-declaration-on-fighting-climate-change-1826): The Holy See has signed an interfaith declaration on taking action to protect the environment during a religious summit held ahead of the COP28 climate change conference in Dubai. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, signed the statement on behalf of Pope Francis during the Global Faith Leaders Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 6–7. Twenty-eight leaders from more than 19 different religions, faith traditions, and denominations joined the Interfaith Declaration on Climate Action Towards COP28, which declares that “our faith instills in us a sacred duty to cherish not only our human family but also the […]
- [Patrons of Vatican Arts Celebrate 40 Years of Cultural Stewardship](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/patrons-of-vatican-arts-celebrate-40-years-of-cultural-stewardship-1825): Guardians of Heritage: Patrons of the Vatican Museums Celebrate Four Decades of Preserving the Pontifical Legacy.
- [The Popes, Jerusalem, and the Holy Land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-jerusalem-and-the-holy-land-1824): The line of the Holy See was reiterated a few days ago by the Pope: two peoples, two clearly delineated states, and Jerusalem with a special status 
- [Pope Francis: Secularized World is ‘Invitation to Communicate the Joy of the Gospel’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-secularized-world-is-invitation-to-communicate-the-joy-of-the-gospel-1823): In his ongoing catechetical series on apostolic zeal, Pope Francis on Wednesday drew upon the example of Venerable Madeleine Delbrêl as a testament to conversion and service in a secularized world.  
- [Vatican Doctrine Office: Transgender-Identifying People Can Be Baptized, Witness Marriages](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-doctrine-office-transgender-identifying-people-can-be-baptized-witness-marriages-1822): The Vatican’s doctrine office has said an adult who identifies as transgender can receive the sacrament of baptism under the same conditions as any adult, as long as there is no risk of causing scandal or confusion to other Catholics.
- [Pope Francis to Release an Autobiography in the Spring](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-release-an-autobiography-in-the-spring-1821): Pope Francis will publish an autobiography next year in which he recounts memories of historical events from the outbreak of World War II to the collapse of the Twin Towers on Sept. 11.
- [Cardinal Pironio, the Creator of the World Youth Days, Will be Beatified](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-pironio-the-creator-of-the-world-youth-days-will-be-beatified-1820): Cardinal Pironio's Beatification Confirmed Following Vatican's Recognition of a Miraculous Healing Attributed to His Intercession
- [Revising the Papal Election Process?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/revising-the-papal-election-process-1819): Cardinal Ghirlanda Rebuts Involvement in Papal Election Reforms Amidst Media Speculation and Vatican Denials
- [Bishops of Argentina Extend Invitation to Pope Francis: "Your Visit Will Benefit Us Greatly"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishops-of-argentina-extend-invitation-to-pope-francis-your-visit-will-benefit-us-greatly-1818): Argentine Bishops Invite Pope Francis to Visit
- [Vatican hospital offers to treat critically ill baby denied life support in Britain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-hospital-offers-to-treat-critically-ill-baby-denied-life-support-in-britain-1817): The Vatican’s pediatric hospital has offered to treat 8-month-old baby Indi Gregory after a British court ruled that she be removed from life support against her parents’ wishes. Gregory, who was born in February, suffers from a rare degenerative mitochondrial disease and has been receiving life-sustaining treatment on a ventilator at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, England. After England’s high court ruled that it was in the child’s “best interests” to be taken off life support, Gregory’s parents appealed to take her to Rome for treatment, an appeal that was denied by a British judge over the weekend. The […]
- [The Diocese of Rome celebrates the 1700th anniversary of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/diocese-of-rome-celebrates-the-1700th-anniversary-of-the-basilica-of-saint-john-lateran-1816): The calendar is full of events that will last until November 9, 2024
- [In Special Meeting, Pope Francis Talks Peace, War, Climate with Kids from Around the World](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-special-meeting-pope-francis-talks-peace-war-climate-with-kids-from-around-the-world-1815): Pope Francis answered questions about war, the environment, and his daily life during an encounter with roughly 7,000 children from around the world on Monday. 
- [Pope Francis Keeps Busy Schedule Despite Feeling ‘Not Well’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-keeps-busy-schedule-despite-feeling-not-well-1813): Pope Francis is continuing to keep a full schedule even as the Holy Father said he was not feeling well during a meeting Monday morning with Jewish rabbis from Europe.
- [The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica: a Constantinian Turning Point](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dedication-of-the-lateran-basilica-a-constantinian-turning-point-1812): The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica is a solemnity that finds its historical roots in the first half of the 4th century: the end of the harsh persecutions of Christians and the Constantinian Advent.
- [Pope Francis warns against ‘duplicity of heart’ at Sunday Angelus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-warns-against-duplicity-of-heart-at-sunday-angelus-1811): During his Sunday Angelus address on Nov. 5, Pope Francis warned against living a double life, highlighting the dangers it presents for authentic Christian witness and its potential to create a crisis of credibility for the Church.  The warning stemmed from the day’s Gospel reading in which Jesus warns against following the examples of the scribes and the Pharisees.  Quoting Matthew’s Gospel, the pope told the crowd: “Jesus uses very severe words, ‘For they preach, but do not practice … they do all their deeds to be seen by others.’” Like the scribes and the Pharisees, “the religious leaders of […]
- [Three Pontifical Universities Collaborate to Reassess the 'Inter Mirifica' on Media](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/three-pontifical-universities-collaborate-to-reassess-the-inter-mirifica-on-media-1809): Three esteemed pontifical universities, renowned for their teaching and research in the field of communication, are joining forces.
- [The Pope Speaks by Phone with the President of Iran about the War in Israel and Gaza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-speaks-by-phone-with-the-president-of-iran-about-the-war-in-israel-and-gaza-1808): Pope Francis' efforts for peace in the Holy Land continue. As confirmed by the Holy See, on the afternoon of Sunday, November 5, the Holy Father held a conversation with the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi.
- [Pope Francis Engages Palestinian President on Israel-Gaza Conflict](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-engages-palestinian-president-on-israel-gaza-conflict-1807): In a dialogue, Pope Francis discusses with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas the ongoing efforts for peace and humanitarian aid amidst the enduring conflict between Israel and Gaza. 
- [Pope Francis: A Solemn All Souls' Day Mass at Rome War Cemetery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-a-solemn-all-souls-day-mass-at-rome-war-cemetery-1806): The Pope continues to pray for peace in this time of war.
- [Memento Mori: Rome's Santa Maria dell'Orazione e Morte, a Church Dedicated to Prayer and the Forgotten Dead](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/memento-mori-romes-santa-maria-dellorazione-e-morte-a-church-dedicated-to-prayer-and-the-forgotten-dead-1805): A historic church in Rome was built for the dead.
- [Unity and Support for the Holy Land: Cardinal Filoni Calls for Solidarity Amid Conflict at Holy See Press Conference](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/unity-and-support-for-the-holy-land-cardinal-filoni-calls-for-solidarity-amid-conflict-at-holy-see-press-conference-1804): Solidarity in the Holy Land Amid War
- [The Voices of the Synod on Synodality 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/voices-of-the-synod-on-synodality-2023-1803): Participants share their experience and their hopes.
- [The Miracle Hunter: A Cardiologist's Journey into Eucharistic Miracles](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/miracle-hunter-a-cardiologists-journey-into-eucharistic-miracles-1802): Eucharistic Miracles Throughout the World and Belief in the Eucharist
- [Vatican News: Vatican's Christmas 2023 Nativity Honors St. Francis & Rupnik Case Update](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-vaticans-christmas-2023-nativity-honors-st-francis-and-rupnik-case-update-1801): Top 5 News of the Week
- [Pope Francis opens two new laundromats for the homeless](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-opens-two-new-laundromats-for-the-homeless-1800): Pope Francis opened two new laundromats for the homeless in the northern Italian city of Turin on Thursday, Nov. 2.  The new facilities are part of an initiative launched in collaboration with the international consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble and the consumer electronics company Haier Europe, with the assistance of the Community of Sant’Egidio and Apostolic Almsgiving, the papal office of charitable activity.  “With the two new laundries inaugurated in Turin we hope to be able to help many people in difficulty to improve their living conditions, starting from the possibility of taking care of their personal hygiene and […]
- [Pope Francis: Like Benedict XVI, be ‘Humble Laborers’ for the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-like-benedict-xvi-be-humble-laborers-for-the-church-1799): At a Mass for Pope Benedict XVI and deceased cardinals and bishops on Friday, Pope Francis urged Christians, especially pastors, to be the humble servants of others.
- [LIVE | Pope Francis’ Holy Mass for Benedict XVI & Deceased Cardinals & Bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-holy-mass-for-benedict-xvi-and-deceased-cardinals-and-bishops-1798): Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican  LIVE | Holy Mass by Pope Francis in suffrage of Pope Benedict XVI, the Cardinals and Bishops deceased during the year from St. Peter’s Basilica.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!
- [Pope Francis prays for peace and hope on All Souls’ Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-peace-and-hope-on-all-souls-day-1797): Pope Francis prayed for peace, hope, and mercy at a Mass to mark All Souls’ Day on a rainy morning at the Rome War Cemetery.
- [Jesuits Say They Warned Diocese That Incardinated Rupnik About Complaints Against Him](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jesuits-say-they-warned-diocese-that-incardinated-rupnik-about-complaints-against-him-1796): Jesuit Official Clarifies Society's Stance on Rupnik Incardination, Stressing Warning to Koper Bishop About Abuse Allegations
- [Pope Francis Confirms His Upcoming Trip to Dubai for the COP28 Climate Conference](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-confirms-his-upcoming-trip-to-dubai-for-the-cop28-climate-conference-1795): In a recent interview with TG1, Pope Francis confirmed speculations about his second visit to the United Arab Emirates to address the COP28 on climate matters. 
- [Summorum Pontificum Pilgrimage Draws Traditional Latin Mass Devotees to Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/summorum-pontificum-pilgrimage-draws-traditional-latin-mass-devotees-to-rome-1794): More than 1,000 pilgrims gathered in Rome for an annual three-day pilgrimage for those devoted to the Traditional Latin Mass held Oct. 27–29.
- [Pope Francis' Decade of Canonizations: Celebrating Saints from All Walks of Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-decade-of-canonizations-celebrating-saints-from-all-walks-of-life-1793): In a decade marked by spiritual renewal and inclusive outreach, Pope Francis has championed the canonization of a diverse tapestry of saints, each embodying a profound commitment to the poor and marginalized.
- [Pope Francis calls for ‘paradigm shift’ in theology for world of today](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-paradigm-shift-in-theology-for-world-of-today-1792): Pope Francis has called for a “paradigm shift” in Catholic theology that takes widespread engagement with contemporary science, culture, and people’s lived experience as an essential starting point.
- [On All Saints’ Day, Pope Francis says holiness is ‘a gift and a journey’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/on-all-saints-day-pope-francis-says-holiness-is-a-gift-and-a-journey-1791): Pope Francis on Wednesday told pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square that holiness is both a “gift” from God and a “journey” to which we must “commit” ourselves after we’ve received it.
- [How to Bring Peace to the World? Start With Sacramental Confession, Cardinal Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-to-bring-peace-to-the-world-start-with-sacramental-confession-cardinal-says-1790): Peacemaking begins in our own hearts by reconciling with ourselves and God through the sacrament of confession, a Vatican cardinal said this week.
- [Alleged Victims of Rupnik Have Hopeful Expectations of Pope Francis’ Decision](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/alleged-victims-of-rupnik-have-hopeful-expectations-of-pope-francis-decision-1789): Alleged victims of Father Marko Rupnik expressed approval of Pope Francis' decision to remove the statute of limitations and initiate a new case against the accused priest, seeing it as a step towards truth.       
- [‘You Are Not Alone’: Pope Francis Meets Women Who Escaped the Mafia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/you-are-not-alone-pope-francis-meets-women-who-escaped-the-mafia-1787): Pope Francis on Monday encouraged a group of women who escaped criminal organizations in Italy to keep fighting despite fear and to know they are not alone.
- [Synod on Synodality 2023: A look at the key discussions and decisions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-2023-a-look-at-the-key-discussions-and-decisions-1786): Now that the Synod on Synodality has drawn to a close, all eyes are on the synthesis report emanating from the monthlong ecclesiastical gathering.
- [The First Synod on Synodality Assembly is Over. What Comes Next?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/first-synod-on-synodality-assembly-is-over-what-comes-next-1785): The first part of the Synod on Synodality’s two-part assembly concluded Sunday leaving many unanswered questions about the next steps in the process.
- [Vatican, Iranian Foreign Ministers Discuss Israel-Hamas War Amid Risk of Wider Conflict](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-iranian-foreign-ministers-discuss-israel-hamas-war-amid-risk-of-wider-conflict-1784): Vatican foreign minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher spoke by phone with his counterpart in Iran on Monday morning regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, according to the Holy See.
- [Christmas 2023: Vatican Commemorates 800th Anniversary of St. Francis's First Nativity Scene with Special Display](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christmas-2023-vatican-commemorates-800th-anniversary-of-st-franciss-first-nativity-scene-with-special-display-1783): Christmas 2023 in St. Peter's Square. It will be like reliving the atmosphere of Greccio in 1223.       
- [Vatican News: Pope & Biden's Crucial Call & Africa Biggest Increase in Catholics](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-and-bidens-crucial-call-and-africa-biggest-increase-in-catholics-1782): Welcome to this week's Vaticano Updates, bringing you the most crucial happenings concerning Pope Francis, the Vatican, and the global Catholic community.
- [Pope at Angelus: By loving others, ‘we reflect the Father’s love like mirrors’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-at-angelus-by-loving-others-we-reflect-the-fathers-love-like-mirrors-1781): During his Sunday Angelus message, Pope Francis expressed that the love of God and the love of neighbor are inextricably bound together.
- [Pope Francis at Synod closing Mass: To reform the Church, adore God and love others](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-synod-closing-mass-to-reform-the-church-adore-god-and-love-others-1780): At the Synod's closing Mass, Pope Francis stressed that God's love transcends our agenda and urged reforms in the Church to mirror Jesus' commandment of adoration and selfless love.         
- [What does the Synod on Synodality document say about ‘controversial’ issues?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-does-the-synod-on-synodality-document-say-about-controversial-issues-1779): Synod 2023 tackles contentious issues: women's roles, gender identity, and priestly celibacy, amidst historic participation by laypeople in voting
- [Vatican Releases Synod on Synodality Report Proposing Larger Role for Laity in Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-releases-synod-on-synodality-report-proposing-larger-role-for-laity-in-church-1778): The Vatican released the Synod on Synodality’s “synthesis report” on Saturday night outlining key proposals discussed during the nearly monthlong assembly’s confidential conversations.
- [Synod on Synodality 2023: Final Report Calls for Greater ‘Co-Responsibility’ in Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-2023-final-report-calls-for-greater-co-responsibility-in-church-1777): Concluding the month-long Synod on Synodality, members approve a progressive text emphasizing co-responsibility in evangelization, lay involvement in decision-making, and the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive Church
- [Pope Francis Sends ‘Blessings of Strength and Peace’ After Shooting in Maine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sends-blessings-of-strength-and-peace-after-shooting-in-maine-1776): Pope Francis said Saturday he is praying for strength and peace for the community of Lewiston, Maine, after the city experienced two deadly mass shootings earlier this week.
- [We Can’t Subvert Tradition to Please the World, Synod on Synodality Cardinal Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/we-cant-subvert-tradition-to-please-the-world-synod-on-synodality-cardinal-says-1775): The Synod on Synodality convened by Pope Francis has once again brought to the fore the clash between internal currents of the Church in dispute since the Second Vatican Council.
- [Meet the Synod’s Scooter-Riding Byzantine Archbishop Who Got the Pope to Wear a Trucker Hat](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-synods-scooter-riding-byzantine-archbishop-who-got-the-pope-to-wear-a-trucker-hat-1774): A Byzantine Catholic monk who serves as the bishop of the Hungarian Greek Catholic Church has, perhaps improbably, emerged as one of the most colorful figures participating in the Vatican’s monthlong Synod on Synodality.
- [Pope Francis' Quest to Build Bridges in Times of War](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-quest-to-build-bridges-in-times-of-war-1773): The Pope's diplomacy and exhortations for peace
- [Synod 2023: A Glimpse into the Final Week's Deliberations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-2023-a-glimpse-into-the-final-weeks-deliberations-1772): Pathways and Discourse in the Final Week
- [Proclaiming the Word to the Nations: Missionaries in Cambodia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/proclaiming-the-word-to-the-nations-missionaries-in-cambodia-1771): World Mission Sunday: Celebrating Selfless Dedication and the Global Call to Share the Gospel
- [Art & Faith at the Vatican: Interview with Sr Emanuela Edwards](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/art-and-faith-at-the-vatican-interview-with-sr-emanuela-edwards-1770): Andreas Thonhauser, EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, sits down with Sister Emanuela Edwards, the head of the didactic office at the Vatican Museums, to delve into the fascinating world of art, faith, and education at the Vatican.
- [Gotland Island: Exploring Nordic Christian Roots](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/gotland-island-exploring-nordic-christian-roots-1769): In the heart of Gotland, Sweden, a place steeped in history, EWTN hosted a Forum to examine the deep Christian roots of Europe at the intersection of tradition and the ever-evolving story of the Catholic Church. 
- [Synod on Synodality 2023: Final Week Wraps Up in Expectation of Summary Report](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-2023-final-week-wraps-up-in-expectation-of-summary-report-1768): As the final week of this year's gathering unfolds amid increasingly contentious discussions, anticipation is rising for the publication of the Synod on Synodality’s summary report.
- [Pope Francis Consecrates War-Torn World to Virgin Mary in Eucharistic Prayer Vigil](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-consecrates-war-torn-world-to-virgin-mary-in-eucharistic-prayer-vigil-1767): Pope Francis consecrated the Church and the world to the Blessed Virgin Mary in a Eucharistic adoration prayer vigil for peace in St. Peter’s Basilica
- [Pope Francis signs 'Sick Note' for Youngest Participant of the Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-signs-sick-note-for-youngest-participant-of-the-synod-on-synodality-1766): Pope Francis has signed a “sick note” for the youngest participant of the Synod of Synodality, 19-year-old Wyatt Olivas, so that he can take a few days of rest when he returns to the United States before going back to classes at the University of Wyoming.
- [Vatican: Pope Francis has Lifted the Statute of Limitations on Rupnik Case](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-pope-francis-has-lifted-the-statute-of-limitations-on-rupnik-case-1765): The Vatican announced Friday that Pope Francis has decided to lift the statute of limitations in the case of Father Marko Rupnik, the former Jesuit priest and mosaic artist accused of serious abuses against women.
- [Synod on Synodality: Anticipation and Tensions Brew Ahead of Synthesis Report Release](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-anticipation-and-tensions-brew-ahead-of-synthesis-report-release-1764): A summary report of this month’s synodal assembly in Rome is nearing finalization — with both anticipation and apprehension mounting over what the critical document might contain.
- [Pope Francis Engages in Dialogue with Turkish President to Halt War in Holy Land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-engages-in-dialogue-with-turkish-president-to-halt-war-in-holy-land-1763): Leaders engage in a critical dialogue amid rising conflicts in Gaza, emphasizing the need for peace and a two-state solution
- [Polish Bishop at Synod: Practice Can Vary but Doctrine has to be the ‘Same for Everyone’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/polish-bishop-at-synod-practice-can-vary-but-doctrine-has-to-be-the-same-for-everyone-1762): A Polish archbishop said Thursday one difficulty of synodality lies in distinguishing pastoral practice — which can be adapted to different cultural circumstances — from Church doctrine. 
- [Bishop Barron: Church Should Engage Culture with More ‘Energy, Panache, and Confidence’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-barron-church-should-engage-culture-with-more-energy-panache-and-confidence-1761): Bishop Robert Barron said he regrets the Catholic Church’s “hand-wringing” in recent decades over how to share the Christian message with a secular culture.
- [Vatican Puts 35 Catholic ‘Martyrs of Kandhamal’ in India on Road to Sainthood](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-puts-35-catholic-martyrs-of-kandhamal-in-india-on-road-to-sainthood-1760): The Church in India has welcomed the news that the Vatican will initiate the beatification process for the 35 Catholic martyrs of Kandhamal who were killed in the 2008 Christian persecution in the remote jungle district of the eastern Odisha state.
- [Kazakhstan's Interfaith Diplomacy: A Partnership with the Holy See](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/kazakhstans-interfaith-diplomacy-a-partnership-with-the-holy-see-1759): Pope Francis and global religious leaders unite in Kazakhstan, championing peace, interfaith dialogue, and cooperation on the world stage
- [7 ways to participate in day of prayer and fasting called for by Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/7-ways-to-participate-in-day-of-prayer-and-fasting-called-for-by-pope-francis-1758): Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Holy Land, Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting on Friday, Oct. 27.  At the end of his general audience on Oct. 18, Pope Francis said the 27th will be “a day of penance to which I invite sisters and brothers of the various Christian denominations, those belonging to other religions, and all those who have at heart the cause of peace in the world, to join in as they see fit.” A prayer vigil will take place at 6 p.m. in St. Peter’s Square, where the faithful will […]
- [Cardinal Zuppi calls Hamas ‘the worst enemy of the Palestinian people’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zuppi-calls-hamas-the-worst-enemy-of-the-palestinian-people-1757): Pope Francis’ peace envoy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, has called Hamas “the worst enemy of the Palestinian people.” “We need a solution that guarantees the rights of the two sides, we really need an authoritative Palestinian leadership,” the bishop of Bologna and president of the Italian bishops’ conference said at the sidelines of a conference in northern Italy Oct. 26. According to a local Italian television station, Telenord, the cardinal said the root causes of the conflict in Israel and Palestine need to be solved: “There’s to be clarity, firmness, and no kind of indulgence toward violence, and then you have […]
- [Mexican cardinal comments on treatment of controversial issues at Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mexican-cardinal-comments-on-treatment-of-controversial-issues-at-synod-on-synodality-1756): Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, the primatial archbishop of Mexico, downplayed the issues that have generated some controversy during the Synod on Synodality and believes that this assembly “will not enter into concrete proposals on these issues.” Just one week before the end of the first session of the Synod on Synodality, the cardinal shared his impressions from Rome with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, on the event that began Oct. 4 with the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” Controversial issues at the Synod on Synodality Aguiar said he is “very satisfied” with what has happened […]
- [Pope Francis Speaks at Synod on Synodality: ‘Clericalism’ Defiles the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-speaks-at-synod-on-synodality-clericalism-defiles-the-church-1755): Pope Francis denounced clericalism and called it a “scandal” to see young priests buying lace vestments at tailor shops in a strongly-worded speech to the Synod on Synodality on Wednesday.
- [Pope Francis and COP28: Will He Attend the Climate Summit in Dubai?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-and-cop28-will-he-attend-the-climate-summit-in-dubai-1754): Amidst Diplomatic Intricacies and Environmental Advocacy, Pope Francis Contemplates Attending Dubai's Climate Summit
- [Oran, Pope Francis Appoints a New Bishop for the Diocese of the Tibherine Martyrs](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/oran-pope-francis-appoints-a-new-bishop-for-the-diocese-of-the-tibherine-martyrs-1753): Amidst memories of martyrs and a turbulent past, the diocese of Oran in Algeria welcomes its new leader, bridging a two-year vacancy.
- [Synod on Synodality Addresses the Church in Letter to the People of God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-addresses-the-church-in-letter-to-the-people-of-god-1752): The Synod on Synodality has addressed the members of the Catholic Church in a letter published during the final days of the October gathering in Rome, inviting them to take an active role in “the discernment and decision-making” of the Church.
- [Rupnik Accepted for Priestly Ministry in Diocese in Slovenia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rupnik-accepted-for-priestly-ministry-in-diocese-in-slovenia-1751): Father Marko Rupnik, the former Jesuit priest and mosaic artist accused of serious abuses against women, has been accepted for priestly ministry in a diocese in Slovenia, according to Italian and German media reports.
- [Pope Francis on Women Deacons: ‘Holy Orders is Reserved for Men’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-women-deacons-holy-orders-is-reserved-for-men-1750): Pope Francis reaffirmed the impossibility of women becoming priests, or even modern Church deacons, in an interview for a book released Tuesday in Italy.
- [Farewell to Wanda Półtawska, the "Little Sister" of Saint John Paul II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/farewell-to-wanda-poltawska-the-little-sister-of-saint-john-paul-ii-1749): A lifelong friendship cemented by a miracle from Padre Pio 
- [Pope Francis Appoints New Archbishop for Santiago, Chile](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-new-archbishop-for-santiago-chile-1748): Monsignor Fernando Natalio Chomalí Garib succeeds Cardinal Celestino Aós Braco as the Archbishop of Santiago
- [Pope Francis to Catholic LGBTQ Leader: ‘Thank you for your Ministry’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-catholic-lgbtq-leader-thank-you-for-your-ministry-1747): A Kentucky man involved in LGBTQ Catholic ministry has posted a letter online he says he received earlier this month from Pope Francis thanking him for his work.
- [Examining the Synod on Synodality’s ‘conversation in the Spirit’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/examining-the-synod-on-synodalitys-conversation-in-the-spirit-1746): Synod on Synodality delegates in Rome this month are participating in something called “conversation in the Spirit,” a method of communal discernment based on prayer and listening.
- [Argentina will have its First Female Saint: The Pope Approves a Miracle Through the Intercession of "Mama Antula"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/argentina-will-have-its-first-saint-the-pope-approves-a-miracle-through-the-intercession-of-mama-antula-1745): Argentina is set to have its first female saint as Pope Francis has approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of "Mama Antula."
- [Catholics Grow on Every Continent, Except Europe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholics-grow-on-every-continent-except-europe-1744): The Statistical Yearbook of the Church has been published with data up-to-date as of 2021. Catholics are growing with the world population but declining in Europe. Priests and bishops are decreasing. The negative trend for religious women is confirmed.
- [Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Bishop from Troubled Polish Diocese](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-bishop-from-troubled-polish-diocese-1742): Pope Francis accepted the resignation of 59-year-old Polish Bishop Grzegorz Kaszak on Tuesday following public calls for him to step down over poor management of scandals involving priests in his diocese.
- [Theologian Points to Vatican II’s ‘Dynamic’ Tradition in Synod on Synodality Speech](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/theologian-points-to-vatican-iis-dynamic-tradition-in-synod-on-synodality-speech-1741): Vatican II’s discussion of tradition is the authority for the Synod on Synodality’s reflections today, a theologian and Australian Catholic priest told delegates as the assembly’s final week kicked off Monday.
- [The Synod on Synodality this Week: Anticipating a ‘Letter to the People of God’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-this-week-anticipating-a-letter-to-the-people-of-god-1740): As the Synod on Synodality in Rome launches into its final week with a changed calendar, all eyes are on the anticipated Letter to the People of God, expected on Saturday evening.
- [Cardinal Bo: Synod on Synodality is ‘a Long March of Hope for All Humanity’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-bo-synod-on-synodality-is-a-long-march-of-hope-for-all-humanity-1739): Myanmar’s Cardinal Charles Maung Bo described the Synod of Synodality as “a long march of hope for all humanity” during a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday.
- [Vatican News | Day of Prayer & Fasting for Holy Land & Pizzaballa's efforts to free hostages Israeli](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-day-of-prayer-and-fasting-for-holy-land-and-pizzaballas-efforts-to-free-hostages-israeli-1738): Top five news on Pope Francis and the Vatican. 
- [Laudate Deum: Pope Francis on Protecting Creation | Interview with Rodrigo Guerra](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/laudate-deum-pope-francis-on-protecting-creation-interview-with-rodrigo-guerra-1737): Interview with Rodrigo Guerra, Secretary of the Pontifical Academy for Latin America
- [Pope Francis Health Update & Trip to Dubai](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-health-update-and-trip-to-dubai-1945): After days of canceled audiences, Pope Francis, in a unique manner, still joined the universal Church in praying the Sunday Angelus from Casa Santa Marta.    In contrast to press releases, the Pope personally shared with us the reason for canceled calendar events, saying, “Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday. Today I can’t look out the window because I have this lung inflammation problem.”    On Sunday November 26th, Pope Francis surprised the world by giving the Angelus blessing from his residence, the Casa Santa Marta, rather than from the usual window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square. […]
- [Attack During Mass in the Philippines Leaves 4 Dead: Pope Francis Prays for the Victims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/attack-during-mass-in-the-philippines-leaves-4-dead-pope-francis-prays-for-the-victims-1944): Pope Francis sent his condolences and offered his prayers for the victims of the attack that occurred during the celebration of Mass this Sunday, December 3, at the Mindanao State University in Marawi (Philippines). 
- [Pope Francis on first Sunday of Advent: ‘I’m improving, but my voice still doesn’t work’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-first-sunday-of-advent-im-improving-but-my-voice-still-doesnt-work-1943): Pope Francis for the second consecutive Sunday was assisted by an aide in praying the Angelus as he continues to recover from an acute bronchial infection.
- [Pope Francis to COP28: Environmental destruction is ‘an offense against God’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-cop28-environmental-destruction-is-an-offense-against-god-1942): Pope Francis called the destruction of the environment “an offense against God” in a message given to the participants in the U.N. climate summit on Saturday.
- [2023 Ratzinger Prize reflects on theological legacy of late Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/2023-ratzinger-prize-reflects-on-theological-legacy-of-late-pope-benedict-xvi-1941): This week, the Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation presented its annual Ratzinger Prize to Spaniards Father Pablo Blanco Sarto and Professor Francesc Torralba, marking the first award since the late pontiff's passing last December.
- [The Vatican Priest Who Saved 6,500 Jews in World War II: Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-priest-who-saved-6500-jews-in-world-war-ii-monsignor-hugh-oflaherty-1940): Hugh O'Flaherty, residing in the Vatican's neutral territory, orchestrated a covert operation to shelter thousands of Jews across Rome and within the Vatican.
- [This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of December](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-december-1939): Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of December is for people with disabilities. “People with disabilities are among the most fragile among us,” Pope Francis said in a video released Nov. 28.  “Some of them suffer rejection, rooted in either ignorance or prejudice, which thenmarginalizes them,” he added. The Holy Father urged civil institutions to “support their projects through access to education, employment, and places where they can express their creativity.” “Programs and initiatives are needed that promote their inclusion. Above all else, big hearts are needed who want to accompany.” The pope encouraged individuals to change “our mentality […]
- [Cardinal Parolin Represents the Pope at COP28 in Dubai Amid Pope Francis' Recovery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-represents-the-pope-at-cop28-in-dubai-amid-pope-francis-recovery-1938): Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, is set to represent the Holy See at the COP28 summit in Dubai.
- [Pope Francis Says He Has ‘Very Acute Infectious Bronchitis’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-he-has-very-acute-infectious-bronchitis-1937): Pope Francis told healthcare professionals on Thursday that he has “very acute infectious bronchitis” and was advised not to travel to Dubai to avoid the extreme change in temperature.
- [Pope Francis Sends Fraternal Message to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for Feast of Saint Andrew](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sends-fraternal-message-to-ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-for-feast-of-saint-andrew-1936): Pope's Message to Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch, on the Occasion of the Feast of Saint Andrew         
- [Pope Francis: "The Church is woman"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-church-is-female-1935): Pope Francis reiterated this during his audience with members of the International Theological Commission
- [Pope reportedly confirms he is taking away Burke’s apartment, denies calling him his ‘enemy’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-reportedly-confirms-he-is-taking-away-burkes-apartment-denies-calling-him-his-enemy-1934): Pope Francis reportedly has confirmed that he plans to take away Cardinal Raymond Burke’s Vatican apartment and salary but denied that he referred to the American prelate as his “enemy,” according to a web post by papal biographer Austen Ivereigh. The pope reportedly announced at a meeting of Vatican heads on Nov. 20 that he intended to take action against Burke, who has publicly criticized some papal initiatives, according to the Italian Catholic news blog La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana, which first reported the news on Nov. 27. The Associated Press later confirmed the report based on conversations with two anonymous […]
- [Vatican: Pope’s health ‘stable’; treatment continues as lung inflammation remains](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-popes-health-stable-treatment-continues-as-lung-inflammation-remains-1933): The Vatican on Wednesday said Pope Francis’ health was stable as the Holy Father continues to receive treatment for ongoing lung inflammation stemming from a flu infection. “The Holy Father’s condition is stable; he has no fever, but lung inflammation associated with respiratory distress remains,” the Vatican said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon. “He continues antibiotic therapy,” the statement added. Pope Francis has been struggling for several days with persistent symptoms following what the Vatican called a mild flu infection that developed last week. The Vatican announced on Tuesday that it had canceled the pope’s planned trip to Dubai […]
- [Pope Francis: Technological focus on efficiency dehumanizes today’s society](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-technological-focus-on-efficiency-dehumanizes-todays-society-1932): Still recovering from the flu and a respiratory tract infection, Pope Francis attended his weekly general audience Wednesday but his reflection was read for him by a Vatican official. The Holy Father’s appearance in the Paul VI Audience Hall on Nov. 29 came a day after his doctors persuaded him to cancel a planned trip to Dubai for the COP28 conference on climate change, scheduled for Dec. 1–3. The pope, who needed to have an aide read his Angelus reflection on Sunday as well, sat on stage in front of the crowd throughout the one-hour public audience, which included a […]
- [Pope Francis' Inspiring Message to Celtic Football Club: Beyond Winning and Losing](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-inspiring-message-to-celtic-football-club-beyond-winning-and-losing-1931): Discover how the Pope's profound encounter with Celtic FC players redefines success in sports, emphasizing virtues over victory and integrity over economic interests.
- [Pope Francis Says He Is ‘Still Not Well,’ Has Aide Read General Audience Speech](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-he-is-still-not-well-has-aide-read-general-audience-speech-1930): One day after canceling his trip to Dubai at the request of his doctors, Pope Francis appeared at his public Wednesday audience and shared with a raspy voice that he was still not feeling well as he recovers from the flu. 
- [November 29 Marks the Start of the Longest Conclave in the History of the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/november-29-marks-the-start-of-the-longest-conclave-in-the-history-of-the-catholic-church-1929): On November 29, 1268, exactly 755 years ago, the longest conclave in history began, lasting 34 months, nearly three years, culminating in the election of Pope Gregory X.
- [The pope didn’t summon Spain’s bishops to ‘chew them out,’ Cardinal Omella says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-didnt-summon-spains-bishops-to-chew-them-out-cardinal-omella-says-1928): Pope Francis met with Spanish bishops at the Vatican today to inform them of the conclusions of the apostolic visit made to the country’s seminaries in early 2023. 
- [Pope Francis reportedly takes Vatican apartment, salary from Cardinal Burke](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reportedly-takes-vatican-apartment-salary-from-cardinal-burke-1927): Pope Francis has stripped one of his top American critics, Cardinal Raymond Burke, of his Vatican housing and salary privileges, the Associated Press is reporting.
- [Vatican cancels Pope Francis’ trip to climate conference in Dubai, citing ongoing illness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-cancels-pope-francis-trip-to-climate-conference-in-dubai-citing-ongoing-illness-1926): Pope Francis will not attend the United Nations COP28 climate conference in Dubai this week due to his continuing struggles with lung inflammation stemming from influenza,
- [Pope Francis' Celebrations for Christmas Season 2023 at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrations-for-christmas-season-2023-at-the-vatican-1925): The Vatican has released the Calendar of Papal Liturgical Celebrations
- [‘No fear’ among Spanish Bishops Over Upcoming Meeting with Pope Francis About Seminaries](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/no-fear-among-spanish-bishops-over-upcoming-meeting-with-pope-francis-about-seminaries-1924): The spokesman for the Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE), Bishop Francisco César García Magán, stated at a Nov. 24 press conference that “there is no fear” among the bishops regarding the upcoming meeting of all the bishops with Pope Francis to address the state of the seminaries. The conference spokesman acknowledged that “it is a singular event” for all the bishops of a nation to be called as a group to a meeting in Rome outside of their “ad limina apostolorum” visits. “It doesn’t happen every day, obviously, that the pope convenes [a meeting] with an episcopate,” he added. In addition, […]
- [Pope Francis sends Rosary to President-Elect Milei of Argentina](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sends-rosary-to-president-elect-milei-of-argentina-1923): The Office of the President-Elect of Argentina confirmed on X that the country’s new president, Javier Milei, received a rosary from Pope Francis on Nov. 24.
- [The Popes and the Miraculous Medal: A Legacy of Devotion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-and-the-miraculous-medal-a-legacy-of-devotion-1922): The Miraculous Medal, a symbol of Marian devotion, has been notably cherished and promoted by various Popes throughout history. This medal, originally conceived through a Marian apparition to St. Catherine Labouré, has played a significant role in the Roman Catholic Church, transcending beyond a mere devotional object to become an emblem of papal advocacy for Mary’s intercession. Pope Gregory XVI was instrumental in authorizing the minting of the medal for the entire Church. He personally placed it on his study table, alongside a crucifix, and often gifted it to his many visitors, signifying its importance. Pope Blessed Pius IX, recognizing […]
- [Pope adds Married Couples, Church Movement Reps to Vatican’s Laity and Family Office](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-adds-married-couples-church-movement-reps-to-vaticans-laity-and-family-office-1921): Pope Francis has added 11 new members to the Vatican office that focuses on the lay apostolate and family life, with two married couples and four figures affiliated with ecclesial movements highlighting the selections.  The Vatican announced the pope’s picks to the Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life on Nov. 25. New members include the Taiwanese couple Joseph Teyu Chou, a professor of finance, and Clare Jiayann Yeh, the founder and director of the local bishops’ Marriage and Family Pastoral Center. Another married couple picked for the dicastery comes from France — Benoit and Véronique Rabourdin. The two are […]
- [Pope Francis' Health Update: Stable Condition Post CT Scan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-health-update-stable-condition-post-ct-scan-1920): Vatican announces Pope's steady recovery from pulmonary inflammation, adjusts upcoming commitments for recuperation.
- [Papal aide relays Pope Francis’ remarks at Sunday Angelus while pope recovers from flu](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-aide-relays-pope-francis-remarks-at-sunday-angelus-while-pope-recovers-from-flu-1919): During this week’s Sunday Angelus, marking the end of the liturgical year and the observance of the solemnity of Christ the King, Pope Francis spoke not from the window of the Apostolic Palace but via livestream from the chapel of his residence Casa Santa Marta.  On Saturday morning the Holy See Press Office announced that the Holy Father had canceled all of his appointments due to a “mild” flu. He was later admitted to Gemelli Isola Hospital in Rome to undergo precautionary testing, including a CT scan, to test for “pulmonary complications,” which “gave a negative result,” a Holy See […]
- [Pope Francis has ‘mild flu,’ cancels Saturday morning meetings](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-has-mild-flu-cancels-saturday-morning-meetings-1918): Pope Francis is sick and is not taking part in his scheduled meetings on Saturday morning, according to the Vatican. “The Holy Father’s audiences scheduled for this morning are canceled due to a mild flu,” said the Nov. 26 statement from the Holy See Press Office. It’s the second time this month that the 86-year-old pope’s activity has been affected by illness. On Nov. 6, the pope had a cold and did not read his prepared remarks at an audience with Jewish rabbis from Europe, deciding to hand over the text instead. “Thank you for this visit that I appreciate […]
- [Pope Francis to Receive Argentine President in Audience](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-receive-argentine-president-in-audience-1917): The President of Argentina, Alberto Fernández, will be received at the Vatican by Pope Francis in a formal audience on the occasion of the end of his presidential term. This was announced by the official spokesperson of the Presidency, Gabriela Cerruti, through her X account, detailing that the meeting will take place during the last week of November in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican. Elected president in October 2019, Alberto Fernández’s term concludes on December 10, when the recently elected Javier Milei will assume the presidency.   This will be Fernández’s third meeting with the Pontiff during his presidency, […]
- [3 Attitudes University Chaplains Should Have, According to Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/3-attitudes-university-chaplains-should-have-according-to-pope-francis-1916): On Friday, November 24th, Pope Francis received a group of chaplains and those responsible for university pastoral care. He reflected on three attitudes he considers important for their service to young people: appreciating differences, accompanying with care, and acting with courage. In his speech, the Holy Father stated that the Gospel incarnates “allowing its chorus to resonate in different ways in people’s lives, like a single melody capable of expressing itself with different timbres.” Appreciating Differences The Pontiff invited them to have a “polyhedral” view and see beauty through differences, promoting a “patient, welcoming, and creative” style, mirroring “God’s way […]
- [Pope Francis: "Jesus is Not a Solitary Leader"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-jesus-is-not-a-solitary-leader-1915): Pope Francis reminds us that "the Church is a network woven from Eucharistic communion, where unity is not based on likes, but on truth, on the amen."
- [Pope Francis' Powerful Message on World Day of the Poor: 'Poverty is a Scandal'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-powerful-message-on-world-day-of-the-poor-poverty-is-a-scandal-1914): Experience Pope Francis’ Mass for the 7th World Day of the Poor in St. Peter’s Basilica, a moving event that underscores the urgent need to combat poverty. In his compelling homily, Pope Francis urges us to spread charity and love, highlighting that “Poverty is a scandal.” Observed on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time each year, the World Day of the Poor calls for global compassion and generosity towards the needy. This year’s theme, “Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor,” is a profound reminder of our collective responsibility. Since its inception by Pope Francis in […]
- [Landmark Vatican Financial Trial: Final Phase](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/landmark-vatican-financial-trial-final-phase-1913): Observers dubbed it the Vatican’s “Trial of the Century.” Cardinal Angelo Becciu and nine others are accused of alleged embezzlement of Vatican funds. This past July, the Vatican City’s promoter of justice asked judges to sentence Cardinal Becciu to more than 7 years in prison. This is a landmark case at the Vatican because the last time the Church tried a Cardinal for financial crimes was in the 1730s. Edward Pentin, Senior Correspondent with EWTN’s National Catholic Register, has been following the story closely. He explains, “This is really the first time that there’s been such a major trial regarding […]
- [Vatican News: Catholics can't be Freemasons & Pope urges priests not to leave the Lord alone](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-catholics-cant-be-freemasons-and-pope-urges-priests-not-to-leave-the-lord-alone-1912): This week’s Vaticano Updates features key developments: The Vatican is partnering with Volkswagen to launch an all-electric car fleet by 2030 for ecological sustainability. Pope Francis emphasized the importance of accompanying those who suffer and the presence of Jesus in the tabernacle in his message to American priests. Additionally, the Vatican has reaffirmed the incompatibility of Freemasonry with the Catholic faith, and Pope Francis discussed poverty and social issues with priests from Rome’s 17th prefecture.
- [Field Hospital in St. Peter’s Square](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/field-hospital-in-st-peters-square-1911): Vatican City — Sunday, November 19th, marked the seventh edition of the World Day of the Poor. The initiative was started by Pope Francis to urge the Church to “go outside” its walls and encounter poverty in all its shapes and forms, all over the world today.   During the week leading up to the World Day of the Poor, the Madre di Misericordia Clinic, a facility located next to Saint Peter’s Square, offered special medical care to the poorest.  Dr. Massimo Ralli, the hospital’s manager, explained the special work of the clinic, “This is the clinic of the Department of […]
- [An Interview with Mother Elena: the Poor, Silence, and Christ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/interview-with-mother-elena-the-poor-silence-and-christ-1910): Sister Elena Francesca Beccaria is the Abbess of the Monastery of Saint Clare in Rome. Ary Ramos of EWTN Vatican sat down with her for a conversation on serving the poor, the importance of silence in our modern world, and helping people find Christ.   What is the meaning of the dilemma of not turning away from the poor, considering that there is also a poverty that is not only material?   Certainly, as I was saying, there is a material, spiritual, and moral aspect to keeping the monastery door open, in the sense of welcoming those in need of a listening […]
- [Patrons and the Museums: A Common Path](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/patrons-and-the-museums-a-common-path-1909): The 40th Anniversary of the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums is a milestone for the life of the organization and gives cause for celebration for the journey that members have shared together.   In light of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Patrons, many from various chapters share their experience with EWTN Vatican  Richard and Lisa Altig, Patrons from the Northwest Chapter (USA), approached the mission of the Patrons with little knowledge of art and museums. Richard shared, “We really didn’t know anything about museums. We didn’t know anything about art, but we were asked to […]
- [The Christmas Tree Arrives at the Vatican: Its Wood to be Made into Toys for Needy Children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christmas-tree-arrives-at-the-vatican-its-wood-to-be-made-into-toys-for-needy-children-1908): In the early hours of Thursday, November 23, the eagerly awaited Christmas tree was placed in the center of St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.
- [Pope Francis: "Life is Too Short to be Selfish"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-life-is-too-short-to-be-selfish-1906): Pope Francis Stresses Compassion and Fraternity in Address to Fraternity of Romena and Nain Group
- [Pope Francis Gives 3 Tips to Catholic Communicators](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-gives-3-tips-to-catholic-communicators-1905): This Thursday, November 23, Pope Francis met with members of the Italian Federation of Catholic Weeklies and the Union of Italian Periodical Press, providing them with three key tips for effective communication: education, protection, and testimony.
- [Pope Francis meets with families of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-families-of-israeli-hostages-being-held-in-gaza-1904): Families of Gaza Hostages and Palestinian Victims Seek Solace in Meeting with Pope Francis
- [Pope Francis Calls for Global Prayer for Peace in War-Torn Regions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-global-prayer-for-peace-in-war-torn-regions-1903): Pope Francis has called for a special prayer campaign for peace in the world, with a focus on the Holy Land.
- [Pope Francis: The Gospel is for Everyone, not for a "Select Group of First-Class Chosen Ones"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-gospel-is-for-everyone-not-for-a-select-group-of-first-class-chosen-ones-1902): Pope Francis highlighted the universal nature of the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel, arguing that it is a call for everyone and that no one is excluded.
- [Saint Cecilia's House, Site of Miracles, Transformed into a Roman Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saint-cecilias-house-site-of-miracles-transformed-into-a-roman-basilica-1901): Celebrating Saint Cecilia: The Patron Saint of Musicians and a Tale of Miracles 
- [Pope Francis appoints coadjutor to French diocese where ordinations were halted](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-coadjutor-to-french-diocese-where-ordinations-were-halted-1900): Pope Francis has appointed a coadjutor bishop to a French diocese whose priestly ordinations were suspended by the Vatican in 2022 following a “fraternal visit.”
- [Pope Francis Congratulated Javier Milei, President-Elect of Argentina](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-congratulated-javier-milei-president-elect-of-argentina-1898): Pope Francis contacted the president-elect of Argentina, Javier Milei, to congratulate him on his victory in Sunday’s second round of elections. The libertarian economist, who ran for the La Libertad Avanza party, will take office on December 10 By telephone call, the Pontiff greeted the future president of the Argentines in a “pleasant and very good” dialogue, according to what those close to the politician told the Infobae portal. According to the portal, the person who made contact possible was the Pope’s ophthalmologist, Fabio Bartucci. The phone call was confirmed to ACI Prensa by the Press Office of the Holy […]
- [The Vatican’s statements on the German Synodal Way: a timeline](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-statements-on-the-german-synodal-way-a-timeline-1896): In a striking personal intervention, Pope Francis has written a letter to four German Catholic laywomen who quit the German Synodal Way earlier this year. In the letter, published in the German newspaper Welt on Nov. 21, the pope expressed deep reservations about the direction of the Catholic Church in Germany, warning that steps currently being taken “threaten” to undermine unity with the universal Church. Chief among the pope’s concerns is a push to establish a permanent “Synodal Council,” a mixed body of laity and bishops that would govern the Catholic Church in Germany. Since its launch by Cardinal Reinhard […]
- [Full Text: Pope Francis’ letter expressing concern about German Synodal Way](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-pope-francis-letter-expressing-concern-about-german-synodal-way-1895): Pope Francis has written a letter to four German Catholic laywomen expressing his “concerns” about the direction of the Catholic Church in Germany. The following is CNA’s English translation of the full text of the German letter, signed by the pope on Nov. 10 and first published by the German newspaper Welt on Nov. 21: From the Vatican, Nov. 10, 2023 Dear Professor Westerhorstmann, Dear Professor Schlosser, Dear Professor Gerl-Falkovitz, Dear Mrs. Schmidt, I extend my gratitude for your kind letter dated Nov. 6. Your concerns regarding the current developments within the Church in Germany have reached me, and I […]
- [Pope Francis expresses ‘concerns’ about German Synodal Way, says it threatens Church unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-expresses-concerns-about-german-synodal-way-says-it-threatens-church-unity-1894): Pope Francis has expressed deep reservations about the direction of the Catholic Church in Germany, warning that concrete steps currently being taken “threaten” to undermine unity with the universal Church. The pope made his criticisms in a letter to four German Catholic laywomen that was published in the German newspaper Welt on Nov. 21. “There are indeed numerous steps being taken by significant segments of this local Church that threaten to steer it increasingly away from the universal Church’s common path,” the pope wrote. The letter, dated Nov. 10, was written in German and included the pope’s handwritten signature. Chief […]
- [This was the First Televised Message from a Pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-was-the-first-televised-message-from-a-pope-1893): On the occasion of World Television Day, celebrated every November 21st, we remember the first televised message from a Pope.
- [Beltrame Quattrocchi: the Story of the First Married Couple to be Beatified Together in the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/way-of-holiness-the-beltrame-quattrocchi-stor-1892): Tracing the Legacy of Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi: A Testament to Love, Faith, and Family in the Heart of Rome
- [On a day like today, Pope Paul VI narrowly escaped assassination](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/on-a-day-like-today-pope-paul-vi-narrowly-escaped-assassination-1891): On November 27, 1970, after disembarking from the plane at Manila Airport (Philippines), Pope Paul VI narrowly avoided being stabbed to death.
- [Vatican Authority Ordains New Opus Dei Deacons in Rome: 'Only Love is Credible'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-authority-ordains-new-opus-dei-deacons-in-rome-only-love-is-credible-1889): On Saturday, November 18, 29 faithful from Opus Dei, originating from 19 countries, received the diaconate from the hands of Monsignor Andrés Gabriel Ferrada, Secretary of the Dicastery for the Clergy.
- [Fr. Hans Zollner on the Protection of Minors & Leaving the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fr-hans-zollner-on-the-protection-of-minors-and-leaving-the-vatican-1888): In this interview with EWTN's Colm Flynn he talks about why he decided to tell Pope Francis that he wanted to resign, and how he is still committed and focused on advancing the Church's mission to protect minors and those most vulnerable.
- [Vatican Diplomat Archbishop Gallagher Receives Prestigious Peace Award](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-diplomat-archbishop-gallagher-receives-prestigious-peace-award-1887): Experience the momentous occasion as Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister, receives a prestigious peace award in Rome. Highlighting his significant contributions to resolving global conflicts, including in Ukraine and Israel, this ceremony showcases the Vatican’s commitment to peace and dialogue. Hear from Archbishop Gallagher and supporters like the US Ambassador to the Holy See, Joe Donnelly, on the importance of overcoming barriers to peace. Organized by the Ducci Foundation, this event underscores the ongoing necessity of the Vatican’s efforts in today’s world.   Sign up for our newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican
- [Vatican News: Vatican allows baptism for transgender individuals & Pope Francis relieves Strickland](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-vatican-allows-baptism-for-transgender-individuals-and-pope-francis-relieves-strickland-1886): This week’s Vaticano Updates covers crucial Vatican and Pope Francis news:  Indi Gregory’s Passing After Life Support Removal: British infant Indi Gregory passed away on November 13 following a U.K. court order to remove her life support, despite the Italian government’s offer of citizenship and medical treatment at the Vatican’s Bambino Gesù hospital.  Bishop Strickland Relieved of Duties: Pope Francis relieved Bishop Joseph Strickland of his responsibilities in the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, appointing an apostolic administrator after Strickland refused a Vatican request to resign. This followed an apostolic visitation by the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops.  Vatican Monastery for Benedictine […]
- [Pope Francis Applauds the 20 Martyrs of the Spanish Civil War Beatified in Seville](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-applauds-the-20-martyrs-of-the-spanish-civil-war-beatified-in-seville-1885): Pope Francis asked for applause for the 20 martyrs beatified yesterday in the Cathedral of Seville, priests and laypeople who were murdered out of hatred for the faith during the onset of the Spanish Civil War in 1936.
- [Pope Francis Laments That People Today Prefer Having a Puppy Over a Child](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-laments-that-people-today-prefer-having-a-puppy-over-a-child-1884): While addressing an association of Italian otolaryngologists and pediatricians at the Vatican this Saturday, Pope Francis expressed regret that people nowadays often prefer having dogs instead of children.
- [Milei Will Be the New President of Argentina: Will Pope Francis Visit His Country?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/milei-will-be-the-new-president-of-argentina-will-pope-francis-visit-his-country-1883): With Javier Milei's triumph in the Argentine presidential elections, a recurring question has once again emerged: Will Pope Francis visit his native country in 2024?
- [Pope Francis: ‘Trust frees, fear paralyzes’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-trust-frees-fear-paralyzes-1882): Pope Francis during his weekly Angelus on Sunday spoke to the faithful gathered, reflecting on the parable of the talents from the Gospel of Matthew to highlight the two different ways of approaching God, with one based on fear and the other on trust.  This binary choice presents for the faithful a “crossroads,” the pope argued. But in the characterization of unwavering trust in the Lord, the pope noted that while there are risks and trepidation about the uncertainty of what may come, trust gives freedom to act.  “But much of how we invest them depends on our trust in […]
- [Pope Francis has emotional meeting with African migrant who lost his wife and daughter](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-has-emotional-meeting-with-african-migrant-who-lost-his-wife-and-daughter-1881): Pope Francis had an emotional meeting on Friday with an African migrant whose wife and 6-year-old daughter died while crossing a desert in Tunisia.  With tears in his eyes, 30-year-old Mbengue Nyimbilo Crepin shared his story during a meeting at the pope’s Vatican City residence Casa Santa Marta on Nov. 17. Pope Francis meets with Mbengue Nyimbilo Crepin, a 30-year-old man from Cameroon who shared his story during a meeting at the pope’s Vatican City residence Casa Santa Marta on Nov. 17, 2023. Credit: Vatican Media Crepin, who has come to be known in Italian media by his nickname, “Pato,” […]
- [Pope Francis to meet with families of Israeli hostages and Palestinians with relatives in Gaza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-meet-with-families-of-israeli-hostages-and-palestinians-with-relatives-in-gaza-1880): Pope Francis will meet with the families of Israelis being held hostage by Hamas at his next Wednesday general audience, and he will also meet separately with a group of Palestinians with relatives suffering in Gaza. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni has confirmed that the pope will meet with the Israeli and Palestinian delegations separately on Nov. 22 on the sidelines of his public audience in St. Peter’s Square.  “With these meetings, which are exclusively humanitarian in nature, Pope Francis wants to show his spiritual closeness to the suffering of each person,” Bruni told journalists. Pope Francis has frequently prayed for […]
- [What’s next in the Vatican’s trial of Cardinal Becciu](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/whats-next-in-the-vaticans-trial-of-cardinal-becciu-1879): After almost two and a half years, the Vatican’s “trial of the century,” in which the disgraced Cardinal Angelo Becciu is a defendant, is winding down. The Vatican court’s president, Giuseppe Pignatone, has asked defense lawyers to keep their statements to a tight schedule over the next few weeks so that he and the other judges can return a verdict by or around Dec. 16. If found guilty of any or all of the charges, the 10 defendants will likely lodge appeals, so it may not be the final word in a trial that has seen a cardinal tried by […]
- [Chinese bishop reflects on his experience at the Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chinese-bishop-reflects-on-his-experience-at-the-synod-on-synodality-1878): A Chinese bishop who attended the Synod on Synodality assembly has spoken out about his experience, saying he was cheered to meet Catholics from all over the world and to discover that many showed great interest in and were praying for the Church in China. Bishop Antonio Yao Shun of Jining was the first bishop consecrated in China under the terms of the Sino-Vatican agreement. He was one of two bishops from mainland China who participated in the first half of the synod assembly in October before suddenly departing early without explanation.  In an interview with the Pontifical Mission Societies’ […]
- [Ukrainian Greek Catholics observe 400th anniversary of St. Josaphat Kuncewycz’s martyrdom](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ukrainian-greek-catholics-observe-400th-anniversary-of-st-josaphat-kuncewyczs-martyrdom-1877): Members of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica from Nov. 12–13 to celebrate the end of the jubilee year marking the 400th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Josaphat Kuncewycz.  St. Josaphat was born around 1580 in the village of Volodymyr (now part of Ukraine) in the Volhynia region of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during a time of tension between Catholics and the Orthodox Churches. In 1595 some bishops in the Commonwealth signed the Union of Brest, placing themselves under the jurisdiction of the Holy See — and establishing the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Ordained a Catholic […]
- [Explainer: Why can’t a Catholic join the Freemasons?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/explainer-why-cant-a-catholic-join-the-freemasons-1876): The Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) in response to a question from a Filipino bishop recently reaffirmed the long-standing position of the Catholic Church that being an active Freemason constitutes a grave sin. “Active membership in Freemasonry by a member of the faithful is forbidden,” said the letter, signed by Pope Francis and DDF Prefect Cardinal Victor Fernández.  The dicastery sent the letter to Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete, who asked the Vatican for guidance on how to approach the “very significant” number of Filipino Catholics enrolled in Freemasonry and “a large number […]
- [The Dedication of St. Peter's and Paul's Basilicas and Bernini's Baldacchino](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dedication-of-st-peters-and-pauls-basilicas-and-berninis-baldacchino-1875): The two basilicas, trophies of the martyrdom of Peter and Paul, were erected over the tombs of the two apostles on November 18, commemorating the dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul
- [Pope Francis Highlights Pilgrimage as an Expression of Trust in God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-highlights-pilgrimage-as-an-expression-of-trust-in-god-1874): In an address to the faithful from the Archdiocese of Ozamiz (Philippines), Pope Francis emphasized that "the pilgrimage to the shrines is a clear expression of trust in God.".
- [Pope Francis to Meet Relatives of Israeli Hostages and Palestinian Families from Gaza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-meet-relatives-of-israeli-hostages-and-palestinian-families-from-gaza-1873): Pope Francis will receive a group of relatives of the people who were kidnapped by Hamas in Israel and Palestinians suffering in the Gaza Strip, meetings that will be of 'exclusively humanitarian nature'.
- [Pope Francis reportedly denies his trip to Argentina would depend on election results](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reportedly-denies-his-trip-to-argentina-would-depend-on-election-results-1872): According to Infobae, Pope Francis said his potential trip to Argentina is not tied to the outcome of Sunday's presidential elections between Sergio Massa and Javier Milei.           
- [Pope meets with priests, families to confront poverty, social marginalization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-meets-with-priests-families-to-confront-poverty-social-marginalization-1871): Pope Francis met with priests of Rome’s 17th prefecture — which sits on the eastern edge of the metropolitan area — in the Parish of Santa Maria Madre dell’Ospitalità in Villa Verde
- [Restoring the Vatican Museums ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/restoring-the-vatican-museums-1870): The 40th Anniversary of the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums
- [The Sacramentality of the World ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sacramentality-of-the-world-1869): How Christianity varies from the average worldview
- [Hungary Helps in Africa ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hungary-helps-in-africa-1868): Fratelli Tutti expressed through aid to Christians suffering persecution
- [Pope Francis and His Saints](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-and-his-saints-1867): More than 100 Saints on the Peripheries
- [Pope Francis Asks Priests Not to Be “‘Employees’ of the Sacred”](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-asks-priests-not-to-be-employees-of-the-sacred-1866): Pope Francis meets with Hispanic priests from the U.S., urging them to avoid 'ecclesiastical refinement' and focus on genuine service and adoration
- [Cardinal Sandri turns 80: He announced the death of John Paul II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-sandri-turns-80-he-announced-the-death-of-john-paul-ii-1865): Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, a pivotal figure in Vatican diplomacy and ecclesiastical affairs, celebrates his 80th birthday, transitioning from his role as a cardinal elector
- [Vatican Launches "Ecological Conversion 2030" Project](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-launches-ecological-conversion-2030-project-1864): In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, the Vatican has announced the launch of its "Ecological Conversion 2030" project, as communicated by the Governatorate of the Vatican City State.
- [Three Lessons that Contemplatives Can Offer the Church, According to Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/three-lessons-that-contemplatives-can-offer-the-church-according-to-pope-francis-1863): On Thursday, November 16, Pope Francis received participants of a conference on Venerable María de Jesús de Ágreda, a Spanish Conceptionist nun, organized by the Pontifical International Marian Academy. In his address, the Pope lauded Mother Ágreda as “an exceptional woman” often described as a” lover of Scripture,” a “Marian mystic,” and an “evangelizer of America.” The Holy Father then delved into “three lessons that the contemplative woman can offer to the Church,” emphasizing the profound impact of her life and teachings. The Lesson of Silence Pope Francis highlighted the importance of silence and listening, considering it a universal attitude […]
- [Pope Francis' December 2023 Schedule Announced by the Vatican, Excluding Christmas Season](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-december-2023-schedule-announced-by-the-vatican-excluding-christmas-season-1862): The Holy See Press Office has released the schedule for celebrations presided over by Pope Francis for the month of December, excluding the Christmas season. Immaculate Conception Ceremony in Piazza di Spagna The first significant event in the Pope’s December calendar is the traditional celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on December 8. Pope Francis will be present at 4 PM on this day in Piazza di Spagna for the Act of Veneration of the Immaculate. Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Continuing with the month’s events, on December 12, in observance of […]
- [Pope Francis: Complaining Christians do not give a credible witness to the Gospel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-complaining-christians-do-not-give-a-credible-witness-to-the-gospel-1861): Pope Francis said Wednesday that Christians who are always resentful and full of complaints are not credible witnesses to the Gospel because joy is an essential ingredient for evangelization. “Humanity abounds with brothers and sisters waiting for a word of hope,” Pope Francis said in St. Peter’s Square on Nov. 15. The pope explained that people today, like people of all times, need the Gospel and need Jesus, especially living in a society with “institutionalized secularity” that “leaves the spaces of religious meaning deserted.” “This is the right moment to proclaim Jesus,” Pope Francis underlined. “Immersed in today’s fast-paced and […]
- [Did Pope Benedict XVI really say the devil wants to destroy Spain?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/did-pope-benedict-xvi-really-say-the-devil-wants-to-destroy-spain-1860): A supposed comment by the late Pope Benedict XVI concerning Spain and the devil has been circulating on social media in recent days. The observation attributed to the pontiff comes from Jorge Fernández Díaz, Spain’s former minister of the interior. According to a Nov. 11 post on X by “Catholic University Students,” which went viral, Benedict XVI supposedly said “the devil knows what Spain has done throughout her history: the evangelization of the Americas, the role of Spain during the Counter-Reformation… the devil attacks the best more and, therefore, attacks Spain.” Although there is no record of this comment in […]
- [Pope Francis Highlights the Multiple Aspects of Holiness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-highlights-the-multiple-aspects-of-holiness-1859): Pope Francis has proposed as key elements of his reflection “the unifying holiness, familial holiness, and martyrdom holiness”
- [Vatican Diplomat Archbishop Paul Gallagher Awarded for Promoting Peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-diplomat-archbishop-paul-gallagher-awarded-for-promoting-peace-1858): Highlighting the Vatican's commitment to Peace
- [Catholic Faithful Cannot Join Freemasonry, Vatican Reaffirms](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-faithful-cannot-join-freemasonry-vatican-reaffirms-1857): In another response published on the Dicatery's website concerning the rise of faithful enrolled in Freemasonry in the Philippines, the Dicatery reiterates the Church's teaching and asks to evaluate pastoral actions.
- [LIVE | Pope Francis' Holy Mass for the World Day of the Poor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-holy-mass-for-the-world-day-of-the-poor-1856): Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican  LIVE | Join us for Pope Francis’ Holy Mass for the 7th World Day of the Poor from St. Peter’s Basilica.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!
- [Peña Parra, “Overcoming a Distorted Vision of Matrimonial Causes through the Synod”](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pena-parra-overcoming-a-distorted-vision-of-matrimonial-causes-through-the-synod-1855): Synodality must also be applied to judicial procedures. In this way, it is possible to overcome “a distorted vision of matrimonial cases,” according to which it is thought that “mere subjective interests” must be affirmed. At the same time, instead, all participants in the process “are called to contribute to the same objective, that of making the truth of a concrete union between a man and a woman shine.” This was explained by Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute of the Secretariat of State, inaugurating, on November 9, the 2023-2024 academic year of the Studio Rotale, the graduate school to become […]
- [Obtaining Pope Francis' Blessing for Marriage: A Guide](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/obtaining-pope-francis-blessing-for-marriage-a-guide-1854): An Insight into the Sacred Tradition of Receiving Papal Blessings for Marriage and Other Sacraments through the Vatican's Apostolic Almonry
- [Pope Francis Invites Young People to be ‘God’s Answer’ to a Hopeless World](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-invites-young-people-to-be-gods-answer-to-a-hopeless-world-1853): Pope Francis has invited young people to be a light of hope in a world suffering from war, violence, suffering, and despair.
- [Pope Francis Relieves Bishop Joseph Strickland of His Duties](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-relieves-bishop-joseph-strickland-of-his-duties-1852): Pope Francis has removed Bishop Joseph Strickland from his position as the head of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas
- [After Benedict XVI’s death, Vatican monastery to be home to Benedictine nuns](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/after-benedict-xvis-death-vatican-monastery-to-be-home-to-benedictine-nuns-1851): A group of Benedictine nuns from Argentina will soon take up residence in the Vatican monastery where Pope Benedict XVI lived after resigning the papacy. The Benedictine Order of the Abbey of St. Scholastica of Victoria, located in the province of Buenos Aires, accepted Pope Francis’ invitation to form a monastic community in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, the Vatican said Nov. 13. The six nuns will move into the monastery, which is located in the Vatican Gardens in Vatican City State, in early January, according to the press release. St. John Paul II canonically erected the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery for […]
- [Vatican Commission Investigates Over 550 21st Century Martyrdom Cases](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-commission-investigates-over-550-21st-century-martyrdom-cases-1850): The Vatican's "Commission on New Martyrs – Testimonies of Faith" announced on November 13 that it is investigating over 550 cases of individuals who have sacrificed their lives for Christ since 2000.
- [Pope Encourages Nuns to Be Brave Witnesses of Evangelical Solidarity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-encourages-nuns-to-be-brave-witnesses-of-evangelical-solidarity-1849): In a recent meeting at the Vatican’s Clementine Hall, Pope Francis addressed the participants of the 25th General Chapter of the congregation of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, founded by the Blessed Mary Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger. In his speech, the Pope urged the nuns to “continue being courageous witnesses of evangelical solidarity at a time when many experience fragmentation and disunity.” He emphasized the increased importance of this responsibility in light of the synodal path that the entire church is undertaking. The Pope views the General Chapter as an opportunity to “listen more attentively to the Holy Spirit […]
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis talks about Homosexuality and Confirms Apostolic Journey to Dubai](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-talks-about-homosexuality-and-confirms-apostolic-journey-to-dubai-1848): Welcome to this week’s Vaticano Updates! Stay informed with the latest news from Pope Francis and the Vatican.
- [Argentine Nuns to Inhabit Benedict XVI's Final Abode at Pope Francis' Request](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/argentine-nuns-to-inhabit-benedict-xvis-final-abode-at-pope-francis-request-1847): The Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, the last residence of Benedict XVI, will soon welcome a group of Benedictine nuns from Argentina
- [Pope Francis Meets Thousands of Children at the Vatican: A Message of Hope and Learning](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-thousands-of-children-at-the-vatican-a-message-of-hope-and-learning-1846): In a heartwarming and insightful event titled “Children Meet the Pope,” Pope Francis welcomed over 7,000 children from 84 countries at the Vatican. This remarkable gathering coincided with the release of “The Children’s Encyclical,” to which the Pope contributed a heartfelt preface. During the event, Pope Francis emphasized the unique lessons adults can learn from children, highlighting their innate wisdom and perspective. Addressing serious global issues, the Pope focused on the impact of war on children and the urgent need to protect young lives from conflict. The children, in turn, engaged the Pope with pressing questions, particularly on the climate […]
- [The Life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, As Told by His Mother](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/life-of-blessed-carlo-acutis-as-told-by-his-mother-1845): Seventeen years ago, fifteen-year-old Blessed Carlo Acutis died of Leukemia. Born in 1991, the same year as the launch of the World Wide Web, Carlo Acutis has been hailed by Pope Francis as an example of love and holiness in our complex digital age. From a young age, Carlo Acutis’s enthusiasm for Jesus was contagious. His witness brought his own family back to faith. He called the Eucharist his “highway to heaven.” Blessed Carlo Acutis is the first millennial to be beatified by the Catholic Church.   In a special interview, his mother, Antonia Salzano, discusses his short life and […]
- [Pope Francis: Cultivate ‘the inner life’ rather than appearance and image](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-cultivate-the-inner-life-rather-than-appearance-and-image-1844): Pope Francis reflected on today’s gospel message, urging the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square to cultivate the interior life and worry less about making a good impression. Speaking in his Angelus address on Nov. 12, the pope asked the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square to consider, “How is the oil of my soul: do I nourish it and keep it well?” The pope turned to the parable of the 10 virgins who are awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom to the wedding feast. Five of them were wise and had extra lamp oil to provide light until he […]
- [Pope Francis prays for infant Indi Gregory as life support set to be removed in UK](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-infant-indi-gregory-as-life-support-set-to-be-removed-in-uk-1843): Pope Francis is praying for Indi Gregory and her family as the critically ill British infant’s life support is set to be removed this weekend by a U.K. court order. The pope “embraces the family of little Indi Gregory, her father and mother, prays for them and for her, and turns his thoughts to all the children around the world in these same hours who are living in pain or risking their lives because of disease and war,” a Vatican statement said Nov. 11. Indi Gregory, born in February and baptized in September, suffers from a rare degenerative mitochondrial disease […]
- [Bishop Strickland refused to resign, cardinal says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-strickland-refused-to-resign-cardinal-says-1842): Pope Francis removed Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, from his post Saturday after he refused to resign, according to Galveston-Houston archbishop Cardinal Daniel DiNardo. Strickland’s ouster on Nov. 11 comes after the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops completed a formal investigation in the diocese earlier this year called an apostolic visitation, which, according to a source, looked into the bishop’s social media use and questions related to diocesan management. The visitation was carried out by Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, New Jersey, and Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, Arizona. “As a result of the visitation, the recommendation was made […]
- [Cardinal Becciu Speaks of ‘Drawing Up a Balance Sheet’ of One’s Life Before God in Homily](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-becciu-speaks-of-drawing-up-a-balance-sheet-of-ones-life-before-god-in-homily-2050): After being convicted on several counts of embezzlement of Vatican funds, Cardinal Angelo Becciu gave a New Year’s Eve homily recommending the congregation draw up “a balance sheet” of one’s personal life before God, according to an Italian media outlet.
- [Vatican Responds to Widespread Backlash on Same-Sex Blessing Directive](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-responds-to-widespread-backlash-on-same-sex-blessing-directive-2049): The Vatican’s doctrine office issued a response on Thursday to “clarify the reception of Fiducia Supplicans” amid widespread international backlash to the Vatican’s recent declaration on same-sex blessings.
- [Cardinal Fernández: Vatican’s Same-Sex Blessings Guidance Is ‘Clear Answer’ to German Bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-fernandez-vaticans-same-sex-blessings-guidance-is-clear-answer-to-german-bishops-2048): Amid significant confusion about the Vatican’s recent guidance on same-sex blessings, the document’s architect has lashed out at those advancing the most liberal interpretation: Catholic leadership in Germany.
- [Italian Priest Excommunicated for Calling Pope Francis a ‘Usurper’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-priest-excommunicated-for-calling-pope-francis-a-usurper-2047): An Italian priest has been excommunicated by his local bishop for saying in a homily that Pope Francis “is not the pope” and calling him “a usurper.” 
- [Pope Francis: Never Forget That Jesus is Beside You in Your Worst Moments](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-never-forget-that-jesus-is-beside-you-in-your-worst-moments-2046): In life’s worst moments, never forget that Jesus is beside you, Pope Francis said Wednesday. 
- [Pope Sends Message of Condolence to Victims of Deadly Earthquake in Japan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-sends-message-of-condolence-to-victims-of-deadly-earthquake-in-japan-2044): Pope Francis expressed deep sadness and offered prayers and condolences for the victims of the devastating New Year's Day earthquake in western Japan, which resulted in dozens of deaths, as reported by the Vatican on Tuesday
- [Pope Francis' Reforms of 2023: A Comprehensive Overview](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reforms-of-2023-a-comprehensive-overview-2043): With 14 motu propri, Pope Francis has demonstrated extraordinary legislative activity. Where do these reforms lead? And what are the main reforms?
- [What will be Pope Francis' next trips in 2024?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-what-are-the-anticipated-international-trips-for-2024-2042): Pope Francis Plans International Visits in 2024, Including Potential Trips to Argentina, Belgium, and Polynesia
- [Benedict XVI, One Year After His Death, the Bells Ring in the Vatican at 9:34](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvi-one-year-after-his-death-the-bells-ring-in-the-vatican-at-934-2041): Very reserved celebrations for the anniversary of the Pope's death, Mass at 8 am at the Chair celebrated by Gänswein
- [Pope Francis Asks Mary’s Intercession in World Day of Peace Video](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-asks-marys-intercession-in-world-day-of-peace-video-2040): In a video marking the World Day of Peace on Jan. 1, Pope Francis asks the Blessed Mother to “teach us to cherish and care for life — each and every human life” and “to repudiate the folly of war, which sows death and eliminates the future.”
- [Pope Francis Reflects on Mary’s Motherhood, Prays for Nicaragua During New Year’s Angelus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reflects-on-marys-motherhood-prays-for-nicaragua-during-new-years-angelus-2039): Just days after Christmas, Nicaragua’s Sandinista regime abducted four priests, whose whereabouts are still unknown.
- [Pope Francis: Entrust 2024 to the Mother of God ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-entrust-2024-to-the-mother-of-god-2038): The pope made his appeal during Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 1 for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
- [Pope Francis: Faith Allows Christians to Live Transition Into the New Year ‘Differently’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-faith-allows-christians-to-live-transition-into-the-new-year-differently-2037): Pope Francis rang in the new year and gave thanks for 2023 at a special New Year’s Eve Vatican liturgy.
- [Pope Francis Says Benedict XVI ‘Blesses Us and Accompanies Us’ From Heaven](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-benedict-xvi-blesses-us-and-accompanies-us-from-heaven-2036): In his final Angelus address of 2023, Pope Francis paid tribute to Pope Benedict XVI on the one-year anniversary of his predecessor’s death. 
- [Holy Mass for Pope Benedict XVI on the 1st Anniversary of His Passing at the Vatican | 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-mass-for-pope-benedict-xvi-on-the-1st-anniversary-of-his-passing-at-the-vatican-2023-2035): From St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican | Holy Mass in remembrance of Pope Benedict XVI, marking the first anniversary of his passing, presided over by Archbishop Georg Ganswein, Pope Benedict XVI’s personal secretary.
- [EWTN to air conference on Pope Benedict XVI one year after his death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-to-air-conference-on-pope-benedict-xvi-one-year-after-his-death-2034): One year after the death of Pope Benedict XVI, scholars, experts, and friends of the late pontiff will meet in Rome on Dec. 30–31 in the Benedict XVI Hall of the Campo Santo Teutonico at the Vatican to discuss his legacy. EWTN, the Fundatio Christiana Virtus Association, and the Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation have partnered to hold the conference, which will air on EWTN throughout the day on Dec. 31 beginning at 6:30 a.m. ET (see schedule below). Serving as moderators will be Father Vincent Twomey and Father Federico Lombardi, former director of the Holy See Press Office, who […]
- [2024: Changes in the College of Cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/2024-changes-in-the-college-of-cardinals-2033): In 2024, 13 cardinals will turn 80 years old and, according to the canon law, will no longer be eligible to participate in a future conclave. As of now, the Sacred College consists of 132 electors and 109 non-electors.
- [Pope Francis speaks with Zelenskyy about peace efforts in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-speaks-with-zelenskyy-about-peace-efforts-in-ukraine-2032): Pope Francis spoke by telephone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy three days after Christmas to discuss peace efforts to end the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, according to a video message Zelenskyy posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
- [‘Benedict Trusted Francis. But He was Bitterly Disappointed,’ Biographer Says in New Interview](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-trusted-francis-but-he-was-bitterly-disappointed-biographer-says-in-new-interview-2031): On the eve of the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s death, his biographer, Peter Seewald, raised serious concerns about how Pope Francis is managing the legacy of his predecessor.  
- [Pope Francis Meets With Cardinal Burke Amid Salary, Apartment Controversy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-cardinal-burke-amid-salary-apartment-controversy-2030): Pope Francis on Friday had an audience with Cardinal Raymond Burke, the Vatican said, several weeks after a flurry of reported controversy involving the pontiff and the 75-year-old U.S.-born prelate.
- [Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for Each Month of 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prayer-intentions-for-each-month-of-2024-2029): The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network has released the list of prayer intentions set by Pope Francis for the year 2024. 
- [Pope Francis Advises Youth Not to Sacrifice Their Youth for Superficial Pleasures](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-advises-youth-not-to-sacrifice-their-youth-for-superficial-pleasures-2028): Pope Francis has addressed a message to the youth participating in the 46th European Meeting organized by the Taizé Community, currently taking place in Slovenia. 
- [Vatican Announces Art Contest for Stations of the Cross to Be Displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-art-contest-for-stations-of-the-cross-to-be-displayed-in-st-peters-basilica-2027): Attention Catholic artists: The Vatican has announced an art competition in which your paintings can be displayed inside of St. Peter’s Basilica along with the works of Renaissance masters Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
- [Vatican to Publish Private Homilies of Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-publish-private-homilies-of-pope-benedict-xvi-2026): The Vatican will publish the previously uncirculated “private” homilies of the late Pope Benedict XVI in the coming year, the Holy See has announced.
- [Fernández: ‘It’s proper for each bishop’ to discern application of Fiducia Supplicans](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fernandez-its-proper-for-each-bishop-to-discern-application-of-fiducia-supplicans-2025): Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, on bishops' hesitance towards the declaration Fiducia Supplicans, noted that discernment rests with individual bishops.
- [Cardinal Cipriani, First Opus Dei Member to Become a Cardinal, Turns 80](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-cipriani-first-opus-dei-member-to-become-a-cardinal-turns-80-2024): Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne: A Distinguished Journey from Basketball Player and Engineer to the First Opus Dei Member as Cardinal
- [Pope Francis: One Must Never Dialogue With the Devil](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-one-must-never-dialogue-with-the-devil-2023): During Wednesday's general audience, Pope Francis launched a catechetical series on vices and virtues, starting with Adam and Eve's story to highlight the dangers of succumbing to evil and the risks of engaging with the devil.
- [Pope Francis: After 2,000 years the persecution of Christians continues](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-after-2000-years-the-persecution-of-christians-continues-2022): During Tuesday’s Angelus on the occasion of the feast of St. Stephen — the first Christian martyr — Pope Francis renewed his call for peace and brought attention to the persecution that Christians are facing around the world.
- [The 80th Birthday of Cardinal Zerbo, the First Cardinal from Mali](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/80th-birthday-of-cardinal-zerbo-the-first-cardinal-from-mali-2021): Pope Francis created him Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church in the consistory of June 28, 2017 
- [Pope Francis’ Christmas Mass: Jesus was born to save the world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-christmas-mass-jesus-was-born-to-save-the-world-2020): In his Christmas homily, Pope Francis shared a message for anyone who may be feeling discouraged with a reminder that the Lord was born to save the world and to give us a hope that is greater than all of our problems.
- [Pope Francis on Christmas: Saying ‘yes’ to the Prince of Peace means saying ‘no’ to war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-christmas-saying-yes-to-the-prince-of-peace-means-saying-no-to-war-2019): On the birthday of the Prince of Peace, Pope Francis called for an end to war in the Holy Land and throughout the world as well as the arms trade that fuels it.
- [Catholic Church reportedly closer to getting its first samurai saint](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-church-reportedly-closer-to-getting-its-first-samurai-saint-2018): The Vatican is currently investigating miracles associated with the intercession of Blessed Justus Ukon Takayama that, if confirmed, could lead to the canonization of the Church’s first samurai saint. Japanese Cardinal Thomas Aquinas Manyo Maeda of Osaka revealed on Thursday that the Vatican’s investigation into the miracles is ongoing, according to reporting by CBCP News, the news arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.  “We pray that the investigation of Ukon’s miracles will be completed and approved at least within the next year or two,” Maeda said.  Maeda revealed the investigations after a special Mass in honor of […]
- [More bishops voice criticism — and support — for Vatican document on blessing same-sex couples](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/more-bishops-voice-criticism-and-support-for-vatican-document-on-blessing-same-sex-couples-2017): More Catholic bishops have publicly declared their opposition to the Vatican’s Fiducia Supplicans document, which permits nonliturgical blessings of homosexual couples, while others have come forward to express support for the new guidance. Some, including Cardinal Gerhard Müller and several bishops in Africa, have firmly denounced the Vatican’s document, which was published by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and signed by Pope Francis, and have taken steps to either prohibit or discourage priests from imparting any blessings of homosexual couples. Others, like the German Bishops’ Conference and several Austrian bishops, have welcomed the document, while the Central Committee […]
- [Pope Francis sends papal almoner to Holy Land for Christmas as a sign of solidarity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sends-papal-almoner-to-holy-land-for-christmas-as-a-sign-of-solidarity-2016): Pope Francis has sent Cardinal Konrad Krajewski to the Holy Land for Christmas as his personal representative to bring solidarity to people suffering amid the war. The Polish cardinal, who serves as the papal almoner, will spend Christmas in Jerusalem, where he will join the local Christian community in praying for peace. “The Holy Father really wanted me to be in the Holy Land to represent him, to pray, and be close to people who are suffering greatly,” Krajewski said in an interview with Vatican Radio. “So I will spend these days in prayer in this place, so dear to […]
- [Pope Francis ‘Deeply Saddened’ by Shooting at Prague university](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-deeply-saddened-by-shooting-at-prague-university-2015): Pope Francis offered his condolences on Friday morning after 14 people were killed and 25 injured in a mass shooting at a university in Prague.
- [Pope Francis to Roman Curia: ‘Rigid ideological positions’ prevent us from moving forward](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-roman-curia-rigid-ideological-positions-prevent-us-from-moving-forward-2014): “Let us remain vigilant against rigid ideological positions that often ... separate us from reality and prevent us from moving forward,” Pope Francis said.
- [Dissenting priests in Syro-Malabar Church protest Pope Francis’ Christmas deadline ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dissenting-priests-in-syro-malabar-church-protest-pope-francis-christmas-deadline-2013): Tensions have risen in the Eastern Catholic Church in the Indian state of Kerala as the deadline approaches to implement a universal liturgy.
- [Pope Francis Appoints the New Prelate of the Sovereign Order of Malta](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-the-new-prelate-of-the-sovereign-order-of-malta-2012): Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Luis Manuel Cuña Ramos, of the clergy of the Diocese of Orense, as Prelate of the Sovereign Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta. The appointment was announced by the Holy See Press Office. Monsignor Cuña Ramos was born on January 22, 1966, in Orense (Spain) and was ordained a priest on June 14, 1992, for the Diocese of Orense. In 1994, he earned a Licentiate in Ecclesiastical History from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (Italy). From 1996 to 2020, he worked in the Historical Archive of the then […]
- [Will Pope Francis Visit Belgium in 2023? A Historic Journey in the Making](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/will-pope-francis-visit-belgium-in-2023-a-historic-journey-in-the-making-2011): Celebrating 600 Years of Louvain University: Anticipation Builds for a Papal Visit to Belgium
- [TIMELINE: What Has the Catholic Church Said About Same-Sex ‘Bessings’?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/timeline-what-has-the-catholic-church-said-about-same-sex-bessings-2010): The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a declaration titled Fiducia Supplicans on Dec. 18, which authorizes nonliturgical blessings of “same-sex couples” and other couples who are in “irregular situations.”
- [Pope Francis: The Nativity is an Example of ‘Joy’ and ‘Amazement’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-nativity-is-an-example-of-joy-and-amazement-2009): Pope Francis on Wednesday spoke during his last general audience before Christmas on the importance of approaching the coming of Christ with “joy” and “amazement
- [Who is Cardinal Angelo Becciu? The Highest-Ranking Cardinal Sentenced to Prison in the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-is-cardinal-angelo-becciu-the-highest-ranking-cardinal-sentenced-to-prison-in-the-vatican-2008): This Saturday, the trial against Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who must spend five years in prison after being convicted by the Vatican City State Court for misuse of money, ended. The sentence indicates that he has also been perpetually disqualified from holding public office and must pay a fine of 8,000 euros. In this way, the Cardinal, who held the third most important position in the Holy See for more than seven years, is the first Cardinal to be sentenced by a court in the Vatican since its creation as a State in 1929. Angelo Becciu was nuncio to Angola and […]
- [Vatican says priests can bless same-sex couples without condoning their lifestyles](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-says-priests-can-bless-same-sex-couples-without-condoning-their-lifestyles-2006): The Vatican has issued new guidance on the topic of blessings of same-sex attracted people, stating that Catholic priests can bless same-sex couples as an expression of pastoral closeness without condoning their sexual relations.
- [Advent in the Holy Land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/advent-in-the-holy-land-2005): This December, after the presentation in Rome of his new book on episcopal conferences, Cardinal Filoni, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, explained the situation in the Holy Land like this, “The situation is very, very sad and really everybody has a concern about the future of the Holy Land. In this moment, it’s terrible because the Holy Land lives with the presence of pilgrims and the Church herself is in difficulty in this moment.”    The Pope tasked the Equestrian Order with supporting the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Christian presence in the region. […]
- [Advent in the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/advent-in-the-vatican-2004): Various Traditions in the Papal Basilicas
- [The Call of the Vatican Patrons](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/call-of-the-vatican-patrons-2003): Preserving the Artistic Gift which comes from God
- [The Church Has No Other Arms Than Prayer](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/church-has-no-other-arms-than-prayer-2002): Reconciliation of the murder of French priest Fr. Jacques Hamel
- [The Legacy of Benedict XVI: Ratzinger Prize 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/legacy-of-benedict-xvi-ratzinger-prize-2023-2001): The Theology of Holiness and Agape
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis announces Church’s first World Day of Children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-announces-churchs-first-world-day-of-children-2000): Latest News from the Vatican
- [Pope Francis celebrates 87th birthday with children who receive aid from Vatican clinic](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-87th-birthday-with-children-who-receive-aid-from-vatican-clinic-1999): Pope Francis celebrated his 87th birthday on Sunday morning ahead of his weekly Angelus by meeting with children and families who are assisted by the Vatican’s Santa Marta Pediatric Dispensary. Addressing the families present — who presented the Holy Father with a cake and a bouquet of sunflowers and sang “Happy Birthday” — the pope used the opportunity to speak on the importance of preparing for Christmas. “We think and remember when Jesus came; he came to be with us,” the pope said to the nearly 200 families gathered in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. Pope Francis […]
- [Pope Francis at Sunday Angelus: ‘Only in God do we find the light of life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-sunday-angelus-only-in-god-do-we-find-the-light-of-life-1998): Pope Francis reflected on St. John the Baptist as a luminous figure who testifies to the light and teaches us that “only in God do we find the light of life” during his Angelus address Dec. 17 on the third Sunday of Advent, or Gaudete Sunday. Observing this as the first lesson that we can learn from John the Baptist, the Holy Father told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican that the second is that “through service, consistency, humility, witness of life” we “can be a lamp that shines and helps others find the way on which […]
- [Pope Francis condemns reported Israeli sniper attack on Gaza Catholic church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-condemns-reported-israeli-sniper-attack-on-gaza-catholic-church-1997): In the latest sign of escalating strain between the Holy See and Israel over the mounting civilian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis after his Angelus address on Sunday sharply condemned the reported killing of two women outside a Catholic church in Gaza City, allegedly by an Israeli sniper. “Someone says, ‘It’s terrorism, it’s war.’ Yes, it’s war, it’s terrorism. This is why Scripture states that ‘God stops wars … breaks bows and breaks spears,’” the pope said. In a statement Saturday, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which oversees the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, claimed that […]
- [Pope Francis turns 87: one of the oldest popes in Church history](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-turns-87-one-of-the-oldest-popes-in-church-history-1996): Pope Francis celebrates his 87th birthday on Sunday, Dec. 17, the third Sunday of Advent, as he continues to reign as the oldest pope in the past century and one of the oldest popes in the Church’s history. As the 266th successor of St. Peter to the papacy, Francis will be the oldest bishop of Rome since Pope Leo XIII, the oldest pope in history, who served until his death in 1903 at the age of 93. Fewer than 10 popes have served at the age of 87. Francis’ predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, lived until the age of 95 but […]
- [BREAKING: Vatican court convicts Cardinal Becciu, sentences him to 5 years in jail for embezzling funds](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-vatican-court-convicts-cardinal-becciu-sentences-him-to-5-years-in-jail-for-embezzling-funds-1995): Judges delivered a verdict in the Vatican’s financial corruption trial on Saturday sentencing Cardinal Angelo Becciu to more than five years in prison and convicting five other defendants to similar jail sentences.
- [Vatican Incarceration: When Does One Go to Prison?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-incarceration-when-does-one-go-to-prison-1994): There should not be any new inmates in the Vatican prisons at the end of the first-degree sentence of the trial on the management of the State Secretariat's funds. Here's why
- [Ernesto Cofiño: Opus Dei Layman Declared “Venerable” by Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ernesto-cofino-opus-dei-layman-declared-venerable-by-pope-francis-1993): On December 14, 2023, Pope Francis authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to declare Guatemalan doctor Ernesto Cofiño venerable for his heroic Christian virtues among eleven canonization causes.
- [BREAKING: Vatican Closing Down Loyola Community Co-Founded by Rupnik](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-vatican-closing-down-loyola-community-co-founded-by-rupnik-1992): The Vatican has decided to shut down the religious community of sisters co-founded by accused abuser Father Marko Rupnik, the Slovenian Archdiocese of Ljubljana announced Friday.
- [Pope Francis Calls For global Regulation of AI for ‘Peace and Common Good’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-global-regulation-of-ai-for-peace-and-common-good-1991): Pope Francis on Thursday urged global leaders to adopt an international treaty to regulate the development and use of artificial intelligence, saying technological research must be directed toward “the pursuit of peace and the common good.”
- [Six Popes Are Buried at St. Mary Major; Pope Francis Says He’ll Be Next](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/six-popes-are-buried-at-st-mary-major-pope-francis-says-hell-be-next-1990): Here’s a look at the tombs of the six popes who are buried at this church, one of whom is a saint.
- [Popes' Burial Sites: A Historical Overview](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-burial-sites-a-historical-overview-1989): Exploring the Unique Burial Choices of Popes from the Council of Trent to Pope Francis
- [The Christmas Letter Pope Benedict XVI Wrote to Baby Jesus as a Child](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christmas-letter-pope-benedict-xvi-wrote-to-baby-jesus-as-a-child-1988): Did you know Pope Benedict XVI wrote a beautiful letter to the Christ Child at seven years of age? 
- [Vatican Doctrine Office Encourages Single Mothers to Receive Communion After Confession](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-doctrine-office-encourages-single-mothers-to-receive-communion-after-confession-1987): The Vatican’s doctrine office published a letter on Thursday confirming that single mothers can receive Communion after going to confession
- [Pope Francis Recognizes Miracle Attributed to St. Teresa of Ávila’s Spiritual Daughter](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-recognizes-miracle-attributed-to-st-teresa-of-avilas-spiritual-daughter-1986): More than 400 years after her death, Pope Francis has recognized a miracle attributed to Carmelite Sister Ana de Jesús, a spiritual daughter of St. Teresa of Ávila and a friend to St. John of the Cross.
- [Pope Francis Says That He Wants to be Buried in Marian Basilica in New Interview](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-that-he-wants-to-be-buried-in-marian-basilica-in-new-interview-1985): Pope Francis has said that he wants to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome because of his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- [Pope Francis Celebrates 54 years as a Priest](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-54-years-as-a-priest-1984): On Dec. 13, 1969, just four days before his 33rd birthday, Jesuit Jorge Mario Bergoglio — who today is Pope Francis — was ordained a priest.
- [Vatican: Small Part of Cremated Ashes Can Be Kept in Personal Place in Certain Cases](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-small-part-of-cremated-ashes-can-be-kept-in-personal-place-in-certain-cases-1983): Under certain circumstances, it may be permissible for a Catholic to keep a small portion of a deceased loved one’s ashes in a personal place of significance if some conditions are met, according to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
- [Pope Francis Expresses Concern About Italy’s Low Birth Rate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-expresses-concern-about-italys-low-birth-rate-1982): Pope Francis on Monday received the prefects of the Italian Republic in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace and expressed his concern about the low birth rate in the country, lamenting that many times “dogs take the place of children.”
- [Hearing the Pope’s Confession: Vatican Confessor Reflects on Sacrament](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hearing-the-popes-confession-vatican-confessor-reflects-on-sacrament-1981): A 91-year-old Franciscan has spoken about his time as confessor to Pope Francis and stressed the enduring and essential role of the sacrament of reconciliation.
- [LIVE | Pope Francis’ Holy Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-holy-mass-on-the-feast-of-our-lady-of-guadalupe-1980): Sign up for our newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican  LIVE | Pope Francis’ Holy Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe from St. Peter’s Basilica.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!
- [UNESCO Approves New Swiss Guard Barracks Projects](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/unesco-approves-new-swiss-guard-barracks-projects-1979): Work to Begin Post-Jubilee           
- [Pope at Angelus: ‘Through silence and prayer, we make space for Jesus’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-at-angelus-through-silence-and-prayer-we-make-space-for-jesus-1978): Pope Francis highlighted the importance of listening to God by embracing the example of John the Baptist, “the voice of one crying in the desert,” during his Angelus message on the second Sunday of Advent.  While the desert is “an empty place, where you do not communicate,” it was an important backdrop for John’s ministry as it represents a place of encounter where we can authentically “listen to God,” the pope said to the nearly 25,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, Dec. 10.  Noting that the image of the barren desert as a place of preaching may “seem […]
- [Vatican unveils Nativity scene honoring St. Francis of Assisi and devotion’s 800-year-old origin](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-unveils-nativity-scene-honoring-st-francis-of-assisi-and-devotions-800-year-old-origin-1977): The Vatican unveiled its annual Nativity scene earlier this evening, paying special tribute to the origins of the beloved tradition on its 800th anniversary.  The scene in St. Peter’s Square depicts not only Mary and Joseph standing beside the manger but also St. Francis of Assisi, who organized the first Nativity scene in a cave in the Italian village of Greccio on Christmas Eve in 1223. A close-up of the nativity scene unveiled at the Vatican in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 9, 2023. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/EWTN Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, the president of the Governorate of Vatican City State, […]
- [Pope Francis: Vatican Nativity scene should prompt prayers for the Holy Land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-vatican-nativity-scene-should-prompt-prayers-for-the-holy-land-1976): Pope Francis said today that the Vatican’s Nativity scene this year should compel people to think of the Holy Land — both of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago and also of the conflict currently engulfing the region.  “While we contemplate Jesus, God made man, small, poor, defenseless, we cannot help but think of the drama that the inhabitants of the Holy Land are experiencing, demonstrating to these brothers and sisters of ours, especially to children and their parents, our closeness and our spiritual support,” the pope said.  Pope Francis makes his remarks in a Saturday morning audience, Dec. […]
- [The story behind the Immaculate Conception banner at every Vatican Angelus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/story-behind-the-immaculate-conception-banner-at-every-vatican-angelus-1975): “The Immaculate Conception will triumph”: These are the words displayed, in Italian, on a blue banner held every week in St. Peter’s Square during the Angelus — a prayer honoring Mary — for 29 years. The banner’s declaration recalls the Marian spirituality of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who had a special devotion to the Immaculate Conception. Father Giacomo Martinelli, founder of the House of Mary community, waves at Pope Francis during a recent Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. Credit: Comunita Casa di Maria. Since the feast of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8, 1994, members of the Casa di Maria (“House of […]
- [Vatican News: Pope sends condolences to family of Indi Gregory & Message to Orthodox Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-sends-condolences-to-family-of-indi-gregory-and-message-to-orthodox-church-1974): Sign up for our newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican    Bringing you the latest and most significant news from Pope Francis and the Vatican.  1️⃣ Pope’s Condolences for Indi Gregory: Pope Francis sent a heartfelt message to the family of Indi Gregory, the British infant who tragically passed away last month. The Vatican expressed deep sorrow over the loss of this precious child.  2️⃣ Pope’s Message to Orthodox Patriarch: On St. Andrew’s feast day, Pope Francis extended fraternal affection and solidarity to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, underscoring the strong ties between the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.  3️⃣ Philippines Bomb Attack During […]
- [Pope Francis’ Voice Still Present at COP28 Despite Illness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-voice-still-present-at-cop28-despite-illness-1973): Pope Francis has once again spoken out in favor of protecting life and the poor. After the Holy Father was unable to travel to the COP28 Conference in Dubai as planned due to his illness, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, read out the Pope’s message in the United Arab Emirates.    The speech read: “The destruction of the environment is an offense against God, a sin that is not only personal but also structural, one that greatly endangers all human beings, especially the most vulnerable in our midst and threatens to unleash a conflict between generations.”   Pope […]
- [Economy of Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/economy-of-francis-1972): One of the core messages of the pontificate of Pope Francis is human fraternity.  In response to this, the Diocese of Assisi instituted the International Award “Francis of Assisi and Carlo Acutis for an Economy of Fraternity.”   EWTN Vatican spoke with Msgr. Anthony J. Figueiredo, author of Blessed Carlo Acutis: 5 Steps to Being a Saint. Msgr. Figueiredo said, “Carlo Acutis’ charity was very local and hidden. He was amongst the poor of the streets, the beggars, but he too dreamt of a better tomorrow for those last ones of our society. I think that’s where the Saints make […]
- [Bambino Gesù: Bringing Hope to Families](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bambino-gesu-bringing-hope-to-families-1971): The Christmas season is usually a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. Unfortunately, not every family gets to celebrate the festive season together. At the Bambino Gesù pediatric hospital in Rome, hundreds of children and their families are facing what may be the most difficult time of their lives. In the midst of the numerous challenges and suffering, the Pope’s very own hospital stands as a beacon of hope for families with sick children.       EWTN Vatican interviewed Tiziano Onesti, President of the Vatican’s pediatric hospital in Rome. Onesti expressed that the hospital gives hope, saying, “This morning, as […]
- [Treasures of Art and Faith in the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/treasures-of-art-and-faith-in-the-vatican-1970): Art and beauty have been cornerstones of the Catholic tradition. Since the earliest days of the faith, artwork has had a central role in evangelization. One just has to look at the Sistine Chapel, or gothic cathedrals, and stained-glass windows to feel pulled into the Christian story. Throughout Catholic history, it has often been the artist who has been the greatest evangelist.      Liz Lev, renowned Art Historian, spoke to EWTN Vatican, “From the very beginning the question is, ‘How do we communicate this great message, this great revelation?’ And of course, we have the scriptures, and we have […]
- [Art, Faith, and Patronage](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/art-faith-and-patronage-1969): In the evening on the third day of their 40th Anniversary Celebration, the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums visited the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in the center of Rome. Here they attended Holy Mass and reflected on their mission with treasures of art and faith before them.   Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas, extraordinary commissioner for the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, highlighte that, “This ancient basilica enshrines the venerated image of Salus Populi Romani, perhaps the oldest Marian image in Rome. We find Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior who is born for us, always close […]
- [Pope Francis announces Catholic Church’s first World Day of Children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-announces-catholic-churchs-first-world-day-of-children-1967): Pope Francis announced Friday that the Catholic Church will celebrate its first World Day of Children in May 2024.
- [PHOTOS: Pope Francis honors Virgin Mary on solemnity of the Immaculate Conception](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-francis-honors-virgin-mary-on-solemnity-of-the-immaculate-conception-1966): On the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis venerated a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary located atop a tall column near Rome’s Spanish Steps.
- [Pope Francis' Reflection on the 70th Anniversary of the Tears of the Virgin of Syracuse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reflection-on-the-70th-anniversary-of-the-tears-of-the-virgin-of-syracuse-1965): This December 7th, on the eve of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis sent a letter to the Archbishop of Syracuse (Italy), Monsignor Francesco Lomanto, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the tears of the Virgin of Syracuse, which fell over the headboard of a matrimonial bed, in the home of a poor family. The prodigy occurred in 1953, in the humble home of Angelo Iannuso and Antonina Lucia Giusto. In their room, the couple had a plaster relief image of the Virgin Mary. Over four days, from August 29th to September 1st, human tears fell […]
- [Pope Francis reads speeches unassisted for the first time in nearly two weeks](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reads-speeches-unassisted-for-the-first-time-in-nearly-two-weeks-1964): Pope Francis had seven meetings Thursday morning where he read out three speeches unassisted for the first time in nearly two weeks. The pope, who has been recovering from a bout of bronchitis, said that he was feeling “much better” on Wednesday but opted to have an aide read his general audience catechesis, explaining to the crowd that he still had difficulties if he “talks too much.” The following day, the pope seemed to show improvement in this respect as well by reading out his speeches during his meetings on Dec. 7 with members of the Focolare Movement, Italy’s National […]
- [Pope Francis’ cardinal advisers hear from 2 female professors on women’s role in the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-cardinal-advisers-hear-from-2-female-professors-on-womens-role-in-the-church-1963): Pope Francis’ council of cardinal advisers heard testimonies from two female theology professors who spoke about the role of women in the Church. The Holy See press office said on Dec. 6 that the pope met with his council of advisers for a two-day meeting in Rome, which included discussions of abuse prevention, the Synod on Synodality assembly, and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Holy Land. “At the center of reflection in this meeting was the theme of women’s role in the Church,” the Vatican said. Sister Linda Pocher, FMA, and Lucia Vantini, a theology professor in Verona, addressed […]
- [Here are 5 things to know about Cardinal Burke](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/here-are-5-things-to-know-about-cardinal-burke-1962): Reports emerged last week that Cardinal Raymond Burke — a prominent American archbishop — will soon lose his current Vatican housing and salary privileges. As the details of the situation continue to come to light, here are some important things to know about Burke.  1. He is the former head of the Church’s highest court. A native of Wisconsin, Burke was ordained a priest in 1975 by Pope Paul VI. Later ordained a bishop in 1995 by Pope John Paul II, Burke shepherded the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, founding the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe while there. In […]
- [Pope Francis at general audience: ‘The Spirit is the protagonist’ of evangelization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-general-audience-the-spirit-is-the-protagonist-of-evangelization-1961): Pope Francis’ multi-week catechetical series on the essential components of the proclamation of the Gospel culminated with a fourth and final component: the Holy Spirit as the protagonist of evangelization.  Amid applause at his entrance, Pope Francis greeted the faithful present in the Paul VI Audience Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 6. The Holy Father announced that Monsignor Filippo Ciampanelli would again read the prepared remarks on his behalf — as he did during the Nov. 29 audience — with Francis noting that he was “still struggling” from the lingering effects of a flu infection. “But I’m better,” the Holy Father […]
- [9 Facts about the Meaning and Value of the Manger at Christmas According to Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/9-facts-about-the-meaning-and-value-of-the-manger-at-christmas-according-to-pope-francis-1960): As Christmas nears and homes prepare their nativity scenes, it's fitting to recall Pope Francis' 2019 apostolic letter reflecting on the significance and value of the manger in celebrating the birth of Jesus
- [Canonization cause advances for ‘God’s architect,’ Antoni Gaudí](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/canonization-cause-advances-for-gods-architect-antoni-gaudi-1959): The beatification cause for renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, famously known for designing the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, has progressed significantly, moving him closer to potentially being declared a saint.
- [LIVE | Pope Francis' Act of Veneration on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-act-of-veneration-on-the-feast-of-the-immaculate-conception-1958): Sign up for our newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican  LIVE from the Piazza di Spagna, Rome | Pope Francis’ Act of Veneration on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Let us know where you are watching from and what your prayer requests are!
- [Roman Nights - Treasures of Faith and Art - December 1st 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/roman-nights-treasures-of-faith-and-art-december-1st-2023-1956): In a recent and remarkable gathering, the Vatican hosted an engaging evening titled Roman Nights on December 1st, 2023. The event, set within the historic walls of the Vatican, provided a unique platform for exploring the intersections of art and faith. This notable occasion featured a preview of an upcoming documentary, spotlighting the restoration efforts at the Vatican Museums and the critical role played by the Patrons of the Arts. The event boasted a panel of distinguished speakers, including Fr. John Wauck, a priest of Opus Dei with a rich background in Renaissance History and Literature; Anthony Johnson, a Senior […]
- [Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung Turns 80: Number of Electors for Future Conclave Drops to 134](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-yeom-soo-jung-turns-80-number-of-electors-for-future-conclave-drops-to-134-1955): Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung of Seoul turns 80 today, stepping down as a Cardinal elector and becoming ineligible for future papal conclaves.           
- [Pope Francis to Honor Salus Populi  Romani Icon with Golden Rose](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-honor-salus-populi-romani-icon-with-golden-rose-1954): On the occasion of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis will bestow a Golden Rose upon the icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani, where Saint Ignatius of Loyola said his first Mass, in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
- [Did you know that the relic of the right arm of St. Francis Xavier is in Rome?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/did-you-know-that-the-relic-of-the-right-arm-of-st-francis-xavier-is-in-rome-1953): Saint Francis Xavier, a Spanish Jesuit priest and missionary from the 16th century, is often revered as the "Giant of the History of Missions," attributed to his fervent evangelizing zeal and spiritual fortitude.
- [Pope Francis Signs Interfaith Climate Statement as Part of COP28 Summit in Dubai](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-signs-interfaith-climate-statement-as-part-of-cop28-summit-in-dubai-1952): Pope Francis has added his signature to an “interfaith statement” meant to call attention to what the Holy Father and other advocates say is the ongoing crisis of climate change threatening much of the world.  
- [Vatican News: Pope's Gift to Argentina's President-Elect Milei & Bishop Barron's Disagreement with Synod Report](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-popes-gift-to-argentinas-president-elect-milei-and-bishop-barrons-disagreement-with-synod-report-1950): Sign up for our newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican    Welcome to this week’s episode of Vaticano Updates, where we bring you the latest and most important news from Pope Francis and the Vatican. In this episode, we cover the top five news stories: Pope Sends Rosary to Argentina’s President-Elect Meeting with Paraguay’s President. Bishop Barron’s Disagreement with Synod Report. New Additions to Vatican’s Laity and Family Office. Pope Francis’ Upcoming Visit to Verona.
- [Patrons and Restorers of the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/patrons-and-restorers-of-the-vatican-1949): EWTN Vatican brings you the third installment of our series on the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums, who recently held their 40th Anniversary Celebration in Rome.   EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser interviewed Monsignor Terence Hogan, the Vatican Office Coordinator for the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums.    We’re here in one of the many laboratories of the Vatican museums. It’s quite incredible how many works of art from different centuries and different continents are being brought here to be maintained and preserved for generations to come.    We are in the marble restoration […]
- [Bourbon, Bluegrass, and the Bible: The Hillbilly Thomists play in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bourbon-bluegrass-and-the-bible-the-hillbilly-thomists-play-in-rome-1948): Father Thomas Joseph White is a Founder and member of the Hillbilly Thomists. When asked by EWTN Vatican what a Hillbilly Thomist is, he explained, “The Hillbilly Thomists are 8 Dominican priests from the East Coast of the United States, the province of Saint Joseph. And really, we were all in a formation house together in Washington, DC, and some of them were professional musicians before they entered religious life. So we started playing folk music and bluegrass music together. And eventually in 2017, we recorded a first album to try to make money for the studentate for priestly formation, […]
- [Hope for the Holy Land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hope-for-the-holy-land-1947): We encounter news from the Holy Land every day now. From an Israeli Press Conference we hear one account, “She was kidnaped from her bed in her pajamas with other girls. Other girls were murdered and she was taken hostage.” From a Palestinian Press Conference we hear, “My mother, my sisters, my brothers and their children have been all killed in one instant. That is not easy, 13 lives, that is not a statistic, they are people who I lived with and I had memories with everyone of them.”    Pope Francis met Palestinian and Israeli families in the Vatican, […]
- [Vatican Draws Line on Women’s Ordination and Homosexuality in New Letter to German Bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-draws-line-on-womens-ordination-and-homosexuality-in-new-letter-to-german-bishops-1946): The Vatican has informed German bishops in writing that the ordination of women and changes in the Church’s teaching on homosexuality cannot be subjects of discussion in the upcoming meetings with delegates of the German Synodal Way in Rome.     The letter, dated October 23rd, also reminded the bishops of potential disciplinary consequences for anyone defying the teaching of the Church. Written by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and addressed to the Secretary General of the German Bishops’ Conference, Beate Gilles, the letter was shared with all German diocesan bishops. The latest in a growing list […]
- [Speaking Truth in Times of Oppression & AI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/speaking-truth-in-times-of-oppression-and-ai-2153): On the 58th World Day of Social Communications, Pope Francis asked, “How can we remain fully human and guide this cultural transformation to serve a good purpose?”     Pope Francis put forward this question at the outset of his message for World Day of Social Communications. This cultural transformation is being brought about by Artificial Intelligence.    Pope Francis addressed the opportunities and dangers posed by the new technology and how it affects the role and work of journalists. This was the same question Catholic journalists from across the globe addressed at a conference held at the Shrine of Our […]
- [Christian Persecution Rises as New Report from the Vatican Shows](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christian-persecution-rises-as-new-report-from-the-vatican-shows-2152): In the shadow of oppression, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Eritrea, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Sudan, and India emerge as some of the arduous places for Christians. Today, as religious freedom continues to dwindle, the persecution of Christians has surged to its highest point in three decades. The global stage witnesses a distressing reality, with believers facing unprecedented challenges in these regions.   Father Walter Ihejirika, President Signis Africa, said, “There’s no other way one can speak about this, it is a calculated attempt to decimate the population and to instill fear in them so that they can really drop their fate. […]
- [World Day of Consecrated Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-day-of-consecrated-life-2151): Instituted in 1997 by Pope Saint John Paul II, the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life is “intended to help the entire Church to esteem ever more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by means of the practice of the evangelical counsels.”  The consecrated life, Pope John Paul II wrote in his post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation Vita Consecrata, “is at the very heart of the Church,” and for this reason ought to be celebrated.   Father Martin Wolf OMI, Official of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, discussed with […]
- [Pope Francis: “Fiducia supplicans” seeks to include](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-fiducia-supplicans-seeks-to-include-2150): In a long interview with the Italian newspaper “La Stampa,” Pope Francis once again repeated his thoughts on Fiducia supplicans, the Declaration on Blessings published on December 18. 
- [In letter to ‘Jewish brothers and sisters’ Pope Francis laments ‘terrible increase’ in attacks against Jews](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-letter-to-jewish-brothers-and-sisters-pope-francis-laments-terrible-increase-in-attacks-against-jews-2149): In a letter addressed to “my Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel" and released today, Pope Francis lamented the “terrible increase in attacks against Jews around the world” that has taken place since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war last October.
- [Vatican Doctrine Office Releases Note on Discerning the Validity of the Sacraments](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-doctrine-office-releases-note-on-discerning-the-validity-of-the-sacraments-2148): The Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) released a note on Saturday on discerning the validity of the sacraments.
- [Vatican: Here are the details of the first World Children's Day in May 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-here-are-the-details-of-the-first-world-childrens-day-in-may-2024-2146): The Vatican has unveiled this Friday, February 2, the details of what will be the first World Children's Day, set to take place in Rome and globally on May 25 and 26, 2024, as desired by Pope Francis.
- [Pope Francis Urges Consecrated Men and Women to Cultivate ‘an Intense Interior Life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-consecrated-men-and-women-to-cultivate-an-intense-interior-life-2145): On the 28th World Day of Consecrated Life, Pope Francis spoke about the importance of cultivating “an intense spiritual life” that is nourished by Eucharistic adoration, intercessory prayer, and silence.
- [Pope Francis' Message for Lent 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-message-for-lent-2024-2144): This Thursday, February 1, the Holy See Press Office released Pope Francis' message for Lent 2024 titled: "Through the Desert, God Leads Us to Freedom."
- [Urban Artist Behind Famous "Super Pope" Designs Official Image for This Lent](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/urban-artist-behind-famous-super-pope-designs-official-image-for-this-lent-2143): Urban artist Mauro Pallotta, known for creating graffiti images of Pope Francis on the streets of Rome, has been chosen by the Vatican to design this year's official Lent image.
- [Pope Francis Appoints New Deputy to the Vatican's Secretariat for the Economy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-new-deputy-to-the-vaticans-secretariat-for-the-economy-2142): Pope Francis appoints Benjamin Estévez de Cominges as Secretary General of the Secretariat for the Economy. Thus, the organizational chart of the Vatican's "finance ministry" is completed.
- [Pope Francis’ 2024 Lenten message: ‘Lent is a season of conversion, a time of freedom’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-2024-lenten-message-lent-is-a-season-of-conversion-a-time-of-freedom-2141): Pope Francis has centered his Lenten message for 2024 on the Book of Exodus, choosing “Through the Desert God Leads Us to Freedom” as its main theme to encourage the faithful that the season is a journey from bondage to spiritual renewal and freedom.
- [Vatican Proclaims Antipolo Cathedral as First International Marian Sanctuary in Southeast Asia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-proclaims-antipolo-cathedral-as-first-international-marian-sanctuary-in-southeast-asia-2140): Last week, the Antipolo Cathedral, home to this revered statue, was declared an "international sanctuary." This marks a historic event as it is not only the first international sanctuary in the Philippines but also in Southeast Asia.
- [Pope Francis: Wrath is a vice that is ‘pervasive,’ ‘dark’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-wrath-is-a-vice-that-is-pervasive-dark-2139): Pope Francis dedicated his Jan. 31 general audience to the subject of wrath, characterizing it as a vice that is “pervasive” and “particularly dark.”  In his opening remarks, the Holy Father observed that wrath is an inherently physical vice, as it is “perhaps the easiest to detect from a physical point of view” because “one who is consumed by wrath” has a particular difficulty in “hid[ing] this impulse.”  “You can recognize it from the movements of his body, his aggressiveness, his labored breathing, his grim and frowning expression. In its most acute manifestation, wrath is a vice that concedes no […]
- [Pope Francis Creates ‘New’ Diocese in China, Accepting Borders Drawn by Beijing](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-creates-new-diocese-in-china-accepting-borders-drawn-by-beijing-2138): The Vatican announced Monday that Pope Francis has created a “new” diocese in mainland China — a decision that tacitly recognizes diocesan borders drawn by Beijing, according to Asia News.
- [Pope Francis: Small Ideological Groups Oppose Same-Sex Blessings; Africa a ‘Special Case’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-small-ideological-groups-oppose-same-sex-blessings-africa-a-special-case-2137): Pope Francis suggested that the opposition to the Vatican’s approval of nonliturgical blessings for same-sex couples mostly comes from “small ideological groups” with the exception of Africa, which he said is “a special case.”
- [Argentine President Javier Milei, Pope Francis to meet](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/argentine-president-javier-milei-pope-francis-to-meet-2136): Pope Francis will meet Argentina's President Javier Milei during the canonization of Blessed María Antonia of St. Joseph (Mama Antula), the first Argentine female saint, on Feb. 11 in Rome.
- [Cardinal Onaiyekan Celebrates His 80th Birthday, Reducing African Electors to 16](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-onaiyekan-celebrates-his-80th-birthday-reducing-african-electors-to-16-2135): Today marks the 80th birthday of Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Nigeria, which also means he will no longer be eligible to participate as an elector in a future conclave. He was born in Kabba on January 29, 1944. After completing his studies in Nigeria, he moved to Rome and studied at the Pontifical Urban University of Propaganda Fide. He was ordained a priest on August 3, 1969. Upon returning to Rome, he obtained a license in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute and a doctorate in biblical theology from the Pontifical Urban University. In […]
- [Pope Francis Highlights This Valuable Lesson From Tennis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-highlights-this-valuable-lesson-from-tennis-2134): Pope Francis imparted a valuable lesson that can be learned from the sport of tennis this morning during an audience at the Vatican with the Spanish delegation from the “Real Club de Tenis Barcelona,” celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. The Holy Father emphasized that tennis, in particular, “not being a team game but an individual or doubles game, presents an interesting facet for our reflection.” “In tennis, just like in life, we cannot always win, but it will be an enriching struggle if, by playing with courtesy and according to the rules, we learn that it is not a […]
- [Pope Francis: ‘The Devil Always Takes Away Your Freedom’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-devil-always-takes-away-your-freedom-2133): Pope Francis warned on Sunday that the devil wants to “chain our souls” and enslave us with many temptations, while “Jesus came to free us from all of these chains.”
- [The Sistine Chapel of Saint Mary Major: A Unique Treasure in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sistine-chapel-of-saint-mary-major-a-unique-treasure-in-rome-2132): More than One Sistine Chapel in Rome
- [Preparing for the 750th Anniversary of St. Thomas Aquinas Death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/preparing-for-the-750th-anniversary-of-st-thomas-aquinas-death-2131): Commemorating the 750th Anniversary of St. Thomas Aquinas: Father Serge-Thomas Bonino reflects on the Angelic Doctor's life and 'living Thomism,' and students at the Angelicum honor his rational approach to faith and enduring theological legacy
- [Hope at the center of World Day for Jewish-Catholic Dialogue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hope-at-the-center-of-world-day-for-jewish-catholic-dialogue-2130): Dialogue in a Context of War
- [Christian Persecution on the Rise](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christian-persecution-on-the-rise-2129): Highlighting the Story of a North Korean Dissident
- [Pope Francis: Blessed Carlo Acutis is an Example for Young People Receiving Confirmation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-blessed-carlo-acutis-is-an-example-for-young-people-receiving-confirmation-2128): Pope Francis received this Saturday the young people of the Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto (Italy) who will receive the sacrament of Confirmation. He proposed the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis as an example, describing him as "a truly special type."
- [Pope Francis: Blessings Don’t Require ‘Moral Perfection’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-blessings-dont-require-moral-perfection-2127): Pope Francis on Friday clarified the Vatican’s position on same-sex blessings, affirming the recent declaration Fiducia Supplicans and emphasizing that “moral perfection” isn’t a requirement for receiving a blessing.
- [Archbishop of Canterbury Celebrates Anglican Mass in a Catholic Basilica in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-of-canterbury-celebrates-anglican-mass-in-a-catholic-basilica-in-rome-2126): The Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby celebrated an Anglican rite Mass on the morning of January 25th in the Catholic Basilica of San Bartolomeo, located on the banks of the Tiber River on the so-called Tiber Island of Rome.
- [Pope Francis Affirms that Without Prayer, One Cannot be a Vatican Judge: If You Don't Pray, Resign](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-affirms-that-without-prayer-one-cannot-be-a-vatican-judge-if-you-dont-pray-resign-2125): During the inauguration of the Vatican’s Judicial Year this Thursday, January 25, Pope Francis reminded the judges of the Apostolic Tribunal of the Roman Rota about the importance of prayer and invoking the Holy Spirit for good discernment, especially during marriage nullity processes. In his address to the magistrates, the Holy Father reflected on discernment, a “key part of this service”, particularly necessary during marriage nullity processes. He also recalled the latest reforms implemented in these processes through his motu proprio Mitis iudex Dominus Iesus, emphasizing that these changes “should not be misinterpreted, and the necessity of serving the faithful […]
- [Cardinal Zen: Fiducia Supplicans ‘Creates Confusion’; Suggests Fernández Should Resign](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zen-fiducia-supplicans-creates-confusion-suggests-fernandez-should-resign-2124): Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun said Pope Francis’ recent declaration allowing the blessing of same-sex couples under certain conditions “creates confusion” and suggested that its author, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, should resign or be dismissed.
- [Cardinal Ercole Consalvi, Precursor of Realpolitik](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-ercole-consalvi-precursor-of-realpolitik-2123): Examining the Diplomatic Legacy of Cardinal Consalvi: A Pioneer of Realpolitik
- [Pope Appoints New Bishop in China, Bringing a 70-year Vacancy to an End](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-appoints-new-bishop-in-china-bringing-a-70-year-vacancy-to-an-end-2122): Father Thaddeus Wang Yuesheng was consecrated bishop of Zhengzhou, China, on Thursday, bringing an end to a 70-year-long sede vacante.  
- [Christian Unity Must be Rooted in Prayer, Pope Says at Ecumenical Vespers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christian-unity-must-be-rooted-in-prayer-pope-says-at-ecumenical-vespers-2121): Marking the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Francis hosted an ecumenical vespers at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
- [Message from Pope Francis on World Communications Day 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/message-from-pope-francis-on-world-communications-day-2024-2120): Every January 24th, Saint Francis de Sales, the patron saint of Catholic press, journalists, and writers, is commemorated. In line with this feast, the Church celebrates World Communications Day. Below is the full message from Pope Francis on this occasion, titled “Artificial Intelligence and Wisdom of the Heart: Towards a Fully Human Communication.” Dear brothers and sisters! The development of systems of artificial intelligence, to which I devoted my recent Message for the World Day of Peace, is radically affecting the world of information and communication, and through it, certain foundations of life in society. These changes affect everyone, not […]
- [Italian Bishops Welcome Fiducia supplicans: “It is Situated on the Horizon of Mercy”](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-bishops-welcome-fiducia-supplicans-it-is-situated-on-the-horizon-of-mercy-2119): Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, has announced that the country's bishops have welcomed the Fiducia supplicans declaration, "a document situated on the horizon of mercy."
- [Pope Francis Will Visit this Italian City in July 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-will-visit-this-italian-city-in-july-2024-2118): Pope Francis will visit the Italian city of Trieste on July 7, 2024, to close the 50th Social Week of Catholics in Italy.
- [After Fiducia supplicans, Pope Francis Appoints Cardinal Fernández as a Member of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/after-fiducia-supplicans-pope-francis-appoints-cardinal-fernandez-as-a-member-of-the-dicastery-for-promoting-christian-unity-2117): Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Víctor Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith, a new member of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity.
- [Vatican Appeals Court Sentences Priest to Prison for Sexual Abuse of Teen](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-appeals-court-sentences-priest-to-prison-for-sexual-abuse-of-teen-2116): The Vatican Court of Appeals sentenced an Italian priest to jail on Jan. 23 for “the crime of corruption of minors” relating to the sexual abuse of a fellow student at a school for papal altar boys.
- [A Polish Priest Murdered by Communists Out of Hatred for the Faith will be Beatified](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/polish-priest-murdered-by-communists-out-of-hatred-for-the-faith-will-be-beatified-2115): On January 24, Pope Francis approved the decree recognizing the martyrdom of Father Michal Rapacz, who was assassinated in Poland by communists due to their hatred for the faith, on May 12, 1946
- [Servant of God Joseph Dutton’s cause for canonization sent to Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/servant-of-god-joseph-duttons-cause-for-canonization-sent-to-vatican-2114): In the Diocese of Honolulu, Hawaii, the local phase concluded Sunday for the cause of canonization of Servant of God Joseph Dutton, a companion of St. Damien of Molokai and layman who lived among and served those suffering with leprosy. Evidence from the local phase, which included 2,000 pages of investigation, will now be sent to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome for review. During a Mass on Sunday in celebration of the next phase toward Dutton’s potential canonization, Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva said that Dutton “exiled himself” to the remote part of Molokai island where lepers […]
- [Pope Francis recalls ‘the primary reason’ for the new edition of YouCat](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-recalls-the-primary-reason-for-the-new-edition-of-youcat-2113): “Love is the primary reason for the existence of the Church,” Pope Francis begins the letter accompanying the new edition of YouCat, the Catechism of the Catholic Church written for adolescents and young people. The full text was published yesterday by the Italian newspaper La Stampa and is titled “The Password for Joy,” which, according to the pope, is found precisely within the catechism. The pope explains that this “love” of which he speaks is primarily the love that God the Father revealed to the world through Jesus.  However, he also points out that there is another love that comes […]
- [Pope Francis: Avarice is a ‘Sickness of the Heart, Not of the Wallet’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-avarice-is-a-sickness-of-the-heart-not-of-the-wallet-2112): In his Wednesday general audience, Pope Francis said the preoccupation with the accumulation of material goods reflects a greater “pathological accumulation.”
- [Vatican: How to Live This Year of Prayer and Prepare for the 2025 Jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-how-to-live-this-year-of-prayer-and-prepare-for-the-2025-jubilee-2111): Pope Francis officially inaugurated the Year of Prayer 2024 on January 21, specifically dedicated to prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee, which will take place in Rome under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
- [Cardinal explains how African rejection of Fiducia Supplicans was handled](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-explains-how-african-rejection-of-fiducia-supplicans-was-handled-2110): Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besengu, OFM Cap, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), recently recounted step by step how the rejection of the blessing of homosexual couples was handled on the African continent and at the Vatican. In a recording of an interview posted on the French lay Catholic blog Le Salon Beige, the cardinal explained what happened in Africa after the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), headed by Argentine Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, published the declaration Fiducia Supplicans, which allows the blessing of same-sex couples and couples in irregular situations. Reactions […]
- [Pope Francis thanks Vatican journalists for reporting on scandals in the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-thanks-vatican-journalists-for-reporting-on-scandals-in-the-church-2109): Pope Francis thanked the Vatican press corps on Monday for reporting on scandals in the Church with “delicacy” in a media environment that he said often “distorts religious news.” Journalists accredited to the Holy See Press Office met the pope in a private audience at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Jan. 22.  “Being a journalist is a vocation, somewhat like that of a doctor, who chooses to love humanity by curing illnesses. In a certain sense, the journalist does likewise, choosing to touch personally the wounds of society and the world,” Pope Francis said. Pope Francis meets with journalists accredited […]
- [Finland: a laboratory of ecumenism and Christian unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/finland-a-laboratory-of-ecumenism-and-christian-unity-2108): Pope Francis received an ecumenical delegation from Finland on Friday, Jan. 19, on the second day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and to mark the feast of St. Henry of Uppsala.  Speaking on the importance of ecumenical dialogue and providing a broader reflection on the saints and the important role their testament plays, the pope noted that “we are on a journey and our common goal is Jesus Christ.”  The pope told the Finnish delegation: “The saints are brothers and sisters who have traveled this road to the end and have reached their goal. They accompany us […]
- [Pope Francis calls for release of 6 religious sisters taken hostage in Haiti](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-release-of-6-religious-sisters-taken-hostage-in-haiti-2107): Pope Francis called for the release of six religious sisters who have been kidnapped in Haiti in his Angelus address on Sunday. Armed gunmen took the religious sisters hostage in Port-au-Prince on Friday during a bus hijacking, according to Vatican News. The sisters, members of the Sisters of St. Anne congregation, were abducted along with all of the other bus passengers. “I have learned with sorrow of the kidnapping in Haiti of a group of people, including six religious sisters,” Pope Francis said on Jan. 21. “In my heartfelt plea for their release, I pray for social concord in the […]
- [Pope Francis: Return to God’s word rather than social media’s ‘violence of words’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-return-to-gods-word-rather-than-social-medias-violence-of-words-2106): Pope Francis has called Catholics to spend more time with the saving power of God’s word as society and social media amplify “the violence of words.” Speaking of the “immense power” that the word of God can unleash in people’s lives, Pope Francis encouraged us to always “have the Gospel within easy reach.” “While society and social media accentuate the violence of words, let us draw closer to and cultivate the quiet word of God that brings salvation, that is gentle, that does not make a loud noise and that enters into our hearts,” Pope Francis said on Jan. 21. […]
- [Pope Francis announces Year of Prayer to prepare for 2025 Jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-announces-year-of-prayer-to-prepare-for-2025-jubilee-2105): Pope Francis announced the start of a Year of Prayer on Sunday in preparation for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year. In his Angelus address, the pope said that a Year of Prayer starting on Jan. 21 will be “a year dedicated to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer in one’s personal life, in the life of the Church, and in the world.” “Dear brothers and sisters, the coming months will lead us to the opening of the Holy Door, with which we will begin the jubilee,” Pope Francis said from the window of the Apostolic Palace. […]
- [Pope Francis: Everyone Can Have a Dog, But It's Necessary to Have Children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-everyone-can-have-a-dog-but-its-necessary-to-have-children-2104): Pope Francis remarked that while anyone can have a dog, it is necessary to have children, especially in an era marked by low birth rates, a situation that concerns him.
- [Pope Francis to Charismatics: Progress as an Ecclesial Movement, Not as a "Samba School"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-charismatics-progress-as-an-ecclesial-movement-not-as-a-samba-school-2103): Pope Francis encouraged charismatics to continue as an ecclesial movement and not as a “samba school”, highlighting three essential aspects of their service: prayer, evangelization, and communion. The Pope made these remarks on Saturday, January 20th, when he received members of the National Council of Renewal in the Holy Spirit in an audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. In his speech, Pope Francis recalled his initial view of the charismatic movement in the past when he was a priest and later during his years as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina. “I had a ‘special history’ with you, because […]
- [Dutch Bishops Offer Cautious Response to Vatican Blessing Guidance, Bucking Regional Trend](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dutch-bishops-offer-cautious-response-to-vatican-blessing-guidance-bucking-regional-trend-2102): Dutch Catholic bishops have given a measured response to the Vatican's guidance on blessings, contrasting with their Western European counterparts.
- [St. Charbel mosaic blessed by Pope Francis installed in Vatican grottoes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-charbel-mosaic-blessed-by-pope-francis-installed-in-vatican-grottoes-2101): A mosaic of St. Charbel blessed by Pope Francis was installed this morning in the Vatican grottoes located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
- [Bambino Gesù: Europe's Largest Pediatric Hospital and Its Global Mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bambino-gesu-europes-largest-pediatric-hospital-and-its-global-mission-2100): Vatican's Bambino Gesù Hospital Expands Globally, Offering Free Pediatric Care and Advanced Research
- [We All Have the Duty to Pray for Unity: Interview with Cardinal Koch](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/we-all-have-the-duty-to-pray-for-unity-2099): EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser sat down with Cardinal Kurt Koch, who oversees the Church’s efforts regarding unity with other churches.
- [Pope Francis’ Call for Christian Unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-call-for-christian-unity-2097): “It is time to heal the relationships among the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches,” Pope Francis urged on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Catholic-Orthodox Committee for Cultural Collaboration. The Pope highlighted the Committee’s crucial role in fostering cultural collaboration among the Catholic Church, Orthodox Churches, and Eastern Orthodox Churches. He emphasized its academic programs, essential for building dialogue and friendship among Catholic and Orthodox students. In referencing the benefit of such communities, Pope Francis highlighted how, “This lively and direct contact with concrete communities in which people experience the same desire to follow the one Master, […]
- [St. Anthony Abbot: The Tradition of Blessing Animals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-anthony-abbot-the-tradition-of-blessing-animals-2096): Each year on February 17th, Pope Pius XII’s Square outside of St. Peter’s Basilica turns into a farm for the Feast of St. Anthony the Abbot.
- [Remembering Cardinal Pell](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/remembering-cardinal-pell-2095): One year after the Death of Cardinal Pell
- [A Period of Eucharistic Revival in the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/period-of-eucharistic-revival-in-the-church-2094): Prepping for the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis
- [The Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome: A Living Reliquary of Faith and History](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/basilica-of-saint-mary-major-in-rome-a-living-reliquary-of-faith-and-history-2093): The beating heart of the Basilica is the altar that enshrines some of the most precious relics of Christendom. The complex is crowned by a baldachin, and a chapel underneath provides access to venerate the relics of the nativity that arrived from Bethlehem in the 7th century. Guido Sante, guiding us through the time, the art, and the spirituality of the Papal Archbasilica of Saint Mary Major, relates some recent history of the Basilica, “In the 19th century, about 150 years ago, (…) Pope Pius IX, who reigned for many years, decided to construct a confession. Essentially, this involved opening […]
- [Could Pope Francis Become the First Pope to Visit Vietnam?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/could-pope-francis-become-the-first-pope-to-visit-vietnam-2092): Pope Francis Expresses Eagerness for Historic Visit to Vietnam Amid Positive Vatican-Vietnam Relations
- [Pope Francis issues new regulations setting spending limits for Vatican offices](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-issues-new-regulations-setting-spending-limits-for-vatican-offices-2091): Pope Francis amended the Vatican’s financial regulations on Tuesday, enshrining a spending limit into law that requires Vatican offices to get permission before making large purchases. The pope published two apostolic letters — which the Holy Father issued motu proprio (“on his own impulse”) — on Jan. 16 that make changes to some of Francis’ former financial reform laws from June 2020, updating them to align with the 2021 apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium, the pope’s signature reform of the organization and structure of the Roman Curia. The first motu proprio, titled “On the Limits and Modalities of Ordinary Administration,” requires […]
- [PHOTOS: Animals blessed in St. Peter’s Square for feast of St. Anthony Abbot](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-animals-blessed-in-st-peters-square-for-feast-of-st-anthony-abbot-2090): St. Peter’s Square was filled with horses, cows, donkeys, dogs, sheep, chickens, and rabbits on Wednesday for the feast of St. Anthony Abbot. Farmers and pet owners alike brought out their beloved animals to the Vatican for a special blessing on Jan. 17. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti blesses animals in St. Peter’s Square for the feast of St. Anthony of the Desert, co-patron of animals, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA While many American Catholics associate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi with a blessing of animals, in Italy farmers traditionally celebrate the feast of St. Anthony Abbot, […]
- [Pope: World Economic Forum meeting an opportunity to find ‘ways to build a better world’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-world-economic-forum-meeting-an-opportunity-to-find-ways-to-build-a-better-world-2089): On the occasion of the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Pope Francis sent a letter to the group’s leader to express his hope that it will be an opportunity to find “ways to build a better world.”  The pope’s Jan. 17 letter, addressed to the organization’s chairperson, Klaus Schwab, comes against the backdrop of what the pontiff described as an “increasingly lacerated world” and a “troubling climate of international instability.” The letter opened with the pope’s characterization of modern wars, which “no longer take place only on clearly defined battlefields, nor do they involve […]
- [Cardinal Fernández says Pope Francis knew about his book ‘Mystical Passion’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-fernandez-says-pope-francis-knew-about-his-book-mystical-passion-2088): The prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, said in a recent interview that Pope Francis previously knew of his Spanish-language book “Mystical Passion: Spirituality and Sensuality.” The book was originally published in Mexico in 1998, when Fernández was 36. He had been a priest for 12 years and already held a doctorate in theology. The book has been out of circulation, but the Argentine blog Caminante Wanderer revealed its existence in a Jan. 8 post, and it was later reported by various media outlets. In an interview last week with the […]
- [Pope Francis: ‘In Christianity, there is no condemnation of the sexual instinct’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-christianity-there-is-no-condemnation-of-the-sexual-instinct-2087): In a continuation of his catechetical series on vice and virtue, Pope Francis on Wednesday dedicated his general audience to the difference between love and lust.
- [Pope Francis to Conduct His Spiritual Exercises in the First Week of Lent 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-conduct-his-spiritual-exercises-in-the-first-week-of-lent-2024-2086): Pope Francis will personally undertake his Lenten spiritual retreat from the evening of Sunday, February 18 until Friday, February 23, 2024.
- [Pope Francis responds to Resistance to Fiducia Supplicans: ‘The Lord Blesses Everyone’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-responds-to-resistance-to-fiducia-supplicans-the-lord-blesses-everyone-2085): Pope Francis responded publicly to questions about the Vatican’s declaration on blessings for same-sex couples for the first time in a television interview
- [Pope Francis: ‘I Like To Think Of Hell As Empty’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-i-like-to-think-of-hell-as-empty-2084): Pope Francis appeared on Italy’s most popular prime-time talk show on Sunday night where the pontiff shared how he hopes that hell is “empty.”
- [Pope Francis: ‘War itself is a crime against humanity’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-war-itself-is-a-crime-against-humanity-2082): Pope Francis made a strong appeal for peace on Sunday calling modern warfare “a crime against humanity” that sows death among civilians and destroys cities. Speaking at the end of his Angelus address on Jan. 14, the pope urged people to pray for all who are suffering due to “the cruelty of war,” especially in Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel. “We pray that those who have power over these conflicts will reflect that war is not the way to resolve them because it sows death among civilians and destroys cities and infrastructure. In other words, war today is in itself a […]
- [Pope Francis' Favourite Church: The Basilica of Saint Mary the Major](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-favourite-church-the-basilica-of-saint-mary-the-major-2081): The Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, revered as one of Rome’s four major basilicas, stands as a testament to centuries of Christian faith and artistry. This basilica, deeply cherished by Pope Francis, who has visited it over 100 times, is not just a monument but a living chronicle of the Church’s history. From its striking external grandeur to the rich history it holds within, Saint Mary Major has been a pivotal site for the Roman Pontiffs, with six popes buried here. But what exactly endears this basilica to Pope Francis and his predecessors? Guido Sante, a conservator-restorer, offers an […]
- [Journey to Sainthood: Beatification of Cardinal Pironio](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/blessed-cardinal-eduardo-francisco-pironio-a-testament-to-faith-and-justice-2080): In a ceremony at the iconic Cathedral of Luján in Argentina, Cardinal Eduardo Francisco Pironio, a living testament to unyielding faith and an embodiment of justice, was beatified on December 16th, 2023. Originating from the heart of Argentina, Cardinal Pironio’s life was an anthem dedicated to championing human rights, fostering peace, and nurturing dialogue. His legacy took on a new dimension when Pope Francis approved a miracle of healing attributed to the intercession of the late Cardinal. This miraculous healing involved Juan Manuel Franco, a tender 15-month-old from Argentina. In an exclusive interview with the postulator of Cardinal Pironio’s Canonization […]
- [Pope Francis' Agenda for 2024: Road to the 2025 Jubilee Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-agenda-for-2024-road-to-the-2025-jubilee-year-2079): In his Christmas day “Urbi et Orbi,” a solemn papal address, Pope Francis shared his wish to journey through 2024 as “a pilgrim of hope” treating the new year as “a time of preparation for the Holy Year,” the Jubilee Year in 2025. The Holy Father expressed his hope that the new year would be “an opportunity for the conversion of hearts, for the rejection of war and the embrace of peace, and for joyfully responding to the Lord’s call.”    Although Pope Francis is now 87 years old and one of the oldest popes in history to lead the […]
- [EWTN Hosts Conference to Honor Pope Benedict XVI: Reflecting on His Life, Teachings, and Legacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-hosts-conference-to-honor-pope-benedict-xvi-reflecting-on-his-life-teachings-and-legacy-2078): EWTN recently broadcasted a special conference to honor the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's passing.
- [Pope Francis Urges Respect for Life and Condemns Surrogate Motherhood in Diplomatic Address](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-respect-for-life-and-condemns-surrogate-motherhood-in-diplomatic-address-2077): In his annual address to diplomats accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis stressed his concern for the perilous path the world is headed along and the need for peace, particularly in the Middle East.      The Holy Father said, “The world is experiencing a growing number of conflicts,”  which as he warned is slowly transforming what he has called the “‘third world war in pieces’ into a true global conflict.”   The Holy Father recalled that, “We were all shocked by the terrorist attack against the Israeli population on October 7th, where many innocent people were brutally injured, tortured, and […]
- [Pope Francis' Message for the 2024 World Day of the Sick](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-message-for-the-2024-world-day-of-the-sick-2076): The Vatican Press Office released Pope Francis's message for the 2024 World Day of the Sick, which will be celebrated on February 11th this year
- [Pope Francis Calls for Greater Dialogue and Cooperation Between Christians, Marxists](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-greater-dialogue-and-cooperation-between-christians-marxists-2075): Pope Francis this week called for cooperation between Christians and Marxists as a way to achieve greater “dialogue” and help in the search for the “common good.”
- [Cardinal Parolin: Fiducia Supplicans Has ‘Touched a Very Sensitive Point’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-fiducia-supplicans-has-touched-a-very-sensitive-point-2074): Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, has commented on the divided reaction to the Fiducia Supplicans document amid a great backlash from episcopal conferences.
- [Argentine president formally invites Pope Francis to visit native land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/argentine-president-formally-invites-pope-francis-to-visit-native-land-2073): The president of Argentina, Javier Milei, has sent Pope Francis a formal invitation to visit his homeland and anticipated that the trip “will bring fruits of peace and brotherhood to all Argentines.” After assuring Pope Francis that he “does not need an invitation to come to his beloved Argentina,” Milei extended his call “to visit our beloved homeland, according to the dates and places that will be indicated to us.” In his Jan. 8 letter, Milei also thanked the Holy Father for his telephone call immediately following Milei’s election as president and emphasized that he values the pope’s “wise counsel” […]
- [Bernini's Historic Baldacchino to Undergo Major Restoration at St. Peter's Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/berninis-historic-baldacchino-to-undergo-major-restoration-at-st-peters-basilica-2072): The Vatican has announced a significant restoration of the iconic baldacchino, Gian Lorenzo Bernini's 400-year-old masterpiece, towering over the main altar of St. Peter's Basilica.
- [Vinicio, the Ill Man Whose Embrace with Pope Francis Moved the World, Passes Away](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vinicio-the-ill-man-whose-embrace-with-pope-francis-moved-the-world-passes-away-2071): Vinicio Riva, whose face was disfigured by von Recklinghausen's disease and who received a long embrace from Pope Francis ten years ago in St. Peter's Square, has passed away at age 58.
- [Pope Francis to Preside Over Canonization Mass of Argentina’s First Female Saint](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-preside-over-canonization-mass-of-argentinas-first-female-saint-2070): Pope Francis next month will preside over the canonization Mass of the woman set to become Argentina’s first female saint, the Vatican said this week.
- [Pope Francis: God Loves the Small and Makes it Fruitful](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-god-loves-the-small-and-makes-it-fruitful-2069): On January 10th, Pope Francis welcomed in the Vatican the “Sentinels of the Holy Family”, a Marian prayer network formed by women to present the intentions of the Church and the world to the Virgin Mary.
- [Pope Francis Reminds that the Church “Is in the World but Not of the World”](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reminds-that-the-church-is-in-the-world-but-not-of-the-world-2068): Pope Francis met with priests from the Secular Institute of Missionary Priests of the Kingship of Christ, reminding them that the Church, similar to the baptized, is "in the world, for the world, but not of the world."
- [Requiem Mass for Cardinal Pell Celebrated on First Anniversary of His Death ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/requiem-mass-for-cardinal-pell-celebrated-on-first-anniversary-of-his-death-2067): The chapel of the Domus Australia in Rome was filled to capacity for the Mass, which was celebrated by Cardinal Gerhard Müller.
- [Pope Francis Confirms New Head of Syro-Malabar Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-confirms-new-head-of-syro-malabar-catholic-church-2066): Pope Francis has confirmed a new head of the Syro-Malabar Church, the largest Eastern Catholic church in India. 
- [Pope Francis at Audience: Gluttony is Perhaps the Most Dangerous Vice](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-audience-gluttony-is-perhaps-the-most-dangerous-vice-2065): In the third installment of his catechetical series on vice and virtue, Pope Francis on Wednesday focused on the sin of gluttony, noting that the vice is not about “food in itself, but on our relationship with it.”
- [The Legacy of Blessed Pope Gregory X: Crusader, Diplomat, and Reformer of Papal Elections](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/legacy-of-blessed-pope-gregory-x-crusader-diplomat-and-reformer-of-papal-elections-2064): Blessed Pope Gregory X, commemorated on January 10, is remembered for his extraordinary journey from a crusader to the papacy, despite not being a priest at the time of his election.
- [Pope Francis to Meet Roman Clergy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-meet-roman-clergy-2063): The meeting takes place almost a year after the Apostolic Constitution "In Ecclesiarum communione" came into effect, which reformed the Vicariate of Rome.         
- [Argentine nuns now living in Vatican monastery that was Pope Benedict’s last residence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/argentine-nuns-now-living-in-vatican-monastery-that-was-pope-benedicts-last-residence-2062): Vatican City has new tenants: seven nuns from Argentina who, at the request of Pope Francis, will live in Mater Ecclesiae, the monastery where Pope Benedict XVI resided for almost a decade following his resignation from the papacy.
- [Vatican: 20 Catholic Missionaries Killed in 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-20-catholic-missionaries-killed-in-2023-2061): Twenty Catholic missionaries were murdered in 2023, according to a new Dec. 30 report issued by the Vatican’s Fides News Agency. 
- [These Are Pope Francis' Celebrations in January and February 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/these-are-pope-francis-celebrations-in-january-and-february-2024-2060): On the morning of Tuesday, January 9, the Holy See Press Office released Pope Francis' schedule for January and February 2024.
- [Cardinal Sarah Speaks Out Against Clergy Blessing Same-Sex Unions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-sarah-speaks-out-against-clergy-blessing-same-sex-unions-2059): Cardinal Robert Sarah responded to the controversial Vatican declaration that allows clergy to bless same-sex couples in certain scenarios by instructing the faithful to “respond to confusion with the word of God” in a Jan. 6 reflection.
- [Cardinal Fernández responds to Uproar Over Sexually Explicit Book: ‘I Certainly Would Not Write [That] Now’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-fernandez-responds-to-uproar-over-sexually-explicit-book-i-certainly-would-not-write-that-now-2058): Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, one of the most powerful men in the Vatican, responded to criticism about a book he wrote in the 1990s on spirituality and sensuality.
- [Rediscovered Book by Cardinal Fernández Features Graphic Erotic Passages on ‘Spirituality And Sensuality’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rediscovered-book-by-cardinal-fernandez-features-graphic-erotic-passages-on-spirituality-and-sensuality-2057): A 1998 book by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández featuring provocative, sexually-charged themes has resurfaced, likely adding further scrutiny to the already embattled prefect of the Vatican’s doctrine office.
- [Vatican Official Says Church Should Allow Married Priests](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-official-says-church-should-allow-married-priests-2056): A Vatican official has said that he thinks the Catholic Church’s priestly celibacy requirement in the Latin rite should be revised.
- [Pope Francis calls surrogacy ‘deplorable,’ calls for global ban in speech to ambassadors](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-surrogacy-deplorable-calls-for-global-ban-in-speech-to-ambassadors-2055): Pope Francis called surrogacy “deplorable” and called for a global ban on the exploitative practice of “so-called surrogate motherhood” in a speech to all of the world’s ambassadors to the Vatican on Monday.
- [Pope Francis: If You Don’t Know The Date of Your Baptism, Look It Up](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-if-you-dont-know-the-date-of-your-baptism-look-it-up-2054): Pope Francis said Sunday that if you do not know the date of your baptism, you need to look it up so that you can celebrate the anniversary of becoming a child of God and heir to the kingdom of heaven.
- [PHOTOS: Pope Francis Baptizes 16 Babies in the Sistine Chapel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-francis-baptizes-16-babies-in-the-sistine-chapel-2053): Pope Francis baptized babies in the Sistine Chapel on Sunday and encouraged parents not to worry if their children cry or fuss during Mass. 
- [Pope Francis: The Epiphany invites us to adore the Lord and help the poor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-epiphany-invites-us-to-adore-the-lord-and-help-the-poor-2052): Drawing on the account of the Magi on the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Pope Francis on Saturday urged the faithful to “find God in flesh and bone, in the faces of those we meet each day, and especially in the poor.”
- [Pope Francis: His 'Diplomacy of the Peripheries'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-his-diplomacy-of-the-peripheries-2051): The journeys, mediations, and dialogue. What have been the diplomatic guidelines of Pope Francis's Pontificate?
- [Catholic Humanitarian Initiatives at the Frontlines in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-humanitarian-initiatives-at-the-frontlines-in-ukraine-2259): Discover how the Catholic Church, led by figures like Pope Francis and community organizations, brings solace and aid to the victims of Ukraine's ongoing conflict, aiming for a future of peace and reconciliation.
- [Cardinal Parolin: Solidarity is Key to Combating Poverty](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-solidarity-is-key-to-combating-poverty-2257): Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, delivered a significant speech emphasizing that solidarity is the key to changing structures responsible for poverty and exclusion. 
- [Vatican Criticizes French Abortion Amendment](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-criticizes-french-abortion-amendment-2255): As France made the decision to include abortion as a right in its constitution, the Vatican reacted immediately. The Pontifical Academy for Life issued a statement of solidarity with the French Bishops. 
- [Cardinal Fernández: Human Dignity Document to Be Published in Early April](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-fernandez-human-dignity-document-to-be-published-in-early-april-2253): The prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith said a ‘new text’ had been recently prepared having already had ‘several versions.’ 
- [‘God never tires of forgiving’: Pope Francis hears confessions at Roman parish](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/god-never-tires-of-forgiving-pope-francis-hears-confessions-at-roman-parish-2251): On Friday evening Pope Francis traveled out of the Vatican to hear confessions and preside over a penitential service at St. Pius V Parish in Rome. 
- [Pope Francis to clergy abuse commission: ‘Our commitment must not wane’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-clergy-abuse-commission-our-commitment-must-not-wane-2250): Pope Francis encouraged the papal commission tasked with combatting clergy abuse to move forward in their efforts to make the Church a safer environment for both minors and vulnerable adults. Acknowledging that it is easy to feel discouraged when confronting the realities of the sexual abuse crisis, the pope told the the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors on Thursday morning that “our commitment must not wane.” “Indeed, I encourage you to move forward so that the Church will be, always and everywhere, a place where everyone can feel at home,” Pope Francis said.  Underscoring the importance of listening […]
- [Pope Francis: St. Thomas Aquinas is needed to answer today’s social challenges](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-st-thomas-aquinas-is-needed-to-answer-todays-social-challenges-2249): Economics, international relations, and other social sciences may have not existed in their contemporary form when St. Thomas Aquinas died 750 years ago. But according to Pope Francis, experts in these fields should turn to the 13th-century theologian for help in answering some of today’s most dire social challenges. In a letter to a Vatican gathering of social scientists on March 7, the anniversary of Aquinas’ death, the pope said the Angelic Doctor’s “rigorous study” of the philosophical and theological implications of the fact that man is made “in the image of God” was not only a precursor to the […]
- [Women are ‘builders of humanity,’ Pope Francis says in conference address](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/women-are-builders-of-humanity-pope-francis-says-in-conference-address-2248): On the day before International Women’s Day, Pope Francis addressed participants of the international conference “Women in the Church: Builders of Humanity” on Thursday at the Vatican.  The conference highlighted the witness of 10 women noted for their holiness: Sts. Josephine Bakhita, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Mary MacKillop, Laura Montoya, Kateri Tekakwitha, Teresa of Calcutta, Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès, Ven. Magdeleine de Jesus, and Bl. Maria Beltrame Quattrocch. “All these women, at different times and in different cultures, each in her own distinct way, gave proof through initiatives of charity, education, and prayer of how the ‘feminine genius’ can uniquely reflect […]
- [Pope Francis will Celebrate the Mass of Holy Thursday in a Women’s Prison](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-will-celebrate-the-mass-of-holy-thursday-in-a-womens-prison-2247): Pope Francis "will travel privately" next Holy Thursday to the women's prison located in the Rebibbia area of Rome to celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper, the Holy See Press Office has reported
- [Pope Francis names retired judge to investigate sex abuse charges against Canadian cardinal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-retired-judge-to-investigate-sex-abuse-charges-against-canadian-cardinal-2246): The Archdiocese of Quebec in Canada has announced that Pope Francis has appointed a retired judge to lead an investigation into the accusations of sexual abuse against Cardinal Gerald Lacroix, charges that the cardinal “categorically” denies. In a March 4 statement, the Archdiocese of Quebec said that it was informed “last Feb. 8 that Pope Francis has commissioned André Denis, a former judge of the Superior Court of Quebec, to conduct an investigation” into the accusations against Lacroix. What is Lacroix accused of? Lacroix, the archbishop of Quebec and member of the Council of Cardinals that advises Pope Francis, has […]
- [St. Thomas Aquinas’ relics carried in procession for 750th anniversary of his death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-thomas-aquinas-relics-carried-in-procession-for-750th-anniversary-of-his-death-2245): On the eve of the 750th anniversary of St. Thomas Aquinas’ death, a skull revered as a relic of St. Thomas Aquinas was carried in a solemn procession through the cobblestone streets of the southern Italian town of Priverno.
- [LIVE | '24 Hours for the Lord': Celebration of Reconciliation with Pope Francis | March 8th, 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-24-hours-for-the-lord-celebration-of-reconciliation-with-pope-francis-march-8th-2024-2244): LIVE | Join us for the ‘24 Hours for the Lord’, the Celebration of Reconciliation presided over by Pope Francis from the Parish of San Pio V, in Rome. 
- [Vatican on France’s abortion amendment: There cannot be a ‘right’ to take a human life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-on-frances-abortion-amendment-there-cannot-be-a-right-to-take-a-human-life-2243): On Monday France became the first country in the world to enshrine the right to abortion in its basic law, a move that has been staunchly opposed by the French bishops and by the Vatican.  
- [Pope Francis: ‘Of all vices, pride is the great queen’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-of-all-vices-pride-is-the-great-queen-2242): Pope Francis this week used his general audience to focus on the vice of pride, with the Holy Father for the second consecutive week relying on an aide to read his remarks. “Today’s catechesis will be read by a monsignor,” the pope said on Wednesday, “because I still have a cold and can’t read well.” The pope delivered the Angelus address from the window of the Apostolic Palace the prior two Sundays. He has relied on aides to read his public addresses since the Vatican announced he was suffering from “mild flu” symptoms in late February. The pope’s catechesis on […]
- [Empowering Women in Holiness: The 4 Female Doctors of the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/empowering-women-in-holiness-the-4-female-doctors-of-the-church-2241): There are only four female Doctors of the Church: Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, and Saint Hildegard of Bingen.
- [Pope Francis urges ‘an immediate cease-fire in Gaza’ that frees hostages, grants aid](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-an-immediate-cease-fire-in-gaza-that-frees-hostages-grants-aid-2240): “Enough!” “Stop!” Pope Francis repeated from the window of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Sunday as he called for Israel and Palestine to reach an agreement for “an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.”  Speaking in his Angelus address on March 3, the pope made an emotional plea for negotiations to reach a deal that both frees the hostages immediately and grants civilians access to humanitarian aid. “I carry daily in my heart, with sorrow, the suffering of the peoples in Palestine and Israel due to the ongoing hostilities,” the pope said, reflecting on five months of war in Gaza. “The thousands […]
- [Pope Francis opens Vatican’s Judicial Year, has aide read speech due to ‘bronchitis’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-opens-vaticans-judicial-year-has-aide-read-speech-due-to-bronchitis-2239): Pope Francis presided over the inauguration of the 95th Judicial Year of the Vatican City State on Saturday morning, however he delegated the task of reading the speech to an aide due to bronchitis.  “I thank you all. I have prepared a speech, but you can hear I am unable to read it because of bronchitis,” a visibly fatigued and hoarse-sounding Francis said to the Vatican’s magistrates gathered in the Hall of Blessings.  The 87-year-old pontiff canceled his public engagements last Saturday and Monday due to a “mild flu.” After his remarks at the general audience on Wednesday, which were […]
- [Pope Francis to the world’s children: ‘If we really want to be happy, we need to pray’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-the-worlds-children-if-we-really-want-to-be-happy-we-need-to-pray-2238): Pope Francis has issued a message to the world’s children in anticipation of the Church’s first-ever World Children’s Day, which will take place in Rome from May 25–26, reminding them that the key to happiness lies in cultivating a prayer life and personal relationship with Christ, which in turn forms the basis of broader social action.  “If we really want to be happy, we need to pray, to pray a lot, to pray every day, because prayer connects us directly to God. Prayer fills our hearts with light and warmth; it helps us to do everything with confidence and peace […]
- [Unlocking the Secrets of the Vatican Museums: An Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Look](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/unlocking-the-secrets-of-the-vatican-museums-an-exclusive-behind-the-scenes-look-2237): The Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums in Vatican City symbolize the divine-human bond, urging the preservation of timeless art. Behind the scenes, restorations safeguard our cultural and spiritual heritage.
- [Pope Francis meets FSSP head, confirms right to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-fssp-head-confirms-right-to-celebrate-the-traditional-latin-mass-2236): Pope Francis met with the superior general of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) on Thursday, confirming that restrictions on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass don’t apply to the order.
- [Pope Francis: ‘Today the ugliest danger is gender ideology’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-today-the-ugliest-danger-is-gender-ideology-2235): Pope Francis on Friday morning gave an address on the importance of building a culture that protects human and Christians vocations, things he suggested were at risk due to contemporary cultural challenges including gender ideology.  “It is very important that there is this meeting, this meeting between men and women, because today the ugliest danger is gender ideology, which cancels out differences,” the pope said during an audience with members of the French-based academic organization Research and Anthropology of Vocations Institute (CRAV). Gender ideology, which seeks to blur differences between men and women through movements such as transgenderism, “makes everything […]
- [The Musical about Bernadette of Lourdes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/musical-about-bernadette-of-lourdes-2234): Journey through the captivating story of Bernadette Soubirous with the musical “Bernadette of Lourdes,” a theatrical masterpiece that transcends religious boundaries to explore themes of truth, courage, and resilience.
- [Nation of the Cross](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/nation-of-the-cross-2233): Discover the poignant story of 21 Coptic martyrs, honored by both the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Vatican, in Samuel Armnius' documentary, "The 21: The Power of Faith, The Village of the Martyrs.”
- [The Vatican's Stance on Artificial Intelligence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-stance-on-artificial-intelligence-2232):  The Vatican, through voices like Cardinal Michael Czerny and Pope Francis, emphasizes the dual potential of Artificial Intelligence to both aid and endanger peace, stressing the importance of ethical use and global responsibility.
- [Vatican and Victims Address Rupnik Scandal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-and-victims-address-rupnik-scandal-2231): The Vatican deepens its probe into allegations against Fr. Marko Rupnik as victims speak out, while Pope Francis lifts statute limitations and actions are taken against Rupnik's co-founded community amidst debates over his mosaics' fate.         
- [The Pope’s Prayer Intentions for March](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-prayer-intentions-for-march-2230): In his video message, published on February 27th, the Pope says, “The courage of the martyrs, the witness of the martyrs, is a blessing for everyone.”
- [Vatican reiterates calls for hostage returns, cease-fire in Israel-Hamas war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-reiterates-calls-for-hostage-returns-cease-fire-in-israel-hamas-war-2229): The Vatican has reiterated its call for the safe return of the hostages taken by the terrorist group Hamas and for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in the ongoing war between the two. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin insisted on Tuesday that a “cease-fire” is the only way for the hostages to be returned to Israel.  “Our concern is, first of all, to find a way to have the hostages released and for humanitarian assistance, which continues to be very difficult,” he said on the sidelines of an award ceremony of the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation […]
- [Here is Pope Francis’ schedule for Holy Week and Easter 2024 at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/here-is-pope-francis-schedule-for-holy-week-and-easter-2024-at-the-vatican-2228):   The Vatican has released Pope Francis’ schedule for Holy Week 2024, which will include five papal liturgies, Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum, and other traditions to mark the most sacred week of the year. Easter is the highest feast in the Catholic Church, known as the “solemnity of solemnities,” celebrating Jesus’ resurrection and defeat of sin and death, and the Vatican celebrates Holy Week with pomp, reverence, tradition, and a busy schedule. The 87-year-old pope is scheduled to preside over liturgies on each day of the Easter Triduum as well as Palm Sunday.  The Holy See Press […]
- [Pope Francis visits hospital for diagnostic tests after Wednesday audience](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-visits-hospital-for-diagnostic-tests-after-wednesday-audience-2226): Pope Francis went to the hospital on Rome’s Tiber Island on Wednesday morning after meeting with the public at his general audience. The Vatican confirmed on Feb. 28 that the pope underwent “diagnostic tests” at the Gemelli Isola Tiberina Hospital before returning to his Vatican residence shortly after noon. According to the Holy See Press Office, the pope has had “a mild flu-like condition” since at least Saturday when he canceled his scheduled public appearances. The 87-year-old pope appeared in a wheelchair at his Wednesday audience in Paul VI Hall where he had an aide read his speech for him […]
- [Pope Francis, weakened by ‘a bit of a cold,’ has aide read reflection before hospital visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-weakened-by-a-bit-of-a-cold-has-aide-read-reflection-before-hospital-visit-2225): Pope Francis, still visibly suffering from a “cold,” visited a Rome hospital for diagnostic tests on Wednesday following his weekly general audience, at which an aide read the Holy Father’s prepared remarks. The Holy See Press Office later confirmed the hospital visit, adding that the pope already had returned to the Vatican. “I still have a bit of a cold, which is why I asked Monsignor [Filippo] Ciampanelli to read today’s catechesis,” Pope Francis said at the start of the morning general audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall. He arrived at the hall in his wheelchair shortly before 9 […]
- [Pope Francis' Prayer Intention for the Month of March 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-march-2224): Pope Francis asked to pray during the month of March for those who, in various parts of the world, risk their lives for the Gospel so that they might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive.
- [PHOTOS: Restoration of Bernini’s baldacchino begins in St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-restoration-of-berninis-baldacchino-begins-in-st-peters-basilica-2223): Restoration work has begun on the baldacchino over the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Workers will scale the scaffolding surrounding the 92-feet-high canopy each day to meticulously clean the dust and grime that has darkened the baldacchino over the centuries. Workers at the baldacchino in St. Peter’s Basilica. Credit: Daniel Ibanez The 400-year-old twisting bronze columns of the large canopy will remain covered by scaffolding until the works are complete in December in time for the start of the Catholic Church’s jubilee year. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, has said […]
- [Pope Francis erects new diocese, names bishop in West African country of Guinea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-erects-new-diocese-names-bishop-in-west-african-country-of-guinea-2222): Pope Francis on Thursday erected the new Diocese of Boké in the West African country of Guinea, with the new bishopric coming from territory previously under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Conakry.  According to the figures provided by the Holy See Press Office, in the new diocese the total population sits at 1,153,909, of which 10,225 are Catholic. There will be six parishes, 11 diocesan priests, one religious priest, four seminarians, and 12 religious sisters.  Leading the new diocese will be Monsignor Moïse Tinguiano, who has served as the parish priest of the Church of St. Augustin de Taouyah […]
- [Pope Francis accepts resignation of Polish archbishop accused of ignoring abuse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-polish-archbishop-accused-of-ignoring-abuse-2221): Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Polish Archbishop Andrzej Dzięga, who has faced allegations that he ignored abuse cases in Poland. Neither the Apostolic Nunciature of Poland, which announced the resignation on Feb. 24, nor the Holy See Press Office provided a reason for Dzięga’s resignation. The 71-year-old prelate, who has led the Archdiocese of Szczecin-Kamien since 2009, will not turn 75, the age at which canon law requires a bishop to submit his resignation to the pope, until 2027. Dzięga published a two-page resignation letter on Feb. 24 in which he apologized to his “brother priests,” saying: “If my weaknesses, […]
- [Pope Francis, recovering from ‘mild flu,’ renews call for peace in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-recovering-from-mild-flu-renews-call-for-peace-in-ukraine-2220): A day after canceling his audiences due to what the Vatican called a “mild flu-like condition,” Pope Francis appeared in good form during his weekly Angelus address Sunday, marking the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine with a call for peace while urging the faithful to “never direct your eyes away from the light of Jesus.” “How many victims, injuries, destruction, anguish, tears in a period that is becoming terribly long and of which the end is not yet in sight,” the pope said about the war, which began with Russia’s invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, adding that the […]
- [Lenten Meditation on the Life of St. Francis of Assisi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lenten-meditation-on-the-life-of-st-francis-of-assisi-2219): A man of the Gospel, simplicity, and dialogue, St. Francis has inspired countless generations across religions and cultures.   In this Vaticano segment, EWTN Vatican explores the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Construction began in 1288, two years after the Saint’s death, to mark the location of St. Francis’s tomb, welcome pilgrims, and create a space for encounters.   Pope Francis has made multiple trips to Assisi since his election in 2013. In 2020, before the Saint’s tomb, he celebrated Holy Mass and signed his encyclical “Fratelli tutti,” We are all Brothers, in which the Holy Father calls us to love […]
- [Assisi: A New Hope for Peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/assisi-a-new-hope-for-peace-2218): In the Land of the Lord, as in the whole world, peace is urgently needed.  Amid the chaos of war, a beacon of hope emerges in the serene city of Assisi. This light, born of deep friendship, is fuelled by the shared experience of individuals of different faiths coming together in search of meaning and understanding.   Stefania Proietti, the Mayor of Assisi, lamented to the EWTN Vatican that “It’s unimaginable to think of children dying in the land where Jesus was born.”  Pope Francis, in his General Audience on February 7, said, “Let us not forget the wars, let us […]
- [Inside the Apostolic Penitentiary: Here Sinners are Welcome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inside-the-apostolic-penitentiary-here-sinners-are-welcome-2217): As we journey through Lent, to gain a deeper understanding of the Sacrament of Penance, EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser sat down for an interview with Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, Penitentiary Major of the Apostolic Penitentiary.    Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Mauro Piacenza on September 21, 2013, as Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary, whose headquarters in Rome are in Piazza della Cancelleria, near Campo de’ Fiori. The Apostolic Penitentiary is the office of the Roman Curia responsible for issues related to the sacrament of confession, the lifting of excommunications, dispensations for sacramental impediments, and governance of indulgences. For this reason, […]
- [Unity in Martyrdom](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/unity-in-martyrdom-2216): Cardinal Koch on the Ecumenism of Blood
- [Two Years of War in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/two-years-of-war-in-ukraine-2215): Pope Francis and His Commitment to Peace
- [Pope Francis Cancels His Audiences Due to Health Reasons for the Second Time in 3 Days](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-cancels-his-audiences-due-to-health-reasons-for-the-second-time-in-3-days-2214): The Vatican Press Office announced early this Monday morning in Rome that Pope Francis's health "continues to show mild flu-like symptoms, without fever. However, as a precaution, this morning's audiences have been suspended."
- [Vatican Unveils the Holy Lance: A Solemn Tribute to the Soldier of Faith, Saint Longinus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-unveils-the-holy-lance-a-solemn-tribute-to-the-soldier-of-faith-saint-longinus-2213): The Lance of Saint Longinus | Lenten traditions in St. Peter’s Basilica
- [Pope Francis Cancels Saturday Audiences Due to a Mild Flu, Vatican Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-cancels-saturday-audiences-due-to-a-mild-flu-vatican-says-2212): Pope Francis canceled his public appearances on Saturday due to a mild flu, the Vatican has said.
- [Can the Catholic Church and Freemasonry Engage with One Another?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/can-the-catholic-church-and-freemasonry-engage-with-one-another-2211): On February 16, the Ambrosianeum Foundation organized an event on the Catholic Church and Freemasonry. And one cardinal even launched the hypothesis of a permanent “roundtable” with Freemasonry 
- [Two of Father Rupnik’s alleged victims speak publicly for the first time](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/two-of-father-rupniks-alleged-victims-speak-publicly-for-the-first-time-2210): Two alleged abuse victims of mosaic artist Father Marko Rupnik spoke publicly for the first time Wednesday, detailing the tactics the former Jesuit allegedly used to manipulate them. Italian Gloria Branciani and Slovenian-born Marjiam Kovač, former sisters of the now-dissolved Loyola Community in Slovenia, shared their stories at a crowded press conference in the Rome offices of the trade union for Italian journalists. They were joined by their high-profile lawyer, Laura Sgrò, who has represented clients in the VatiLeaks scandal as well as the family of Emanuela Orlandi, an Italian girl who disappeared under mysterious circumstances decades ago. Branciani, 59, […]
- [Rome to host 7th Day of the Catacombs, opportunity to reflect on early Christians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-to-host-7th-day-of-the-catacombs-opportunity-to-reflect-on-early-christians-2209): Rome’s catacombs will open to the public for free guided tours and moments of prayer and reflection on Saturday, March 2, as part of the 7th edition of Day of the Catacombs.  A press release circulated by the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology, the event’s sponsor, announced that the theme for this year’s edition of the Day of the Catacombs is “from remembrance to prayer.”  Observing that “the pope wanted this year to be dedicated to prayer,” the press release went on to note that this event fits “into the preparatory journey to the Jubilee of 2025.”  The press release […]
- [On this day, Saint John Paul II made Cardinal the now Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/on-this-day-saint-john-paul-ii-made-cardinal-the-now-pope-francis-2208): On February 21, 2001, Saint John Paul II made Cardinal the then Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a member of the first group of 43 new Cardinals of the third millennium.
- [Who is the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to the Holy See and What Does He Think](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-is-the-dean-of-the-diplomatic-corps-accredited-to-the-holy-see-and-what-does-he-think-2207): Georges Poulides is the only ambassador accredited to the Holy See to have presented his credentials to John Paul II. Here is his story of a diplomatic life with three Popes 
- [Death and Birth are Intertwined in the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/death-and-birth-are-intertwined-in-the-papal-palace-of-castel-gandolfo-2206): An exhibition recalls how Pius XII sustained the population displaced by the bombings in 1944
- [What Happens at a Wednesday General Audience?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-happens-at-a-wednesday-general-audience-2205): The history and behind the scenes of a beloved Vatican tradition
- [PHOTOS: Cardinal Rugambwa takes possession of Rome’s ‘Church of the Artists’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-cardinal-rugambwa-takes-possession-of-romes-church-of-the-artists-2204): Cardinal Protase Rugambwa took possession of his titular church, Santa Maria in Montesanto — one of the twin churches that sits in Rome’s Piazza del Popolo — on Sunday. The Rite of Possession of a titular church takes place within the context of a solemn high Mass. After the procession of the cardinal into the church and the opening liturgical prayers, a papal bull assigning the titular church to the cardinal is read aloud. Cardinal Protase Rugambwa at Santa Maria in Montesanto, Feb. 18, 2024. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA A titular church is located within the geographic boundaries of the Diocese […]
- [Why Don't We Have the Pope’s General Audience this Week?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-dont-we-have-the-popes-general-audience-this-week-2203): The Vatican usually suspends the General Audiences of the Holy Father on only two occasions: during the month of July and during the week in which the Pontiff takes up his Lenten spiritual exercises.
- [German bishops halt move toward establishing a Synodal Council at Vatican’s request](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/german-bishops-halt-move-toward-establishing-a-synodal-council-at-vaticans-request-2202): In a significant setback for the Synodal Way project in Germany, the German bishops will not be voting on a step toward a forbidden “Synodal Council” at their upcoming plenary assembly at the Vatican’s request. German Bishops Conference (DBK) spokesman Matthias Kopp confirmed on Feb. 17 that the bishops have removed a vote on endorsing a committee that is preparing the Synodal Council, a mixed body of laity and bishops that would govern the Church in Germany, from the agenda of their Feb. 19–22 meeting in Augsburg. The development comes after the DBK received a letter from the Vatican on […]
- [Pope Francis launches study groups to analyze Synod on Synodality’s key issues](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-launches-study-groups-to-analyze-synod-on-synodalitys-key-issues-2201): The Vatican announced Saturday that Pope Francis has launched synodal study groups to analyze key issues ahead of October’s Synod on Synodality assembly. Pope Francis has issued a chirograph asking the dicasteries of the Roman Curia to collaborate with the General Secretariat of the Synod to establish the study groups for “in-depth analysis” of some of the themes that emerged in the first Synod on Synodality assembly. The pope did not specify in the chirograph published on Feb. 17 how many groups will be formed, what topics will be studied, or who will participate in the study groups. The synthesis […]
- [Cardinal Zen publishes new critique of Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zen-publishes-new-critique-of-synod-on-synodality-2200): Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, the bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, has released another critique of the Synod on Synodality, arguing that the ongoing discussion and discernment process offers “two opposing visions” of the nature, organization, and role of the Church.  “On the one hand, the Church is presented as founded by Jesus on the apostles and their successors, with a hierarchy of ordained ministers who guide the faithful on the journey toward the heavenly Jerusalem,” the 92-year-old cardinal observes in a nearly 3,600-word commentary posted on Feb. 15 titled “How will the Synod continue and end?” “On the other hand, there […]
- [Restoring the World’s Most Famous Altar for the Jubille Year 2025: Bernini's Baldacchino](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/restoring-the-worlds-most-famous-altar-2199): St. Peter’s Basilica and the Jubilee Year of 2025
- [Mama Antula: Argentina's First Female Saint is Canonized by Pope Francis at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/argentinas-first-female-saint-2198): Divine Providence in the Life of a Holy Laywoman
- [Solidarity with the Holy Land's Christian Community](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/solidarity-with-the-holy-lands-christian-community-2197): Collection for the Holy Land to take place on Good Friday
- [Pope Francis Starts Lenten Private Retreat at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/prayer-and-reflection-2196): Lent with Pope Francis
- [Crossing the Tiber: Modern Conversion Stories at EWTN's Roman Nights](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/exploring-faiths-horizon-the-continuous-pilgrimage-of-belief-2195): A Comprehensive Reflection at EWTN’s Roman Nights on Personal Journeys of Faith Amidst Modernity
- [Pope Francis: Lent is a time to ‘encounter wild beasts and angels’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-lent-is-a-time-to-encounter-wild-beasts-and-angels-2194): On the first Sunday of Lent, Pope Francis focused his Angelus address on the temptation of Jesus in the desert to highlight that it is an invitation for us to enter the proverbial desert to come “in contact with the truth.”
- [Pope Francis accepts resignation of Panamanian cardinal who went missing](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-panamanian-cardinal-who-went-missing-2193): The Vatican Press Office reported Feb. 15 that Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuán as bishop of the Diocese of David in Panama, two weeks after his yet-to-be-explained disappearance, and named Father Luis Enrique Saldaña Guerra as his successor. The appointment occurs a few days before Lacunza turns 80 on Feb. 24, the day on which he will cease to be an elector in a possible conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor should he die or resign. The Panamanian Bishops’ Conference published a statement Feb. 15 expressing their “gratitude to Cardinal José Luis Lacunza and […]
- [Israeli embassy criticizes Cardinal Parolin’s remarks on civilian death toll in Gaza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/israeli-embassy-criticizes-cardinal-parolins-remarks-on-civilian-death-toll-in-gaza-2192): The Embassy of Israel to the Holy See issued a sharp rebuke of Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s recent remarks on the civilian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war. In Feb. 13 comments made to the press — which were posted in full on La Repubblica’s website — Parolin said that Israel’s response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack has not been “proportionate,” with the prelate arguing that “we cannot continue like this” and “we must find other ways to solve the problem of Gaza, the problem of Palestine.” The Vatican’s secretary of state also observed that since […]
- [Vatican hosts veneration of relics of 21 Coptic martyrs of Libya on first feast day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-hosts-veneration-of-relics-of-21-coptic-martyrs-of-libya-on-first-feast-day-2191): The relics of 21 Coptic martyrs killed by ISIS in Libya will be venerated in St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening at an ecumenical prayer service marking their first official feast day in the Catholic Church. The evening vespers at the Vatican will commemorate the ninth anniversary of the martyrdom of the 21 Coptic Orthodox men who were beheaded by the Islamic State on a beach in Sirte, Libya, on Feb. 15, 2015. Pope Francis added the 21 Coptic martyrs to the Roman Martyrology, the Church’s official list of saints, last May as he met with the head of the […]
- [World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly highlights ‘loneliness,’ ‘throwaway culture’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-day-for-grandparents-and-the-elderly-highlights-loneliness-throwaway-culture-2190): The theme for the fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated on July 28, has been chosen by Pope Francis.  According to the Holy See Press Office, this year’s theme is “Do Not Cast Me Off in My Old Age,” which comes from Psalm 71. The Feb. 15 press release noted that in choosing this verse it was the Holy Father’s desire “to call attention to the fact that, sadly, loneliness is the bitter lot in life of many elderly persons, so often the victims of the throwaway culture.” The press release said that “by […]
- [Analysis: Milei, Pope Francis embody contrasting economic viewpoints](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/analysis-milei-pope-francis-embody-contrasting-economic-viewpoints-2189): All eyes were on Pope Francis’ first meeting with Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei, Monday at the Vatican.  After all, in the past Milei had employed virulent language against the pontiff, calling him “nefarious” and “an imbecile,” among other invectives. However, since his unprecedented landslide victory last November, Milei has proceeded to soften his tone and opted to construct a more conciliatory relationship with the 87-year-old pontiff. In fact, there were no signs of rancor or resentment when the two leaders embraced in a viral photo on Sunday, Feb. 11, in St. Peter’s Basilica after the canonization Mass of Mama Antula, […]
- [Ancient 40-hour ‘Quarantore’ devotion continues to bless Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ancient-40-hour-quarantore-devotion-continues-to-bless-rome-2188): In the Church of Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini, which sits in Rome’s Rione Regola neighborhood, a tradition that dates back to the 16th century lives on as a way to help the faithful prepare for the season of Lent. The “Quarant’Ore” or “Quarantore” (“40 hours”) is an exposition and continuous devotion in front of the Blessed Sacrament where the church remains open day and night for the faithful to spend time in prayer and personal reflection.  The ceremony started this year with the celebration of a solemn high Mass on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. After the distribution of […]
- [Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday: ‘Let us return to God with all our heart’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-ash-wednesday-let-us-return-to-god-with-all-our-heart-2187): On Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis said that Lent is a time to look inward at our true selves and to share our deepest desires, worries, and weaknesses with the Lord in prayer.
- [Pope Francis: Sloth is a ‘very dangerous temptation’ akin to apathy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sloth-is-a-very-dangerous-temptation-akin-to-apathy-2186): On Ash Wednesday, which also marked the start of Lent this Feb. 14, Pope Francis discussed acedia, or sloth, during his general audience, noting it as "an effect more than a cause
- [Saints Cyril and Methodius: Bridging Faith Across Europe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saints-cyril-and-methodius-bridging-faith-across-europe-2185): In the heart of Europe, the legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius, co-patrons of the continent alongside St. Benedict, continues to resonate more than a millennium after their passing.
- [Pope Francis Condemns Abortion Amid French Constitutional Debate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-condemns-abortion-amid-french-constitutional-debate-2184): The Church's ongoing response to French President Macron and his efforts to make abortion a constitutional right in France
- [Pope Francis: Technological development must promote the human being](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-technological-development-must-promote-the-human-being-2183): Pope Francis addressed members of the Pontifical Academy for Life at the Vatican on Monday, stressing the importance of integrating “the resources of science and technology” while “promoting the human being in his or her irreducible specificity.” The pope’s comments come as members of the academy are meeting in Rome from Feb. 12–14 for their general assembly, focusing this year on the theme of “Human: Meanings and Challenges.” Noting that the academy will be looking at the fundamental question of “what is distinctive about the human being,” the pope opened his speech by underscoring the complexity of evaluating this question, […]
- [Pope names biochemist who contributed to COVID vaccine to Pontifical Academy for Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-names-biochemist-who-contributed-to-covid-vaccine-to-pontifical-academy-for-life-2182): A Nobel-prize winning biochemist and researcher who helped develop the mRNA technology used to create the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines — Katalin Karikó — is one of the newest members of the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life. Pope Francis announced the appointment of Karikó, who lectures at the University of Szeged in Hungary, in a news release on Feb. 10. The pontifical academy, which St. John Paul II established in 1994, studies and provides input on the use of biomedicine in the protection of life. Karikó, who was born in Szolnok, Hungary, received the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology […]
- [What did Milei and Pope Francis say to each other at the canonization of Mama Antula?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-did-milei-and-pope-francis-say-to-each-other-at-the-canonization-of-mama-antula-2181): Pope Francis and the president of Argentina, Javier Milei, spoke briefly at the Vatican on Sunday, Feb. 11, the feast day of the Our Lady of Lourdes and the day for the canonization of Mama Antula, the first female saint of the South American country. “Did you get a haircut?” the Holy Father asked Milei as he greeted him in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Argentine leader was in Rome for the canonization Mass. Their encounter was captured in an EWTN/ACI Prensa video. “I tidied it up. Can I give you a hug?” the Argentine president then asked, to which Francis […]
- [Pope Francis to Visit Venice for the Art Biennale](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-visit-venice-for-the-art-biennale-2180): The Dicastery for Culture and Education and the Patriarchate of Venice announced that on Sunday, April 28, Pope Francis will visit the Italian city of Venice, known worldwide as one of the most emblematic settings for art and culture.
- [There Has Not Yet Been a Second Meeting between Pope Francis and the Patriarch of Moscow Kirill](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/there-has-not-yet-been-a-second-meeting-between-pope-francis-and-the-patriarch-of-moscow-kirill-2179): The question of future Moscow-Holy See ecumenical dialogue  
- [In Saint Peter’s, Bernini’s Baldachin is Given Much Needed Support](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-saint-peters-berninis-baldachin-is-given-much-needed-support-2178): Mass is celebrated on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 2023, at the main altar of St. Peter’s
- [Vatican-China Dialogue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-china-dialogue-2177): New Chinese Bishops and Diocesan Borders
- [Montecassino: The Abbey where Saint Benedict of Nursia lived and created the Rule of St. Benedict](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/montecassino-the-abbey-where-saint-benedict-of-nursia-lived-and-created-the-rule-of-st-benedict-2176): 80th Anniversary of the Destruction of Monte Cassino
- [The Future of Consecrated Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/future-of-consecrated-life-2175): Saintly Examples Inspiring Vocations to Consecrated Life
- [Pope Francis canonizes Argentina’s first female saint](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-canonizes-argentinas-first-female-saint-2173): Pope Francis canonized Argentina’s first female saint, María Antonia of St. Joseph — known affectionately in the pope’s home country as “Mama Antula” — in a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday.
- [Pope Francis on Our Lady of Lourdes feast: The Church is close to all who are sick or frail](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-our-lady-of-lourdes-feast-the-church-is-close-to-all-who-are-sick-or-frail-2172): Pope Francis urged people to bring God’s love to the sick and suffering through “concrete actions” in his Angelus address on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Speaking on a rainy Sunday in Rome from the window of the Apostolic Palace to the crowd huddled under umbrellas below, the pope said that he wanted to express the closeness “of the entire Church to all those who are sick or frail.” “Today, on the memorial of the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes, we celebrate World Day of the Sick, which this year draws attention to the importance of relationships in sickness,” […]
- [Pope Francis: Argentina’s first female saint shows us ‘the path of holiness’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-argentinas-first-female-saint-shows-us-the-path-of-holiness-2171):   Pope Francis met with Argentine pilgrims on Friday morning ahead of the historic canonization of the county’s first female saint on Sunday. During his address, Pope Francis presented Blessed María Antonia of St. Joseph de Paz y Figueroa, more affectionately known as “Mama Antula,” as an example of “charity” and “an inspiration that revives ‘the option for the last, for those that society discards.’” The saint’s example and legacy is especially important for us today “in the midst of this society that runs the risk of forgetting that ‘radical individualism is the most difficult virus to defeat. A virus […]
- [Crossing the Tiber: Today's Conversion Stories | Roman Nights](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/crossing-the-tiber-todays-conversion-stories-roman-nights-8th-february-2024-2170): The "Roman Nights" edition, known for its engaging discussions on faith and spirituality, presented a memorable evening on February 8th, 2024, at the Pontifical North American College.
- [Buenos Aires archbishop highlights courage of Mama Antula, the ‘mother’ of Argentina](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/buenos-aires-archbishop-highlights-courage-of-mama-antula-the-mother-of-argentina-2169): On Sunday, Feb. 11, Pope Francis will raise to the altars the woman who will become Argentina’s first female saint, Mama Antula — also known as María Antonia of St. Joseph — a consecrated laywoman considered by many as “the mother of the country.” The ceremony, which will take place in St. Peter’s Basilica, will be attended by representatives of the Catholic Church in Argentina as well as political leaders, including Javier Milei, the president of Argentina. Argentina is Pope Francis’ native land. To participate in the long-awaited canonization, Archbishop Jorge Ignacio García Cuerva of Buenos Aires, Auxiliary Bishop Alberto […]
- [The Vatican announces that the "Pope's Hospital" will have a new location](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-that-the-popes-hospital-will-have-a-new-location-2168): The Vatican Press Office reported that the Holy See signed an agreement with Italy on February 8th for the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital (Child Jesus), known as the "Pope's Hospital," to have a new location.
- [Pope Francis: ‘It is never too late to take action’ against human trafficking](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-it-is-never-too-late-to-take-action-against-human-trafficking-2167): On the 10th International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, Pope Francis urged people to take concrete actions to “combat this global scourge.” “Let us help one another to be more responsive, to open our lives and hearts to our sisters and brothers who even now are being bought and sold as slaves. It is never too late to take action,” Pope Francis said in a message published Feb. 8. “Let us pray fervently and work proactively for this cause, the defense of human dignity, whether by prayer and action as individuals and families, or as parish and […]
- [Pope Francis: ‘Without liturgical reform there is no reform of the Church’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-without-liturgical-reform-there-is-no-reform-of-the-church-2166): Pope Francis met with members of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on Thursday morning to discuss the importance of liturgical reform as a core feature of the broader “renewal of the Church.”  The address comes as the dicastery is meeting for its annual plenary assembly, which is addressing the “liturgical formation from Sacrosanctum Concilium to Desiderio Desideravi” for ordained ministers as well as “liturgical training courses for the people of God.” The meeting will also seek to “provide bishops with practical suggestions for developing pastoral projects in their dioceses with the aim of […]
- [Ecumenism Towards Nicaea 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ecumenism-towards-nicaea-2025-2165): A series of anniversaries is preparing us for 2025, a Holy Year and the 1700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council.
- [The remarkable life and papacy of Blessed Pope Pius IX](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/remarkable-life-and-papacy-of-blessed-pope-pius-ix-2164): On Feb. 7, the Catholic Church remembers Blessed Pius IX, “Pius Nono,” the 255th pope. His pontificate is the second longest in history — a total of 31 years, seven months, and 22 days (June 16, 1846–Feb. 7, 1878). He was beatified together with Pope John XXIII (now canonized) on Sept. 3, 2000, by Pope John Paul II. The future Pope Pius IX was born Giovanni Maria Battista Pellegrino Isidoro Mastai Ferretti in Senigallia, Italy — then part of the Papal States — on May 13, 1792. His parents were Don Gerolamo Mastai Ferretti, a member of a local noble […]
- [Pope Francis: Sorrow is an ‘ailment of the soul'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sorrow-is-an-ailment-of-the-soul-2163): Pope Francis continued his general audience catechetical series on vice and virtues on Wednesday by focusing on sorrow, observing that it can be “understood as a despondency of the soul, a constant affliction that prevents man from feeling joy at his own existence.”  During the Feb. 7 audience the pope observed that sorrow can assume a sinister and destructive form and could be understood as an “ailment of the soul” that “creeps into the soul and prostrates it in a state of despondency” and “must be fought resolutely.”  Sorrow can be particularly difficult for man to deal with as it […]
- [Pope Francis: To be ‘Scandalized’ by Gay Couple Blessings is ‘Hypocrisy’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-be-scandalized-by-gay-couple-blessings-is-hypocrisy-2162): Pope Francis reiterates support for Vatican document on blessings for same-sex couples, emphasizing respect for all and inclusion in blessings.
- [Vietnam, the Holy See has a (temporary) address in Hanoi, awaiting the Pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vietnam-the-holy-see-has-a-temporary-address-in-hanoi-awaiting-the-pope-2161): The change in perspective is all in a three-letter adverb of negation that disappears and opens up a completely new world: Archbishop Marek Zalewski until December 23 was nuncio in Singapore and non-resident representative of the Holy See in Vietnam. Then, thanks to the agreements reached between the Holy See and Hanoi last July, he became a “resident representative,” and on January 31, he arrived in Hanoi. The Holy See finally has an address in Vietnam. And it can prepare to welcome Pope Francis. Yes, because many hope that the Pope will make the first, historic visit of a pontiff […]
- [Pope Francis to Preside Over Ash Wednesday Mass and Traditional Procession in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-preside-over-ash-wednesday-mass-and-traditional-procession-in-rome-2160): Pope Francis will preside over the Holy Mass and the traditional Ash Wednesday procession on the Aventine Hill in Rome on February 14th.
- [Female Anglican Bishop Participates in the Meeting of the Council of Cardinals and Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/female-anglican-bishop-participates-in-the-meeting-of-the-council-of-cardinals-and-pope-francis-2159): The Council of Cardinals known as the “C9” is holding its meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican to reflect on “the role of women in the Church.” Three women also participated in the meeting, which began on Monday, February 5, and ended this morning. Among them, the presence of a Female Bishop of the Anglican communion stands out. She is Jo Bailey Wells, assistant general secretary of the Anglican Communion who was part of the first generation of women ordained vicars in the Church of England in 1995. She is married to an Anglican clergyman and is the mother […]
- [Pope Rejects Hatred Towards Jews: A Sin Against God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-rejects-hatred-towards-jews-a-sin-against-god-2158): Pope Francis shared this Saturday, February 3, a letter sent yesterday to the "Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel," in which he rejects any form of anti-Semitism and condemns all manifestations of hatred towards this people and Judaism.
- [Pontifical North American College Apostolates in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-north-american-college-apostolates-in-rome-2157): Join seminarians from the Pontifical North American College in Rome as they evangelize to the community, aiding the homeless, migrants, children, and young adults seeking their vocation, sharing their joys and challenges.
- [Pope Francis to Seminarians: Placing God at the Center is Only Achieved Through Adoration](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-seminarians-placing-god-at-the-center-is-only-achieved-through-adoration-2156): Pope Francis addressed the seminarians from Madrid, who visited the Clementine Hall of the Vatican last Saturday, February 3rd, to answer their questions and encourage them to prostrate in adoration and trust in God, who has "called them."
- [Pope Francis: ‘God is always close to us’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-god-is-always-close-to-us-2155): Vatican City, Feb 4, 2024 / 09:22 am Pope Francis reminded the faithful during his Sunday Angelus that Jesus’ example of being “on the move,” in his preaching and in performing miracles, is a reminder that God is never distant but “always close to us.” Reflecting on today’s Gospel reading from Mark 1:29-39, the pope observed in his exegesis that Jesus, “after teaching in the synagogue, comes out so that the word he preached can reach, touch, and heal people.”  While acknowledging that the idea of a God that “is distant, cold, indifferent to our fate” is prevalent, the pope […]
- [Pauline Chapel Home of Salus Popoli Romani](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pauline-chapel-home-of-salus-popoli-romani-2154): In 1613, Pope Paul V Borghese consecrated this magnificent chapel, located in the left nave of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Constructed in a span of only five years, the chapel is a testament to the Pope’s profound devotion to Our Lady, Salus Popoli Romani.   EWTN Vatican continues its series with Guido Sante, conservator-restorer of the Basilica of St. Mary Major.   Pope Francis has great devotion to this Marian icon. Sante tells us, “The Pope is extremely devoted to the Marian icon Salus Populi Romani, preserved in the Basilica, which is considered a true relic. The tradition holds that […]
- [Vatican sends letter to French embassy over tribunal decision in nun’s dismissal case](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-sends-letter-to-french-embassy-over-tribunal-decision-in-nuns-dismissal-case-2465): The Holy See on Saturday confirmed that it had sent a diplomatic letter to the French embassy over a French court ruling involving a Canadian cardinal’s alleged wrongful dismissal of a nun.
- [Pope Francis expresses sorrow as Sydney knife attack shocks Australia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-expresses-sorrow-as-sydney-knife-attack-shocks-australia-2463): Pope Francis has reacted with deep sorrow at news on Saturday from Australia, where a 40-year-old man armed with a large knife killed six people in a Sydney shopping center and injured several others, including a 9-month-old child.
- [Pope Francis: Sharing our encounter with Christ makes our encounters ‘even more beautiful’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sharing-our-encounter-with-christ-makes-our-encounters-even-more-beautiful-2461): Pope Francis voices concern over rising tensions in the Middle East following Iran's missile attack on Israel, urging Christians to share their encounters with Christ for a more enriched and beautiful world.
- [From papal secretary to nuncio? Report of a diplomatic role for Gänswein unconfirmed](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-papal-secretary-to-nuncio-report-of-a-diplomatic-role-for-gaenswein-unconfirmed-2459): Not for the first time, it has been reported that Pope Francis is considering a diplomatic role for Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the former private secretary to the late Pope Benedict XVI. According to Argentinian newspaper La Nación, Gänswein may be appointed to nuncio, or papal ambassador, though the country for this posting has not been disclosed.  The future role of the late Benedict’s secretary has been the subject of rumor and gossip across Rome and the Church in Germany for many months.  Previous speculations — as early as March 2023 — included the claim that Gänswein would serve as papal […]
- [Papal Foundation announces nearly $15 million in global grants, humanitarian aid](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-foundation-announces-nearly-15-million-in-global-grants-humanitarian-aid-2457): The Papal Foundation, a U.S.-based organization that provides funding for Catholic projects around the world, announced on Friday the distribution of nearly $15 million in grants, scholarships, and charitable aid “to care for those in need and grow the Catholic faith around the world.” The group said in a press release that it would be distributing nearly $10 million in 2024 alone to more than 100 projects and recipients in several dozen countries. Among the beneficiaries include efforts at “providing for basic needs such as access to clean water,” “constructing schools and renovating classrooms,” and “translating Church teachings for evangelization.” […]
- [Pope Francis makes surprise visit to 200 children for catechism in Rome suburb](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-makes-surprise-visit-to-200-children-for-catechism-in-rome-suburb-2455): Pope Francis made a special “getaway” from the Vatican yesterday afternoon and met with a group of 200 children at a parish in metro Rome. A brief statement released by the Holy See’s Press Office said that the Holy Father went to St. John Mary Vianney Parish in Borghesiana, east of the Italian capital. There Pope Francis met with a group of 200 children studying catechism and in a relaxed manner answered some of their questions. Pictures from the meeting posted on social media show the Holy Father happily greeting the children and even giving them playful “high fives.” According to […]
- [Pope Francis to travel to Indonesia, Singapore, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-travel-to-indonesia-singapore-east-timor-and-papua-new-guinea-2451): Pope Francis will travel to the Southeast Asian countries of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore later this year, the Vatican announced Friday.
- [LIVE | Holy Mass on the 77th Anniversary of the Apparition of the Virgin of Revelation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-holy-mass-on-the-77th-anniversary-of-the-apparition-of-the-virgin-of-revelation-2449): Follow live with us from the Shrine of Our Lady of the Three Fountains in Rome the Holy Mass on the 77th anniversary of Our Lady of the Three Fountains in Rome.  Sign up to our newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/ewtn/vatican
- [Vatican’s ‘Dignitas Infinita’ Draws ‘Clear Line’ on Gender Theory, Receives Widespread Praise](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-dignitas-infinita-draws-clear-line-on-gender-theory-receives-widespread-praise-2447): ‘Surprising’ document offers a compelling affirmation of Church teaching on sex and gender, which some experts are calling a game changer.
- [Pope Francis decries how ‘the unborn with disabilities are aborted’ in throwaway culture](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-decries-how-the-unborn-with-disabilities-are-aborted-in-throwaway-culture-2445): Pope Francis decried how “the unborn with disabilities are aborted” in a speech on Thursday to a Vatican conference on disability inclusion. The pope warned that “the throwaway culture” turns into “a culture of death” when people “presume to be able to establish, on the basis of utilitarian and functional criteria, when a life has value and is worth being lived.” He pointed out that we see this today especially on the two extremes of the spectrum of life — “the unborn with disabilities are aborted and the elderly close to the end are administered an ‘easy death’ by euthanasia.” […]
- [Pastoral genius of St. John Paul II: 40 years ago, he laid foundation for World Youth Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pastoral-genius-of-st-john-paul-ii-40-years-ago-he-laid-foundation-for-world-youth-day-2443): Nearly 40 years ago, an event was held in Rome that laid the foundations for what today is World Youth Day (WYD).
- [Where Vocations are Born](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/where-vocations-are-born-2441): Hearing God’s call in an indifferent world
- [Pope Francis: ‘A Christian without courage’ is ‘a useless Christian’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-a-christian-without-courage-is-a-useless-christian-2439): Pope Francis on Wednesday dedicated his general audience catechesis to the virtue of fortitude, observing that it consists of the ability to live with courage and to confront the inner — and outer — turmoils of life.
- [Bambino Gesù: The Pope's Hospital Extending Healing Worldwide](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-hospital-on-the-move-2437): Medical care that extends beyond Rome
- [God: the Science and the Proof](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/god-the-science-and-the-proof-2435): The complementarity of faith and reason
- [Mary in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mary-in-rome-2433): The city with the most Marian apparitions
- [New complaints of abuse by Father Rupnik presented to Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-complaints-of-abuse-by-father-rupnik-presented-to-vatican-2431): Five new complaints of alleged abuse committed by Father Marko Rupnik have been presented to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome, where an investigation into the case is being carried out after Pope Francis decided to lift the statute of limitations. The new cases mark the latest development in the case of Rupnik, a Jesuit accused of having committed serious sexual, spiritual, and psychological abuse against at least 20 women over a period of decades. As reported by the Italian news agency Ansa, the testimonies of five alleged victims were presented at the Vatican dicastery by […]
- [New Vatican document highlights Church’s ‘ever-greater understanding of human dignity’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-vatican-document-highlights-churchs-ever-greater-understanding-of-human-dignity-2427): Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the Vatican’s top doctrinal watchdog, said Monday that the Vatican’s new document on human dignity is as much a reflection of Pope Francis’ pastoral thinking on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, surrogacy, and gender ideology as it is a summary of the Church’s magisterial teaching. This document is “about gathering here and consolidating what the last pontiffs have said on this great topic and to summarize the innovation offered by the current pope,” Fernández, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, said during a press conference at the Vatican coinciding with the […]
- [Vatican document on human dignity condemns gender transition, surrogacy, abortion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-document-on-human-dignity-condemns-gender-transition-surrogacy-abortion-2425): The Vatican's main doctrinal office issued a statement on Monday on the issue of human dignity that addresses growing concerns such as gender theory, sex changes, surrogacy and euthanasia, as well as abortion, poverty, human trafficking. people and war.
- [Woman born of surrogacy shares why she supports Pope Francis’ call for a global ban](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/woman-born-of-surrogacy-shares-why-she-supports-pope-francis-call-for-a-global-ban-2423): Don't miss this eye-opening article shedding light on the untold stories behind surrogacy. Olivia Maurel, born via surrogacy, shares her traumatic experiences and joins the call for its abolition, echoing Pope Francis' stance.
- [The Church’s Effort for Unity “Christ before everything!”](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/churchs-effort-for-unity-christ-before-everything-2421): Struggles in dialogue between the churches
- [The Eucharist without Borders](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/eucharist-without-borders-2419): “Take; this is my body” - Mark 14:22
- [Unseen Photos of Padre Pio: Treasures for Catholics](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/unseen-photos-of-padre-pio-treasures-for-catholics-2417): To mark the tenth anniversary of the St. Pio Foundation in the United States, they will be releasing ten never-before-seen pictures of St. Padre Pio. EWTN's Colm Flynn sits down with the founder Luciano Lamonarca who explains the images.
- [Easter in the Eternal City](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/easter-in-the-eternal-city-2415): 30,000 pilgrims present on Easter Sunday
- [16 insights from St. John Paul II on divine mercy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/16-insights-from-st-john-paul-ii-on-divine-mercy-2413): St. John Paul II has been called the “mercy pope” for good reason.   
- [Pope Francis on Divine Mercy Sunday: The ‘fullness of life’ is ‘realized in Jesus’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-divine-mercy-sunday-the-fullness-of-life-is-realized-in-jesus-2411): Pope Francis during the Regina Caeli on Divine Mercy Sunday noted that the “fullness of life” comes not from the pursuit of transitory pleasure but is “realized in Jesus.”
- [Diocese of Rome shake-up: Pope Francis transfers vicar to Vatican post](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/diocese-of-rome-shake-up-pope-francis-transfers-vicar-to-vatican-post-2409): Pope Francis has transferred the vicar of Rome, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, to a different post as head of the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary, the Vatican announced on Saturday.
- [Pope Francis ‘deeply saddened,’ expresses closeness with victims of Taiwan earthquake](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-deeply-saddened-expresses-closeness-with-victims-of-taiwan-earthquake-2407): The Vatican on Thursday sent a telegram to the president of Taiwan’s bishops’ conference in which Pope Francis expressed his sadness and solidarity after a Wednesday morning earthquake left several dead and more than 1,000 injured.  “His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and damage caused by the earthquake in Taiwan,” read the telegram, which was signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.  The Holy Father “assures everyone affected by this disaster of his heartfelt solidarity and spiritual closeness,” the telegram said. “Pope Francis likewise prays for the dead, the injured, […]
- [Vatican to publish document on ‘moral questions’ regarding human dignity, gender, surrogacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-publish-document-on-moral-questions-regarding-human-dignity-gender-surrogacy-2405): The Vatican's main doctrinal office will publish a new statement next week on the issue of human dignity, including gender ideology and surrogacy.
- [Pope Francis: Benedict XVI defended me in face of accusations ‘that I promoted gay marriage’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-benedict-xvi-defended-me-in-face-of-accusations-that-i-promoted-gay-marriage-2403): In a new book interview with Pope Francis, the Holy Father recalled that Benedict XVI defended him when he was accused of promoting “homosexual marriage.” In the Spanish-language book “The Successor: My Memories of Benedict XVI,” Pope Francis relates that on one occasion he had “a very beautiful visit with him [Benedict XVI] when some cardinals came to see him, surprised by my words about marriage, and he was very clear with them.” “One day they showed up at his house to practically put me on trial and accused me before him that I promoted homosexual marriage. Benedict didn’t get […]
- [Pope Francis on Gaza conflict: ‘Without justice, there is no peace’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-gaza-conflict-without-justice-there-is-no-peace-2401): Pope Francis during his general audience on Wednesday deplored the recent killing of humanitarian workers in the Gaza Strip, with the Holy Father renewing his appeal for an immediate cease-fire amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.  The pope buttressed his plea with a catechesis focused on the virtue of justice, noting that it is the building block for a well-ordered society premised upon the rule of law.  “I express deep regret for the volunteers killed while distributing food aid in Gaza,” the pope said to the 25,000 gathered in St. Peter’s Square on an overcast Wednesday morning.  Pope Francis greets a […]
- [Pope Francis makes peace appeal while holding rosary of slain Ukrainian soldier](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-makes-peace-appeal-while-holding-rosary-of-slain-ukrainian-soldier-2399): Pope Francis held in his hands a rosary and New Testament that belonged to a slain 23-year-old Ukrainian soldier as he appealed for peace during his general audience on Wednesday. Speaking in St. Peter’s Square on April 3, the pope revealed that the rosary belonged to a boy named Oleksandre, who was killed in Avdiïvka in eastern Ukraine. He said that Oleksandre had also carried a small book containing the New Testament and the Psalms with him to the front lines of the war in Ukraine. “In the book of Psalms, he had underlined Psalm 130, ‘Out of the depths […]
- [Bishop Robert Barron: A Call to Freedom and Joy Amidst Spiritual Crisis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-robert-barron-a-call-to-freedom-and-joy-amidst-spiritual-crisis-2397): Join Bishop Robert Barron as he delves into the profound challenges posed by the ongoing spiritual crisis within the Church.
- [Pope Francis: The resurrection of Jesus changes our lives completely and forever](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-resurrection-of-jesus-changes-our-lives-completely-and-forever-2395): Pope Francis said on Easter Monday that the resurrection of Jesus is not just a “happy ending” but is an event that “changes our lives completely and forever.” “Jesus broke through the darkness of the tomb and lives forever. … With him, every day becomes a step in an eternal journey, every today can hope for a tomorrow, every end a new beginning, every instant is projected beyond the limits of time, toward eternity,” the pope said on April 1. “Brothers, sisters, the joy of the Resurrection is not something far away. It is very close; it is ours because […]
- [Spiritual Preparation for the 2025 Jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/spiritual-preparation-for-the-2025-jubilee-2393): Join Dr. Michael Miller, Senior Research Fellow at the Acton Institute, as he discusses the spiritual preparation needed for the 2025 Jubile
- [Pope Francis: I was ‘used’ against Ratzinger in 2005 conclave, but he was ‘my candidate’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-i-was-used-against-ratzinger-in-2005-conclave-but-he-was-my-candidate-2391): Pope Francis said he was “used” in the 2005 conclave in an effort to block the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, though he supported the candidacy of the man who soon became Pope Benedict XVI.  “He was my candidate,” Francis said of his predecessor in excerpts from the forthcoming book “The Successor,” published by the Spanish newspaper ABC on Easter Sunday.   In the book, Pope Francis told Spanish journalist Javier Martínez-Brocal that his name, then-Cardinal Jose Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, was put forward as part of a “complete maneuver” by an unnamed group of cardinals to manipulate the conclave’s […]
- [German “Synodal Way” Needs Vatican Approval](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/german-synodal-way-needs-vatican-approval-2389): German bishops will have to seek Vatican approval for future decisions regarding their “Synodal Way.”
- [Pope Francis at Easter Vigil: Christ ‘is the one who brings us from darkness into light’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-easter-vigil-christ-is-the-one-who-brings-us-from-darkness-into-light-2387): Pope Francis on Saturday evening presided over the Easter Vigil Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica, reflecting on the gravity of Easter as a symbol of God’s reborn hope and the ultimate testament of life over death. There were some concerns on Friday night about the pope’s wellbeing after the Holy Father canceled his attendance at Rome’s Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) at the last minute. The Holy See Press Office said the pope made the decision “to conserve his health” for the lengthy Easter Vigil liturgy. “This is the Pasch of Christ, the revelation of God’s power: The victory […]
- [Pope Francis skips Via Crucis in Rome while tens of thousands pray his meditations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-skips-via-crucis-in-rome-while-tens-of-thousands-pray-his-meditations-2385): In an apparent last-minute decision, Pope Francis skipped the Way of the Cross ceremony held at Rome’s Colosseum on Friday to safeguard his health ahead of the upcoming liturgies on Saturday and Easter Sunday.  “To conserve his health in view of tomorrow’s vigil and the holy Mass on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis will follow the Via Crucis at the Colosseum this evening from Casa Santa Marta,” a statement from the Holy See Press stated.  The news arrived just as the event was scheduled to begin, where two men were seen carrying away the papal chair, where Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri was […]
- [The History of the Urbi Et Orbi Blessing](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/history-of-the-urbi-et-orbi-blessing-2383): How to receive a plenary indulgence on Easter
- [PHOTOS: Pope Francis celebrates Good Friday liturgy at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-francis-celebrates-good-friday-liturgy-at-the-vatican-2381): During the Good Friday liturgy at the Vatican, presided over by Pope Francis, the papal preacher reflected on the triumph of the cross, noting that it is an event that changed the universal perception of God's omnipotence, revealing his humility.
- [Full text: Pope Francis’ Good Friday Way of the Cross meditations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-pope-francis-good-friday-way-of-the-cross-meditations-2379): For the first time in his 11-year pontificate, Pope Francis has written his own spiritual meditations for Friday’s Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) in Rome. The reflections are based on the theme “In Prayer with Jesus on the Way of the Cross” and center on “what Jesus experienced in that moment” at each station, the Holy See Press Office said earlier this week when announcing that the pope would offer his own meditations.    Here is the full text of the Via Crucis meditations for Good Friday, March 29, 2024: STATIONS OF THE CROSS 2024  In prayer with Jesus on […]
- [Cardinal Grech’s controversial comments add to list of concerns on postsynodal study groups](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-grechs-controversial-comments-add-to-list-of-concerns-on-postsynodal-study-groups-2377): If Cardinal Mario Grech held nearly any office other than the one he does, his recent comments in favor of the female diaconate and against the need for “uniformity of thought” in the universal Church might not be so significant. After all, when prelates offer their theological opinions, it’s generally taken as just that — an individual Church leader’s theological opinion. But Grech isn’t an ordinary prelate — he heads the Vatican’s Secretariat for the Synod. And just one week before his March 21 interview with an Italian-language Swiss publication, Pope Francis had tasked the Maltese cardinal with implementing 10 […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Francis Washes the Feet of Inmates at Women’s Prison in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-francis-washes-the-feet-of-inmates-at-womens-prison-in-rome-2375): Pope Francis on Thursday washed the feet of 12 prisoners at a prison facility in Rome, with the pontiff continuing a regular tradition of holding the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at local penitentiaries.
- [What is the Altar of Repose or "Sepulcher" on Holy Thursday? The Liturgical Significance & its History in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-the-altar-of-repose-or-sepulcher-on-holy-thursday-the-liturgical-significance-and-its-history-in-rome-2373): The Altar of Repose is commonplace in the minds of the faithful who attend the Holy Triduum liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil.  These three days of the liturgical year consist of one grand liturgical action commemorating the final hours of the life of Our Lord Jesus Christ upon the earth: from the commemoration of the Last Supper and the Institution of the Eucharist, through Christ’s suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, and subsequently his arrest, his scourging, his being condemned to death, carrying the cross, and finally being crucified upon Calvary, dying, and, most importantly, rising […]
- [On Holy Thursday, Pope Francis asks priests to weep over their sins](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/on-holy-thursday-pope-francis-asks-priests-to-weep-over-their-sins-2371): On Holy Thursday, Pope Francis presided over a chrism Mass at which more than 1,880 priests, bishops, and cardinals renewed the promises made at their ordinations. Pope Francis encouraged the priests to turn their gaze upon the crucified Lord and to weep over their sins in repentance, saying that tears can “purify and heal the heart.” “Once we recognize our sin, our hearts can be opened to the working of the Holy Spirit, the source of living water that wells up within us and brings tears to our eyes,” Francis said on March 28. Pope Francis speaks at the Vatican’s […]
- [LIVE from Rome | Pope Francis' Holy Mass of the Lord's Supper | March 28th, 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-rome-pope-francis-holy-mass-of-the-lords-supper-march-28th-2024-2369): Join us for the Holy Mass in “Coena Domini” presided over by Pope Francis at the Rebibbia’s women’s prison.
- [Science and The Resurrection: The Shroud of Turin](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/science-and-the-resurrection-the-shroud-of-turin-2367): Unlocking the Mystery of the Shroud of Turin: A Quest for Scientific Evidence 
- [LIVE from the Vatican | Chrism Mass led by Pope Francis | March 28th, 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-chrism-mass-led-by-pope-francis-march-28th-2024-2365): LIVE on Thursday of the Holy Week | Join us for the Chrism Mass led by Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Basilica.
- [Amid Holy Week, Pope Francis points to ‘beautiful testimony’ of fathers who lost daughters](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/amid-holy-week-pope-francis-points-to-beautiful-testimony-of-fathers-who-lost-daughters-2363): Pope Francis on Wednesday used the example of two men — one Palestinian, one Israeli, both of whom lost their daughters in violent conflicts — to reflect on Christ’s suffering and his patience as the Church prepares for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Calling attention to the two men present at his general audience in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father told the assembly: “Both lost their daughters in this war and both are friends. They don’t look at the enmity of war, but they look at the friendship of two men who love each other and who went […]
- [In letter to Holy Land Christians, Pope Francis deplores the war, expresses closeness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-letter-to-holy-land-christians-pope-francis-deplores-the-war-expresses-closeness-2361): Pope Francis on Wednesday issued a letter to the Christians of the Holy Land in preparation for Good Friday, expressing his solidarity with a community that continues to suffer amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. “Dear brothers and sisters, allow me to tell you once more that you are not alone. We will never leave you alone but will demonstrate our solidarity with you by prayer and practical charity,” the pope wrote in his Holy Wednesday letter. “In these bleak times, when it seems that the dark clouds of Good Friday hover over your land, and all too many parts of our world […]
- [Pope Francis to write meditations for Good Friday Way of the Cross for the first time](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-write-meditations-for-good-friday-way-of-the-cross-for-the-first-time-2359): Pope Francis for the first time in his 11-year pontificate will pen his own spiritual meditations for Friday’s Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) against the dramatic backdrop of Rome’s historic Colosseum. The reflection will be based on the theme “In Prayer with Jesus on the Way of the Cross.” The pope will write a unique treatment for each station, “centered on what Jesus experiences in that moment,” the Holy See Press Office announced. Vatican News observed that the pope’s decision to write his own mediations this year dovetails with the spiritual dimension of the Year of Prayer, a period […]
- [Pope Francis to offer Mass in Venice’s St. Mark’s Square](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-offer-mass-in-venices-st-marks-square-2355): Pope Francis will travel by motorboat along Venice’s canals and offer Mass in St. Mark’s Square during his visit to the “floating city,” the Vatican announced Monday. The Holy See Press Office has released the schedule for the pope’s upcoming day trip to Venice — the pope’s only scheduled trip so far in 2024. Pope Francis will preside over a public Mass in St. Mark’s Square at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 28, as he visits the Vatican pavilion at the Venice Biennale art exhibition.  The 87-year-old pope will travel by helicopter from Vatican City to Venice in under two hours and will land on […]
- [Pope Francis gives thanks to young Nigerian priests and nuns who answered God’s call](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-gives-thanks-to-young-nigerian-priests-and-nuns-who-answered-gods-call-2353): Pope Francis gave thanks on Monday for the many young Nigerians who have answered God’s call to the priesthood or religious life. In a meeting with Nigerians living in Rome on March 25, the pope said he was grateful for all that Nigerian Catholics have done to bear witness to the Gospel, especially as many parts of the country are experiencing insecurity and Christian persecution. “I also join you in thanking Almighty God for the many young Nigerians who have heard the Lord’s call to the priesthood and consecrated life and responded with generosity, humility, and perseverance,” Pope Francis said. […]
- [Pope Francis to young people: ‘Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-young-people-christ-is-alive-and-he-wants-you-to-be-alive-2351): Pope Francis published a message for young people on Monday urging them to realize that Christ is alive today and wants us to live in a way that is fully alive. “Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!” Pope Francis wrote in the letter signed on March 25. “In today’s world, marked by so many conflicts and so much suffering, I suspect that many of you feel disheartened. So together with you, I would like to set out from the proclamation that is the basis of our hope and that of all humanity: ‘Christ is alive!’” The […]
- [Pope Francis implores public broadcasters to serve the common good and combat ‘fake news’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-implores-public-broadcasters-to-serve-the-common-good-and-combat-fake-news-2349): Pope Francis on Saturday spoke on the important role public broadcasting plays in the transmission of information, serving the common good, and as an instrument to fight the spread of “fake news.” “Your work is intended above all to be a response to the needs of the citizens, in a spirit of universal openness, with action capable of extending throughout the territory without becoming localist, respecting and promoting the dignity of each person,” the pope said in a Saturday morning address to the managers, journalists, and staff of RAI, Italy’s national public broadcasting company. The 87-year-old pontiff seemed to be […]
- [Silicon Valley Meets the Vatican: Launch of Catholic Institute of Technology at Castel Gandolfo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/silicon-valley-meets-the-vatican-launch-of-catholic-institute-of-technology-at-castel-gandolfo-2347): Silicon Valley at Castel Gandolfo  
- [Where Popes and Saints Retreat to Pray ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/where-popes-and-saints-retreat-to-pray-2345): Mentorella: Where Saint John Paul II and Saints Found Solace and Spoke with God
- [Synod on Synodality 2024: a Church on a Mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-2024-a-church-on-a-mission-2343): Synod on Synodality: Embracing Controversy and Unity in the Church's Mission
- [Pope Francis’ Pilgrimage through the Three Holy Days](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-pilgrimage-through-the-three-holy-days-2341): The Holy Triduum in Rome
- [Pope Francis' Commitment To Safeguarding Minors](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-commitment-to-safeguarding-minors-2339): It's been ten years since the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors started its work. Established by Pope Francis on March 22nd, 2014, one year after his election, its mission remains as crucial as ever.
- [Pope Francis on Palm Sunday: Jesus entered Jerusalem as a humble king](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-palm-sunday-jesus-entered-jerusalem-as-a-humble-king-2337): On Palm Sunday, hundreds of priests, bishops, cardinals, and laypeople solemnly carried large palm branches in procession through St. Peter’s Square to begin the first liturgy of Holy Week. 
- [Pope Francis prays for victims of Moscow terrorist attack at Palm Sunday Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-victims-of-moscow-terrorist-attack-at-palm-sunday-mass-2335): Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims of the “vile terrorist attack” in Moscow at the end of his Palm Sunday Mass at the Vatican.
- [LIVE | Pope Francis' Holy Mass on Palm Sunday 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-holy-mass-on-palm-sunday-2024-2333): LIVE | Pope Francis' Holy Mass on Palm Sunday 2024
- [Pope Francis laicizes Belgian ex-bishop and abuser Roger Vangheluwe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-laicizes-belgian-ex-bishop-and-abuser-roger-vangheluwe-2331): Pope Francis has laicized Bishop Emeritus of Bruges, Belgium, Roger Vangheluwe, years after the former prelate admitted to repeatedly sexually abusing his nephew when the latter was a minor.  The apostolic nunciature to Belgium said in a statement on Thursday that “serious new elements” had come to light regarding Vangheluwe, who resigned in 2010 after having admitted to the sexual abuse of his nephew from when the youth was 5 years old. The “new elements” included the recent testimony of a victim that led to a reexamination of the case. On March 8 the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the […]
- [Pope Francis changes statutes of papal basilica, emphasizing work of canons](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-changes-statutes-of-papal-basilica-emphasizing-work-of-canons-2329): Pope Francis on Wednesday issued new regulations for the administration of the papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, placing new emphasis on spiritual work and pastoral care and appointing a coadjutor archpriest of the West’s oldest Marian shrine.  In the March 20 chirograph, or papal decree, the Holy Father explained that he sought to “free” the “canons,” (members of the group or “chapter” of clergy he designates to serve the basilica) “from all economic and administrative duties, so that they may dedicate themselves, fully and with renewed vigor, to the spiritual and pastoral accompaniment” of pilgrims. In December 2021 Pope […]
- [German bishops to discuss Synodal Way with Vatican amid controversy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/german-bishops-to-discuss-synodal-way-with-vatican-amid-controversy-2327): A delegation of German bishops is expected in Rome this Friday for talks with the Vatican about the German Synodal Way.  While the precise agenda is not a matter of public record, the encounter will likely focus on plans to install a permanent Synodal Council to oversee the Church in Germany. Raising several concerns, the Vatican reminded the Germans ahead of the meeting — in a letter dated Feb. 16 — that the Holy See has not mandated them to set up such a council.  Addressing Bishop Georg Bätzing, president of the German Bishops’ Conference (DBK), Vatican officials told the […]
- [Pope Francis addresses migrant crisis in Darien Gap: ‘Every refugee challenges us’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-addresses-migrant-crisis-in-darien-gap-every-refugee-challenges-us-2325): Pope Francis on Wednesday sent a letter to the bishops of Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica highlighting the need to develop greater pastoral care and initiatives to assist migrants who travel through the treacherous Darien Gap. “As Christians, every refugee and migrant who leaves his or her homeland challenges us,” the pope wrote. “In our villages we find at the same time the hospitable fraternity that welcomes with human sensitivity, but also, unfortunately, the indifference that stains the Darién with blood.” The pope’s message comes as bishops from the episcopal conferences of the three countries conclude a four-day meeting in […]
- [Pope Francis’ message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations stresses fraternity, hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-message-for-world-day-of-prayer-for-vocations-stresses-fraternity-hope-2323): Pope Francis on Tuesday released his message for the 61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations, reflecting on the Christian pilgrimage as a synodal journey that is rooted in hope and aimed toward discovering God’s love.  The theme for the this year’s World Day of Prayer for Vocations, “Called to Sow Seeds of Hope and to Build Peace,” reflects the universal Christian call to “base our lives on the rock of Christ’s resurrection, knowing that every effort made in the vocation that we have embraced and seek to live out will never be in vain,” the pope said.  This year […]
- [Pope Francis highlights importance of prudence, calls for end to war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-highlights-importance-of-prudence-calls-for-end-to-war-2321): Pope Francis on Wednesday reflected on the virtue of prudence, noting that it is an essential characteristic for good governance, an observation he made while renewing his call for negotiating an end to war.  “War is always a defeat. You can’t go on in war. We must make all efforts to negotiate, to negotiate, to end the war. Let’s pray for this,” the pope said during his Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.   While the 87-year-old pontiff arrived in the piazza greeting the faithful from the famous “Popemobile,” he relied on an aide to deliver the […]
- [Pontifical Gregorian University announces merger with biblical, Eastern institutes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-gregorian-university-announces-merger-with-biblical-eastern-institutes-2319): The historic Jesuit-run Pontifical Gregorian University this week announced its official merger with the Pontifical Biblical Institute and the Pontifical Oriental Institute. The Gregorian announced on its website on Monday that, per a decree from Jesuit Superior General Father Arturo Sosa, the university’s new General Statutes will “permanently incorporate” the two institutes with the Gregorian into one corporate structure. The merger of the three Rome-based schools will take effect on Pentecost Sunday, May 19. The institutions will merge “while still retaining their own names and missions,” the university said. The Gregorian currently has an enrollment of about 2,700 students, 70% of whom […]
- [Vatican Observatory publishes new method to better understand the Big Bang theory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-observatory-publishes-new-method-to-better-understand-the-big-bang-theory-2317): Two priests and cosmologists from the Vatican Observatory have made further progress in developing a new mathematical method to understand the Big Bang theory, which describes the first moments of the universe. In a 2022 article published in the prestigious journal Physical Review D, Fathers Gabriele Gionti, SJ, and Matteo Galaverni introduced the new and promising mathematical tool. They have recently published a new article in the European Physical Journal C, a publication that presents novel research results in theoretical physics and experimental physics. “It really is fascinating to try to understand the physical laws in the early moments of […]
- [On this day, Saint John XXIII Entrusted Vatican Council II to Saint Joseph](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/on-this-day-saint-john-xxiii-entrusted-vatican-council-ii-to-saint-joseph-2315): 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.
- [Exploring Saint Joseph's Relic in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/exploring-saint-josephs-relic-in-rome-2313): In the Basilica of Sant’Anastasia, Rome, an extraordinary relic lies quietly: the sacred tunic of Saint Joseph.
- [Pope Francis Launches '24 Hours for the Lord,' Highlighting Divine Mercy and Forgiveness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-launches-24-hours-for-the-lord-highlighting-divine-mercy-and-forgiveness-2311): Pope Francis has officially initiated the '24 Hours for the Lord' event at St. Pius V Parish in Rome, a profound call to the faithful for reflection, confession, and experiencing God's inexhaustible forgiveness.
- [Pope Francis' Call for Peace Negotiations Sparks Global Reactions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-call-for-peace-negotiations-sparks-global-reactions-2309): In a significant statement during an interview with Radiotelevisione Svizzera, Pope Francis urged Ukraine to “wave the white flag and negotiate,” emphasizing the necessity of peace talks amidst ongoing conflicts.
- [Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church talks war, the pope, and same-sex blessings](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/head-of-the-ukrainian-catholic-church-talks-war-the-pope-and-same-sex-blessings-2307): In an exclusive interview with EWTN News, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, spoke of the continued need for humanitarian aid in his country and discussed Pope Francis’ peace efforts and the recent controversy over same-sex blessings. The Ukrainian patriarch was in the U.S. for a week of meetings with public officials and Church leaders to foster renewed support for Ukraine. He spoke with EWTN at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family in Washington, D.C.  Shevchuk emphasized his gratitude to the American people for their support but voiced concern that the U.S. […]
- [Pope Francis names U.S. police professional, Colombian bishop to minor protection commission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-us-police-professional-colombian-bishop-to-minor-protection-commission-2305): Pope Francis on Friday appointed an American former law enforcement professional as adjunct secretary to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and a Colombian bishop as secretary of the independent body tasked since 2014 with advising the pope on how the Church can best protect minors and vulnerable adults.  The Vatican announced March 15 that Teresa Morris Kettelkamp, a Chicago native and Illinois law enforcement professional, was named as the commission’s adjunct secretary. Auxiliary Bishop Luis Manuel Alí Herrera of Bogotá, Colombia, was named secretary of the commission, replacing Father Andrew Small, who had served as temporary secretary since 2021. Both appointees […]
- [German bishops to Church in Africa: Initiate canonization of German martyrs](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/german-bishops-to-church-in-africa-initiate-canonization-of-german-martyrs-2303): A representative of the German Catholic Bishops’ Conference has challenged Church leaders in Africa to initiate canonization processes for the German martyrs who were violently killed in various African countries.  ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, asked Father Helmut Moll, who has compiled biographies of more than 30 German martyrs who were reportedly victims of violence in Africa, what was being done to ensure their cause for canonization is opened.   “Your local Churches should ensure that these German martyrs are raised to the honor of the altars,” Moll replied, referring to the local ordinaries of the episcopal and metropolitan […]
- [Pope Francis: God’s Glory Does Not Correspond to Human Success](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-gods-glory-does-not-correspond-to-human-success-2301): Pope Francis said Sunday that God’s glory and our true happiness are not found in success, fame, or popularity but in loving and forgiving others. 
- [Lenten Tour at the Vatican Museums](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lenten-tour-at-the-vatican-museums-2299): Amidst the season of Lent, the Vatican Museums open their doors to an extraordinary tour, delving deep into the pivotal moments of Jesus Christ's Death and Resurrection.
- [Pontifical Gregorian University Hosted Debate on "Woke Culture"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-gregorian-university-hosted-debate-on-woke-culture-2297): The Pontifical Gregorian University hosted a debate earlier this week focused on "woke" culture.
- [Blinken, Putin congratulate Pope Francis on 11th anniversary of election](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/blinken-putin-congratulate-pope-francis-on-11th-anniversary-of-election-2295): The international community on Wednesday sent congratulatory messages to Pope Francis to mark the 11th anniversary of his election to the pontificate, praising him for his leadership and peace initiatives over his nearly-dozen years at the Vatican.  “Today, I join millions of Americans in congratulating the Holy Father on this anniversary as he continues his work of leading the Catholic Church and inspiring people around the globe to seek peace, charity, and compassion,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote in a March 13 statement.  Blinken in his statement noted that the U.S. and the Vatican are “united by common […]
- [Vatican seeks to break new ground in Confucian and Christian dialogue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-seeks-to-break-new-ground-in-confucian-and-christian-dialogue-2293): The Vatican sponsored a dialogue in Taiwan this week as the Catholic Church prepares to release official guidelines for engagement with Confucianism, one of the most influential religious philosophies in the history of China. Father Paulin Kubuya, the undersecretary for the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, traveled to New Taipei City for the meeting at Fu Jen Catholic University. He told CNA in an interview on March 12 upon his return to Rome that the guidelines could help Catholics in East Asia to navigate living out the faith amid their cultural traditions. Father Paulin Kubuya in the offices of the […]
- [The Greatest Canonization in History: March 12, 1622](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/greatest-canonization-in-history-march-12-1622-2291): There has never been, though, a canonization like that of March12, 1622.
- [Controversial Sister Lucía Caram and Religión Digital team meet with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/controversial-sister-lucia-caram-and-religion-digital-team-meet-with-pope-francis-2289): Pope Francis received the controversial nun Sister Lucía Caram and team members of the Spanish-language news portal Religión Digital, which regularly publishes content contrary to Catholic doctrine.
- [Pope Francis: Study groups to examine 10 Synod on Synodality themes through June 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-study-groups-to-examine-10-synod-on-synodality-themes-through-june-2025-2287): Pope Francis announces church experts will study the question of women deacons and other topics until June 2025, extending past the Synod on Synodality's conclusion. 
- [Pope Francis takes on critics in forthcoming memoir, says he won’t be resigning](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-takes-on-critics-in-forthcoming-memoir-says-he-wont-be-resigning-2285): Pope Francis has no plans to resign from office — though he says some in the Church wish he would.
- [The Church Celebrates the 750th Anniversary of St. Thomas Aquinas: A Legacy of Faith and Reason](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/church-celebrates-the-750th-anniversary-of-st-thomas-aquinas-a-legacy-of-faith-and-reason-2283): Marking the 750th anniversary of St. Thomas Aquinas's passing, the Catholic Church, led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, celebrates the profound legacy of one of its greatest theologians.
- [PHOTOS: A timeline of Pope Francis’ 11 years as pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-a-timeline-of-pope-francis-11-years-as-pope-2281): March 13 marks the anniversary of the election of Pope Francis as the 266th successor of St. Peter. Here is a timeline of key events during his papacy: 2013 March 13 — About two weeks after Pope Benedict XVI steps down from the papacy, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio is elected pope. He takes the papal name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi and proclaims from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica: “Let us begin this journey, the bishop and people, this journey of the Church of Rome, which presides in charity over all the Churches, a journey of […]
- [Pope Francis: Virtue enables us to have ‘a tendency towards the right choice’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-virtue-enables-us-to-have-a-tendency-towards-the-right-choice-2279): Pope Francis on Wednesday opened a new chapter in his ongoing catechetical series on vices and virtues, shifting his reflection to the origins and nature of virtue itself and underscoring its value for human formation.  “Virtue is a ‘habitus’ of freedom. If we are free in every act, and every time we are required to choose between good and evil, virtue is what enables us to have a tendency towards the right choice,” the pope observed in his weekly general audience held in St. Peter’s Square. The pope did not read Wednesday’s address, instead relying on an aide to deliver […]
- [Analysis: The ever-changing College of Cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/analysis-the-ever-changing-college-of-cardinals-2277): The most recent change in the College of Cardinals took place on Feb. 24, when Cardinal José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuán turned 80 and was thus removed from the ranks of cardinal-electors. A few weeks earlier, on Feb. 12, Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno also turned 80 and, therefore, is no longer eligible to cast a vote in a conclave. There are currently 129 cardinals who could vote in a conclave, nine more than the maximum of 120 set by Paul VI and confirmed by all of his successors since. During the 11 years of his pontificate, Pope Francis has convened […]
- [Pope Francis Marks 11 Years as Pontiff](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-marks-11-years-as-pontiff-2275): A Decade of Mercy, Outreach, and Synodality: Reflecting on Pope Francis' 11-Year Journey as Pontiff
- [Coptic Orthodox Church confirms dialogue with Catholic Church suspended over same-sex blessings](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/coptic-orthodox-church-confirms-dialogue-with-catholic-church-suspended-over-same-sex-blessings-2273): The Coptic Orthodox Church has confirmed that its decision last week to suspend dialogue with the Catholic Church was due to Rome’s “change of position” on homosexuality. In a video released on Friday, Coptic Orthodox spokesman Father Moussa Ibrahim said “the most notable” of nine decrees emanating from the church’s annual Holy Synod, which took place last week in Wadi El-Natrun in Egypt, was “to suspend theological dialogue with the Catholic Church after its change of position on the issue of homosexuality.” The video message followed the conclusion of the Holy Synod the day before and an accompanying statement in […]
- [Pope Francis Calls for Courage to Negotiate Peace in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-courage-to-negotiate-peace-in-ukraine-2271): Pope Francis's call for Ukraine to negotiate peace with Russia, symbolized by a "white flag," has drawn global reactions.
- [Vatican’s Venice Biennale pavilion leads visitors in Catholic tradition of visiting prisoners](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-venice-biennale-pavilion-leads-visitors-in-catholic-tradition-of-visiting-prisoners-2269): Visiting prisoners is one of the Catholic Church’s corporal works of mercy originating with Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew: “I was in prison and you visited me.” All visitors to the 2024 Venice Biennale’s Vatican pavilion will take part in this Catholic tradition by entering an active women’s prison on Venice’s Giudecca island, where the inmates will play an active role in the exhibition of works by nine professional artists. Upon arrival, visitors to the Vatican pavilion titled “With My Eyes” will be forced to leave their cellphones and IDs at the door, following the typical security protocols for […]
- [Pope Francis: The heart of repentance is God’s ‘infinite love,’ ‘boundless mercy’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-heart-of-repentance-is-gods-infinite-love-boundless-mercy-2267): Pope Francis in an address on Friday morning stressed the importance of confession during the season of Lent, underscoring that the richness of the sacrament is seen in the Act of Contrition, a testament to God’s mercy and love. “Repentance,” the pope said during his address to the members of the Apostolic Penitentiary’s course on the internal forum, “is neither the fruit of self-analysis, nor of a psychic sense of guilt, but arises entirely from an awareness of our wretchedness in the face of God’s infinite love, his boundless mercy.”  The Apostolic Penitentiary is one of the three main tribunals […]
- [Pope Francis: We Have a Duty to Help Women Accept the Gift of Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-we-have-a-duty-to-help-women-accept-the-gift-of-life-2265): Pope Francis said Sunday that governments and civil society have a fundamental duty to help ensure that women are able to accept the gift of life.
- [Vatican: Pope Francis’ ‘White Flag’ Remark A Call For Negotiations, Not Ukraine’s Surrender](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-pope-francis-white-flag-remark-a-call-for-negotiations-not-ukraines-surrender-2263): The Vatican on Saturday said Pope Francis did not mean to suggest that Ukraine ought to surrender to Russia when he referred to “the courage of the white flag” in a newly released television interview. 
- [The Bombing of the Pope's Residence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bombing-of-the-popes-residence-2261): Castel Gandolfo is an Italian village on the shores of Lake Albano. Its Papal Villas are known to have been the summer residence of the popes for many years. However, during World War II, it became a refuge for people seeking to escape the war. 
- [Pope Francis: Young people ‘can break the chains of antagonism’ between Catholics, Orthodox](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-young-people-can-break-the-chains-of-antagonism-between-catholics-orthodox-2673): Pope Francis urges young people to unite Catholics and Orthodox, overcoming centuries of antagonism. At a Thursday audience with Metropolitan Agathangelos, he emphasized collaboration and education.
- [Italian actor Roberto Benigni to join Pope Francis for World Children’s Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-actor-roberto-benigni-to-join-pope-francis-for-world-childrens-day-2671): Pope Francis will celebrate World Children’s Day with actor Roberto Benigni and soccer star Gianluigi Buffon on May 25-26. Events include a soccer match and a Mass in St. Peter’s Square.       
- [Chiara Corbella’s beatification cause to take a step forward in June](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chiara-corbellas-beatification-cause-to-take-a-step-forward-in-june-2669): Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo, who died of cancer in 2012, moves closer to sainthood. The Diocese of Rome will close her beatification's diocesan phase on June 21.
- [Special Tour in Vatican Gardens Honors the Blessed Mother](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/special-tour-in-vatican-gardens-honors-the-blessed-mother-2667): Throughout the Marian Month of May, the Vatican Gardens are opening their gates to pilgrims from around the world for a special tour in honor of the Blessed Mother.
- [It’s been 100 years since the Catholic Church’s first Council in China](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/its-been-100-years-since-the-catholic-churchs-first-council-in-china-2665): A century ago, the First Council of the Catholic Church in China convened, led by Archbishop Celso Costantini, to indigenize the Church and separate missions from colonialism.
- [Pope Francis at general audience: ‘Love is charity’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-general-audience-love-is-charity-2663): Pope Francis reflects on charity as the highest Christian love, emphasizing forgiveness and love for enemies, drawing from St. Paul's teachings.
- [Polish Faithful Commemorate Attempted Assassination of St. John Paul II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/polish-faithful-commemorate-attempted-assassination-of-st-john-paul-ii-2661): A delegation of Polish faithful is commemorating the 43rd anniversary of the attempted assassination of St. John Paul II at the Vatican.
- [Jubilee 2025 Announcement](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-2025-announcement-2659): Pope Francis proclaims the Jubilee 2025, urging believers to be builders of hope in a world plagued by despair. The Holy Year begins with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve 2024.
- [#BeHuman: World Meeting on Human Fraternity in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/behuman-world-meeting-on-human-fraternity-in-rome-2657): Pope Francis, surrounded by children, emphasizes the importance of unity and care for future generations at the World Meeting on Human Fraternity in Rome.
- [New Miracle of the Digital Saint approved by Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/eucharistic-saints-st-carlo-acutis-2655): Bl. Carlo Acutis to be canonized Saint  
- [The World Needs Families: Declining birth rates in Catholic countries  ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-needs-families-declining-birth-rates-in-catholic-countries-2653): Global fertility rates are declining, even in Catholic countries. The 4th "Stati Generali della Natalità" in Rome emphasized investing in youth to combat this trend and support family growth.
- [As ocean temps hit record, Vatican hosts discussions on climate change, offers resources](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/as-ocean-temps-hit-record-vatican-hosts-discussions-on-climate-change-offers-resources-2651): April had the hottest global sea surface temperatures on record, per the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Amid this, the Vatican hosts a climate summit, May 15–17, to address environmental action.
- [What has the Vatican already said about discerning Marian apparitions?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-has-the-vatican-already-said-about-discerning-marian-apparitions-2649): Cardinal Fernández will release new guidelines on Marian apparitions. The Vatican's 1978 norms set criteria: doctrinal errors, profit motives, and immoral acts were negatives; honesty and theological soundness were positives.
- [Pope Francis: Do not abandon grandparents and elderly; remain close to them](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-do-not-abandon-grandparents-and-elderly-remain-close-to-them-2647): Pope Francis urged families to visit and support their grandparents and elderly relatives to combat their loneliness ahead of the fourth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly on July 28. 
- [Israeli embassy blasts Yemeni laureate for ‘genocide’ comments at Vatican event](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/israeli-embassy-blasts-yemeni-laureate-for-genocide-comments-at-vatican-event-2645): The Israeli Embassy to the Holy See condemned Yemeni Nobel laureate Tawakkol Karman's comments on alleged "genocide" in Gaza during a Vatican peace event.
- [Hundreds Gather for the World Meeting on Human Fraternity at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hundreds-gather-for-the-world-meeting-on-human-fraternity-at-the-vatican-2643): A Vatican foundation gathered government officials, scientists, athletes, artists and children to discuss on human fraternity but also to look for alternatives to wars and poverty.
- [Armed Priest Arrested in The Vatican & Vatican To Publish New Document On Marian Apparitions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/armed-priest-arrested-in-the-vatican-and-vatican-to-publish-new-document-on-marian-apparitions-2641): Top 5 news of the week
- [Pope Francis: The devil is threatening the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church with division](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-devil-is-threatening-the-syro-malabar-catholic-church-with-division-2639): In a meeting with Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil and members of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church at the Vatican on Monday, Pope Francis urged unity and obedience amid a long-simmering liturgical conflict that continues to rock the Eastern church.
- [How to obtain a plenary indulgence during the 2025 Jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-to-obtain-a-plenary-indulgence-during-the-2025-jubilee-2637): The Vatican issued a decree on Monday outlining the many ways that Catholics can obtain a plenary indulgence during the 2025 Jubilee Year.
- [Cardinal Goh Prepares for Pope Francis' Arrival in Singapore](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-goh-prepares-for-pope-francis-arrival-in-singapore-2635): Pope Francis's Upcoming Southeast Asia Tour Includes Singapore, Cardinal William Goh Discusses Expectations and Church Dynamics
- [Vatican Offers Plenary Indulgence for 'Seven Church Pilgrimage' After Historic Church Renovation for 2025 Jubilee Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-offers-plenary-indulgence-for-seven-church-pilgrimage-after-historic-church-renovation-for-2025-jubilee-year-2633): After the historic renovation of the facade of Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini, the Church will offer an opportunity for a plenary indulgence for the 2025 Jubilee Year.
- [White Fathers Missionaries in Africa: Nomads of the Gospel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/white-fathers-missionaries-in-africa-nomads-of-the-gospel-2631): White Fathers: Shaping Catholicism's Future in Africa
- [The Pope's Preacher in the Synagogue ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-preacher-in-the-synagogue-2629): Christian and Jewish Unity  
- [Padre Pio Photos Revealed at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/padre-pio-photos-revealed-at-the-vatican-2627): Never before seen photos of Padre Pio 
- [Missionaries of Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/missionaries-of-synodality-2625): Sent forth by Pope Francis 
- [Pope Francis on Mother’s Day: Let us pray also for mothers in heaven](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-mothers-day-let-us-pray-also-for-mothers-in-heaven-2623): On Mother’s Day, Pope Francis honors all mothers, asking for prayers for those who have passed away and entrusting them to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- [International summit on climate change to bring California, New York governors to the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/international-summit-on-climate-change-to-bring-california-new-york-governors-to-the-vatican-2621): "The Vatican hosts a three-day conference, 'From Climate Crisis to Climate Resilience,' gathering global leaders and researchers to address climate change.  
- [The miracle that led to the canonization of St. Damien De Veuster](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/miracle-that-led-to-the-canonization-of-st-damien-de-veuster-2619): Hawaiian woman’s cancer cure, attributed to Father Damien's intercession, led to his canonization in 2009. Her miraculous healing fulfilled the Vatican's requirement for his sainthood, showcasing the enduring impact of the missionary priest.
- [Pope Francis on record-low fertility rate: ‘Human life is not a problem, it is a gift’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-record-low-fertility-rate-human-life-is-not-a-problem-it-is-a-gift-2617): At a conference on birth rates, Pope Francis emphasized the root causes of societal challenges, urging a shift from selfishness and consumerism.
- [Migration helps offset serious problem of low birth rate in rich countries, Pope Francis says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/migration-helps-offset-serious-problem-of-low-birth-rate-in-rich-countries-pope-francis-says-2615): Pope Francis emphasizes migration as a solution to low birth rates, urging support for decent work and addressing crises in war-torn countries.
- [Art Exhibition in the Arms of St. Peter’s Basilica: Encouraging Change](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/art-exhibition-in-the-arms-of-st-peters-basilica-encouraging-change-2613): Artists from around the world exhibit in a Vatican exhibition that combines images from Saint Francis of Assisi's 'Canticle of the Creatures'. It contrasts the beauty of creation with the devastation of climate change, shedding light on its impact.
- [Full Text of ‘Spes Non Confundit,’ papal bull for the 2025 Jubilee Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-of-spes-non-confundit-papal-bull-for-the-2025-jubilee-year-2611): Pope Francis proclaims the 2025 Jubilee with a message of hope in his papal bull 'Spes Non Confudit,' encouraging believers to anchor themselves in faith as they embark on this journey of grace and renewal.
- [The Francis Pontificate: A Double-Barreled Question](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/francis-pontificate-a-double-barreled-question-2605): The Vatican’s secretary of state, emphasized the irreversible nature of Pope Francis’ reforms, urging the Church to fully embrace them.
- [From Australia to the Vatican: ‘Aboriginal Mass’ seeks official recognition](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-australia-to-the-vatican-aboriginal-mass-seeks-official-recognition-2603): Australian Catholic bishops approve Mass integrating Aboriginal language and culture. The 'Missa Terra Spiritus Sancti' awaits Vatican recognition after over 50 years in the Diocese of Broome. Indigenous elders highlight its spiritual impact.
- [Pope Benedict’s pectoral cross still missing as thief faces prison sentence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-benedicts-pectoral-cross-still-missing-as-thief-faces-prison-sentence-2601): The thief of Pope Benedict XVI pectoral cross sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. The stolen cross, of immeasurable value to the Church, remains missing despite efforts to locate it.
- [Cause for canonization of quadriplegic lay evangelist advances](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cause-for-canonization-of-quadriplegic-lay-evangelist-advances-2599): Diocesan phase ends for Nino Baglieri's beatification in Modica, Sicily. Despite quadriplegia, he evangelized fervently. His inspiring story now heads to the Vatican for further review, highlighting his remarkable faith journey.
- [Why did Pope Francis invoke St. Stanislaus for peace in Ukraine and Israel?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-did-pope-francis-invoke-st-stanislaus-for-peace-in-ukraine-and-israel-2597): Pope Francis invokes St. Stanislaus, patron of Poland, for peace in Ukraine and Israel. Poland's devotion to St. Stanislaus reflects his legacy as a champion of morality and human rights, inspiring humanitarian aid efforts for Ukrainian refugees.
- [Pope Francis: Hope ‘is a gift that comes directly from God’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-hope-is-a-gift-that-comes-directly-from-god-2595): Pope Francis stresses the importance of hope in Christian life, emphasizing its divine nature and transformative impact. He warns against the despair of nihilism and highlights forgiveness and patience as integral to nurturing hope.
- [Children and youth to play central role in Pope Francis visit to Papua New Guinea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/children-and-youth-to-play-central-role-in-pope-francis-visit-to-papua-new-guinea-2593): Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Papua New Guinea from Sept. 6–9 will put children and youth at the forefront, highlighting their central role in the Church's mission.
- [Conference in Rome addresses dangers of AI and child pornography](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/conference-in-rome-addresses-dangers-of-ai-and-child-pornography-2591): The dangers that AI presents for the safety of children was the topic addressed at a conference organized by the S.O.S Il Telefono Azzurro Foundation and the Italian Embassy in the Holy See for the National Day against Pedophilia and Pornography.
- [Pope Francis welcomes Vatican’s new Swiss Guard recruits](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-welcomes-vaticans-new-swiss-guard-recruits-2589): Pope Francis welcomed the Vatican’s Swiss Guard Corps on May 6, marking the swearing-in of 34 new guards. After a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, the recruits and their families met with the Pope at the Apostolic Palace.
- [Why Tom Brady and Garth Brooks will be at the Vatican this weekend](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-tom-brady-and-garth-brooks-will-be-at-the-vatican-this-weekend-2587): Garth Brooks, Tom Brady and other celebrity ,will attend a Vatican event on Saturday, joining Nobel Peace Prize winners and others for the World Meeting on Human Fraternity. 
- [Vatican to publish new document on Marian apparitions next week](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-publish-new-document-on-marian-apparitions-next-week-2585): Next Friday, May 17, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, will present a new document on the discernment of Marian apparitions and other supernatural events.
- [The Vatican Gears Up for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-gears-up-for-the-2024-summer-olympics-in-paris-2583): The Vatican and the French Embassy to the Holy See join forces to organize a conference on sport and spirituality in preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games. Cardinal Mendonça emphasized the Church's vision of humanizing sport.
- [Armed priest arrested as he tried to enter the Vatican for Pope Francis’ Regina Caeli](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/armed-priest-arrested-as-he-tried-to-enter-the-vatican-for-pope-francis-regina-caeli-2581): A priest was arrested carrying weapons during the entrance to St. Peter's Square. The Czech priest was arrested along with a colleague for illegal possession of weapons. The details are revealed during the Regina Caeli prayer with Pope Francis.
- [Could Edith Stein be declared the next doctor of the Church?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/could-edith-stein-be-declared-the-next-doctor-of-the-church-2579): Edith Stein, also known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, may soon be declared a doctor of the Church by Pope Francis. The Discalced Carmelites have petitioned for this recognition, citing her theological contributions and martyrdom in Auschwitz.
- [Pope Francis: Let us thank the Lord for our friends](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-let-us-thank-the-lord-for-our-friends-2577): Pope Francis reflects on friendship during his Sunday address from the Apostolic Palace, urging a moment of gratitude for friends. From childhood to old age, he emphasizes the importance of companionship and the sweetness of sincere advice.
- [An afternoon with the new Swiss Guards: Preparing for a mission of faith and service](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/afternoon-with-the-new-swiss-guards-preparing-for-a-mission-of-faith-and-service-2575): For the new generation of 34 Swiss Guards, safeguarding with Faith and Tradition in the Heart of the Vatican. Their service represents a deep dedication to the Church and the papacy, as historic as the iconic uniform they proudly wear.
- [Caravaggio's Masterpieces in Rome ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/caravaggios-masterpieces-in-rome-2573): Discover the rich history and artistry of St. Louis of the French in this captivating Vaticano segment. Join Zaza Gatarski, an esteemed art historian, as she guides us through the treasures of this iconic church.
- [Easter in the Trenches](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/easter-in-the-trenches-2571): Exclusive interview with the Head of the Greek Catholic Church 
- [Reviving the Faith in Europe's North](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/reviving-the-faith-in-europes-north-2569): EWTN Vatican highlights the Bonifatius Association's vital work in Northern Europe. Founded in 1849, this German organization supports Catholic communities, aiding in re-evangelization efforts and building essential infrastructure.
- [The Vatican Swiss Guards: Guardians with Tradition ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-swiss-guards-guardians-with-tradition-2567): On May 6, thirty-four new Swiss Guard recruits will swear loyalty to the Pope, continuing a tradition dating back to 1527. Originating from the 'Sack of Rome,' where guards protected Pope Clement VII, their duty extends to safeguarding Vatican City.
- [Pope Francis in Venice](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-venice-2565): Pope Francis, on his visit to Venice, emphasizes the power of faith as he celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Biennale art exhibition. His message of inclusion and care resonates with pilgrims and shares moments in the Venice Women's Prison.
- [Pope Francis to speak at event on Italy’s record-low birth rate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-speak-at-event-on-italys-record-low-birth-rate-2563): The Vatican announced on Thursday that Pope Francis will speak at an event on Italy's demographic crisis as the country's birth rate sits at a historic low.
- [Pope Francis tells world’s parish priests: The Church could not go on without you](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-tells-worlds-parish-priests-the-church-could-not-go-on-without-you-2561): Pope Francis published a letter on Thursday addressed to all parish priests in the world with his advice for building a missionary Church in which all the baptized share in the mission of proclaiming the Gospel.
- [LIVE | Vatican's Swiss Guards Swearing-in Ceremony of the New Recruits | 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-vaticans-swiss-guards-swearing-in-ceremony-of-the-new-recruits-2024-2559): Vatican's Swiss Guards Swearing-in Ceremony of the New Recruits  
- [The story behind the feast of St. Joseph the Worker](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/story-behind-the-feast-of-st-joseph-the-worker-2557): St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and earthly father of Jesus, is celebrated twice by the Catholic Church every year — on March 19 for the feast of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, and on May 1 for the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
- [Pope Francis: We need to ‘welcome God into our daily lives’ and pray for ‘real peace’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-we-need-to-welcome-god-into-our-daily-lives-and-pray-for-real-peace-2553): On Wednesday, May 1, Pope Francis addressed an international audience in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall and reiterated the importance of faith in the Christian life, as well as the need to continually pray for “real peace” for the world.
- [Latin patriarch of Jerusalem takes possession of Rome titular church after delays due to war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/latin-patriarch-of-jerusalem-takes-possession-of-rome-titular-church-after-delays-due-to-war-2551): Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Catholic patriarch of Jerusalem, finally assumes his titular church in Rome on May 1, after postponing the ceremony due to the war in the Holy Land.
- [The Work of the Laity in Spreading the Gospel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/work-of-the-laity-in-spreading-the-gospel-2549): Catholic Action in St. Peter's Square
- [St. Pius V, safeguard of the faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-pius-v-safeguard-of-the-faith-2547): Every April 30th, we honor Pope Saint Pius V, a 16th-century leader who defended the Church and Christian Europe. Elected prior four times for his holiness and wisdom, he was a true Defender of Faith and a reformist Pontiff.
- [Eternal City, Eternal Celebration: Jubilee 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/eternal-city-eternal-celebration-jubilee-2025-2545): The city prepares with prayer and works
- [Cardinal Grech opens world meeting of priests: ‘Our stories are human stories’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-grech-opens-world-meeting-of-priests-our-stories-are-human-stories-2543): The World Meeting of Parish Priests for the Synod opened to discuss 'how to be a local synodal Church in mission'. For four days, 300 priests from around the world meet to share experiences and address topics from the synod's synthesis report.
- [Former Anglican vicar becomes first bishop of UK ordinariate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/former-anglican-vicar-becomes-first-bishop-of-uk-ordinariate-2541): The Vatican announces a new leader for the Ordinariate in Great Britain. Father David Waller, a parish priest and vicar general of the Ordinariate of Our Lady, will succeed Monsignor Keith Newton, becoming the first ordinary bishop of the Ordinariate.
- [Pope Francis to Visit Verona for a Trip Centered on Peace and Justice](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-visit-verona-for-a-trip-centered-on-peace-and-justice-2539): After completing a one-day trip to Venice, Pope Francis is set to return to northern Italy in late May for a visit to the city of Verona, where he will attend events focused on peace and justice while also meeting with clergy, laity, and inmates.
- [Discover the hidden chapel in Rome where St. Catherine of Siena died](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/discover-the-hidden-chapel-in-rome-where-st-catherine-of-siena-died-2537): While most people associate St. Catherine with the Italian hill town of Siena, the Dominican Doctor of Church is one of the patron saints of Rome and spent her last years in the Eternal City, where one can visit her tomb and the room where she died. 
- [Pope Francis to attend G7 summit to speak on artificial intelligence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-attend-g7-summit-to-speak-on-artificial-intelligence-2535): Pope Francis will attend the G7 summit in June to speak about the ethics of artificial intelligence, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced Friday.
- [Pier Giorgio Frassati could be canonized during 2025 Jubilee, cardinal says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pier-giorgio-frassati-could-be-canonized-during-2025-jubilee-cardinal-says-2533): Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati could be declared a saint during the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, according to the head of the Vatican’s office for saints’ causes.
- [Pope Francis arrives in Venice, meets with women inmates and artists](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-arrives-in-venice-meets-with-women-inmates-and-artists-2531): Pope Francis opened his one-day visit to Venice on Sunday morning with a meeting with female inmates where he reaffirmed the importance of fraternity and human dignity, noting that prison can be a place of new beginnings.
- [Pope Francis’ Visit to Venice Showcases Art as Means of Encounter, Fraternity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-visit-to-venice-showcases-art-as-means-of-encounter-fraternity-2529): Pope Francis had a full slate of events Sunday during his day trip to Venice, a trip that tied together a message of unity and fraternity with the artistic patrimony of a city that has been a privileged place of encounter across the centuries.
- [Cisco CEO meets Pope Francis, signs AI ethics pledge at Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cisco-ceo-meets-pope-francis-signs-ai-ethics-pledge-at-vatican-2527): The CEO of Cisco Systems signed the Vatican’s artificial intelligence ethics pledge on Wednesday, becoming the latest technology giant to join the Church’s call for ethical and responsible use of AI. Chuck Robbins, the chief executive of the multinational digital communications conglomerate, met privately with Pope Francis on April 24 before signing the Rome Call for AI Ethics, a document by the Pontifical Academy for Life.  Pope Francis meets with Chuck Robbins, the chief executive of multinational digital communications conglomerate Cisco, on April 24, 2024, at the Vatican. Credit: Vatican Media The document, first published by the pontifical academy in […]
- [Historic St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy, Will Host Pope Francis This Weekend](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/historic-st-marks-basilica-in-venice-italy-will-host-pope-francis-this-weekend-2525): This weekend, on Sunday, April 28, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass in St. Mark’s Square during a one-day trip to Venice, Italy. Afterward, he will privately venerate the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist inside the basilica.
- [Pope Francis May Visit United States in September After UN Invitation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-may-visit-united-states-in-september-after-un-invitation-2523): Pope Francis is reportedly considering returning to the United States in September to speak before the United Nations General Assembly.
- [Pope Francis to Vladimir Putin: A Negotiated Peace is Better than an Endless War](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-vladimir-putin-a-negotiated-peace-is-better-than-an-endless-war-2521): Asked during a new interview if he has any message for Vladimir Putin, the Russian president who instigated the war in Ukraine, Pope Francis stated that “a negotiated peace is better than an endless war.” 
- [Pope Francis: Theological virtues are the ‘fundamental attributes’ of a Christian life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-theological-virtues-are-the-fundamental-attributes-of-a-christian-life-2519): Pope Francis on Wednesday opened a new chapter in his ongoing catechetical series on virtues by pivoting to a reflection on the three theological virtues — faith, hope, and charity — which he noted form the key pillars of Christian life.
- [Cardinal Fernández: New Document on Discerning Apparitions ‘Being Finalized’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-fernandez-new-document-on-discerning-apparitions-being-finalized-2517): The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is putting the finishing touches to a new document that sets out clear rules on discerning apparitions and other such supernatural events.
- [Pope Francis on the Loneliness of the Elderly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-the-loneliness-of-the-elderly-2515): Pope Francis underscores the importance of intergenerational connections, particularly between grandparents and grandchildren, in providing guidance and combating loneliness.
- [Pope Francis: For a Ceasefire in the Holy Land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-for-a-ceasefire-in-the-holy-land-2513): Pope Francis urges peace in the Middle East amid ongoing conflict since Hamas attack in 2023. Recent comments highlight concern for Palestine, Israel and war captives. Urgent call for ceasefire and humanitarian access.
- [Cardinal Christophe Pierre Receives New Honor in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-christophe-pierre-receives-new-honor-in-rome-2511): Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States and recently named cardinal, takes possession of the church of Saint Benedict outside Saint Paul's Gate in Rome.
- [LIVE | Pope Francis in Venice | April 28th, 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-pope-francis-in-venice-april-28th-2024-2509): LIVE | Pope Francis in Venice | April 28th, 2024
- [LIVE from the Vatican | General Audience with Pope Francis | April, 24th 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-from-the-vatican-general-audience-with-pope-francis-april-24th-2024-2507): LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from St. Peter's Square.
- [Vatican Support for a Two-State Solution Started Long Before Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-support-for-a-two-state-solution-started-long-before-pope-francis-2505): Pope Francis continues his predecessors' legacy by advocating for peace amid the Gaza conflict. His calls for dialogue and a two-state solution emphasize his commitment to humanitarian principles and global peace.
- [Pope Francis to meet with thousands of grandparents and their grandchildren at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-meet-with-thousands-of-grandparents-and-their-grandchildren-at-the-vatican-2503): Pope Francis will meet 6,000 grandparents and grandchildren at 'A Caress and a Smile' event on April 27th in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall. Archbishop Paglia stresses the significance of valuing old age and Pope Francis' affection for the elderly.
- [Pope Francis names Filipino priest an auxiliary bishop of Sacramento](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-filipino-priest-an-auxiliary-bishop-of-sacramento-2501): Pope Francis has named Father Reynaldo Bersabal auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento. With extensive pastoral experience and a rich cultural background, he joins Bishop Jaime Soto in serving Sacramento's diverse Catholic community.
- [St. Catherine of Siena: a Saint of the Eucharist](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-catherine-of-siena-a-saint-of-the-eucharist-2499): The Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome houses the tomb of St. Catherine of Siena, a Doctor of the Church, whose life exemplified devotion to the Eucharist and Christ's love.
- [The Day of the Four Popes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/john-paul-the-great-10th-anniversary-of-his-canonization-2497): Pope John Paul II narrowly survived an assassination attempt in 1981 and was canonized by Pope Francis in 2014. His former private secretary, Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, highlights his holiness and resilience.
- [Pope Francis to canonize new female saint known as ‘an apostle of the Holy Spirit’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-canonize-new-female-saint-known-as-an-apostle-of-the-holy-spirit-2493): Pope Francis has approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Elena Guerra, paving the way for the canonization of a new female saint known as “an apostle of the Holy Spirit.”
- [Pope Francis: Christ the Good Shepherd ‘looks for us until he finds us’ when we’re lost](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-christ-the-good-shepherd-looks-for-us-until-he-finds-us-when-were-lost-2491): Pope Francis reflected on the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd during his Regina Caeli address Sunday, noting that it is a role characterized by his sacrificial love.
- [Pope Francis issues motu proprio on Vatican judiciary retirement age and benefits](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-issues-motu-proprio-on-vatican-judiciary-retirement-age-and-benefits-2489): In the latest move in Pope Francis’ reform of the Vatican judiciary, the pope issued a new motu proprio on Friday on the retirement age and benefits for cardinal judges and magistrates in the Vatican’s court system. The April 19 motu proprio states that Vatican magistrates will retire at the end of the judicial year in which they turn 75 and cardinal judges at the age of 80, unless Pope Francis asks them to remain in office beyond the age limit. Magistrates and judges who wish to resign from office before the retirement age can only do so with the […]
- [LIVE | Holy Mass on the anniversary of the birth of Mother Angelica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-holy-mass-on-the-anniversary-of-the-birth-of-mother-angelica-2487): Holy Mass on the 101st anniversary of the birth of Mother Angelica from Rome
- [Rome's Transformation for Jubilee Year 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/romes-transformation-for-jubilee-year-2025-2485): Exclusive interview with the Mayor of Rome
- [Ex-Jesuit, alleged abuser Rupnik listed as consultant in 2024 Pontifical Yearbook](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ex-jesuit-alleged-abuser-rupnik-listed-as-consultant-in-2024-pontifical-yearbook-2483): Father Marko Rupnik, dismissed from the Jesuits in 2023 amid abuse allegations, remains listed as a Vatican consultant in the 2024 Pontifical Yearbook.  
- [“God’s Singing Kids” Meet the Pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/gods-singing-kids-meet-the-pope-2481): Dive into the story of KISI - God's Singing Kids, as they celebrate 30 years of musical ministry at the Vatican.
- [Vatican Focus on Asia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-focus-on-asia-2479): The Pope’s longest international trip
- [Dignity amidst a Throwaway Culture](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dignity-amidst-a-throwaway-culture-2477): Dignitas Infinita and people with disabilities
- [30 Years on the Janiculum Hill: PNAC Rector’s Dinner](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/30-years-on-the-janiculum-hill-pnac-rectors-dinner-2475): The Pontifical North American College plays a unique role in the Catholic Church in North America.
- [Pope Francis: The temperate person is balanced by both principle and empathy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-temperate-person-is-balanced-by-both-principle-and-empathy-2473): Pope Francis on Wednesday presented the fourth and final cardinal virtue of temperance in his ongoing catechetical series of vices and virtues by noting that temperance itself is crucial for living a happy, balanced life.
- [Rome to host World Meeting of Parish Priests in preparation for Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-to-host-world-meeting-of-parish-priests-in-preparation-for-synod-on-synodality-2471): The World Meeting of Parish Priests for the Synod on Synodality will be held April 29–May 2 in Sacrofano, Rome, and will reflect on the theme “How to Be a Synodal Local Church in Mission.”
- [Cardinal Goh of Singapore hopes Pope Francis’ visit will ‘spur a renewal’ in the country](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-goh-of-singapore-hopes-pope-francis-visit-will-spur-a-renewal-in-the-country-2469): Following the announcement  of Pope Francis' visit to Singapore in September, Cardinal William Goh hopes for a revitalization of faith among Catholics in the city-nation.
- [Pope Francis’ Indonesia visit to ‘strengthen message of tolerance, unity, and world peace’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-indonesia-visit-to-strengthen-message-of-tolerance-unity-and-world-peace-2467): Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia later this year has now been announced by the Vatican, and the Indonesian government has confirmed that the country will be the first destination in the 87-year-old pontiff’s apostolic journey to the Asia Pacific region, scheduled to take place Sept. 2–13.  The anticipated 11-day international trip will be the longest voyage of Pope Francis’ pontificate. Following his visit to Indonesia, the Holy Father will travel to Papua New Guinea Sept. 6–9 and East Timor Sept. 9–11, concluding his journey in Singapore Sept. 11–13.  Following an official invitation of President Joko Widodo on March 25, an […]
- [Rome's Iconic Fountains: A Blend of History, Art, and Papal Influence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/romes-iconic-fountains-a-blend-of-history-art-and-papal-influence-3179): Exploring the Rich Legacy and Significance of Rome’s 2,000 Fountains
- [Cardinal Müller rejects ‘financial improprieties’ allegation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-mueller-rejects-financial-improprieties-allegation-3177): Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller has vigorously refuted claims of financial impropriety during his tenure as prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, dismissing the allegations as “cheap tabloid literature.” The former prefect, who served from 2012 to 2017, insists that “not a single cent” was mishandled under his leadership, reported CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner. In an interview with the German Catholic weekly Die Tagespost, Müller addressed a recent report suggesting his term was not renewed due to financial mismanagement. Citing several anonymous sources at the Vatican, the Pillar reported that allegedly large sums of cash […]
- [Vatican says five Holy Doors will be opened during 2025 Jubilee, including at a prison](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-says-five-holy-doors-will-be-opened-during-2025-jubilee-including-at-a-prison-3175): The Dicastery for Evangelization issued a note on Thursday reaffirming that the Holy Doors of the 2025 Jubilee of Hope in Rome will be located at the four papal basilicas as well as at a prison.
- [This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of August](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-august-3173): Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of August is for political leaders.  “Today, politics doesn’t have a very good reputation: corruption, scandals, and distance from people’s day-to-day lives,” Pope Francis said in a video released July 30.  “But can we move ahead toward universal fraternity without good politics? No,” he continued. “As Paul VI said, politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it seeks the common good.” “I’m talking about POLITICS with all capital letters, not politicking. I’m talking about politics that listens to what is really going on, that’s at the service of the poor, […]
- [Pope Francis makes surprise visit to amusement park](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-makes-surprise-visit-to-amusement-park-3171): Pope Francis left the Vatican on Wednesday afternoon for Ostia, a seaside town not far from Rome, to greet Sister Geneviève Jeanningros and the employees of the Summer Park Festival at Luna Park. According to the Holy See Press Office, the pontiff visited Jeanningros, an 81-year-old nun who has been serving homosexuals and “transgender” people at the Italian Luna Park for 56 years. The nun lives there in a trailer with another nun named Anna Amelia, with whom she also accompanies the community. The Holy Father took the opportunity to greet the fairground workers and circus artists, who put on […]
- [Pope Francis names 2 officials of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith as bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-2-officials-of-the-dicastery-for-the-doctrine-of-the-faith-as-bishops-3169): Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor John Joseph Kennedy, currently secretary of the disciplinary section of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, as titular bishop of Ossero, Croatia, conferring upon him the personal title of archbishop. The Holy Father has also appointed Monsignor Philippe Curbelié, undersecretary of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, as titular bishop of Utica, Tunisia. This dicastery, one of the most important in the Vatican, established by Pope Paul III in 1542 to preserve the deposit of faith and the magisterium, is currently headed by Argentine Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez. Other members of […]
- [Pope tells altar servers Jesus is with them in ‘that act of love which is the Eucharist’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-tells-altar-servers-jesus-is-with-them-in-that-act-of-love-which-is-the-eucharist-3167): Pope Francis celebrated a liturgy with tens of thousands of altar servers packed in St. Peter’s Square for a special audience on Tuesday evening, reminding them that Jesus Christ is always present with them in the Eucharist. Following the Gospel reading of Matthew 14:22-36, which recalls the terror of Jesus’ disciples in the storm on the Sea of Galilee, the Holy Father reflected on how, with Jesus, they too can overcome fears and doubts amid life’s difficulties. Pope Francis addresses tens of thousands of altar servers packed in St. Peter’s Square for a special audience on July 30, 2024. Credit: […]
- [Vatican asset management body reports 45.9 million euro profit in 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-asset-management-body-reports-459-million-euro-profit-in-2023-3165): The Vatican’s asset management body, known as the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See (APSA), reported a 45.9 million euro profit ($49.6 million) in its 2023 annual report on Tuesday, an increase of 13.6 million euros ($14.7 million) from the previous year. Approximately 37.9 million euros ($41 million), which accounts for 82.6% of the total profit generated, will go toward supporting the work and activities of the Roman Curia. The remaining 7.9 million euros ($8.5 million) will be reinvested into APSA to further increase its assets. “We have to work constantly to increase the income stream to cover expenses, […]
- [This Ancient Statue of Our Lady Was Found in the Tiber River – Now It’s Used in Rome’s Biggest Marian Procession](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-ancient-statue-of-our-lady-was-found-in-the-tiber-river-now-its-used-in-romes-biggest-marian-procession-3163): In a Roman neighborhood whose name is difficult to pronounce by pilgrims and tourists to Rome alike, a centuries-old tradition takes place in honor of Mary. The statue of Mary was found at the mouth of the Tiber River in 1535 by Corsican fishermen who were residents of Trastevere is carried in procession. The statue was found in the Tiber River according to legend in 1535. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez, EWTN Vatican On the Saturday following the liturgical memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16), a procession goes through the streets of Trastevere with a large statue of […]
- [Over 50,000 altar servers gather in Rome for summer pilgrimage](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/over-50000-altar-servers-gather-in-rome-for-summer-pilgrimage-3161): More than 50,000 pilgrims representing 88 dioceses across 20 European countries have descended upon Rome this week to participate in the 13th International Pilgrimage of Altar Servers 2024 taking place from July 29 to Aug. 2. Coetus Internationalis Ministrantium (CIM), an international association for altar boys and girls, has been organizing these special pilgrimages to Rome since 1961. Typically held every three or four years, this year’s event is the first in six years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s motto “With You” is based on words from Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; […]
- [Vatican office deletes online poll showing negative response to Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-office-deletes-online-poll-showing-negative-response-to-synod-on-synodality-3159): The Vatican was criticized by online commentators over the weekend for swiftly deleting an online poll that reflected poorly on the Synod on Synodality. Originally posted on Friday to the social media account of the office facilitating the synod, the poll asked: “Do you believe that synodality as a path of conversion and reform can enhance the mission and participation of all the baptized?” Respondents could only answer “yes” or “no,” and 88% responded in the negative. The low levels of support for synodality, a novel theological concept that means journeying together, come as a multiyear, global consultative process focusing on the […]
- [Pope Francis proposes 3 gestures from Gospel miracle to live at Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-proposes-3-gestures-from-gospel-miracle-to-live-at-mass-3157): Pope Francis on Sunday noted three gestures from the Bible account of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes that he argued are mirrored by Jesus at the Last Supper and by the faithful in each Mass. The pope pointed out “offering, giving thanks, and sharing” as highlights of the miracle recounted in the Gospel of John, offering his reflection on the Sunday Gospel before praying the midday Angelus with those gathered under the scorching sun in St. Peter’s Square.  The temperature for the noonday prayer was already at 95 degrees as many in the crowds sheltered from the heat […]
- [Pope Francis and Holy See sports association to Olympic athletes: 'Win the medal of fraternity'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-and-holy-see-sports-association-to-olympic-athletes-win-the-medal-of-fraternity-3155): Pope Francis and Athletica Vaticana, the official Holy See sports association, have invited all athletes participating in the 2024 Olympic Games to harness the “great social power of sport” to unite people and be witnesses of peace, particularly during these times of international tensions and conflict.   Around 300,000 spectators welcomed thousands of athletes representing 206 countries at the opening ceremony of this year’s summer games in Paris today. The ceremony to open the two-week international festival took place at 7:30 p.m. in Paris (1:30 p.m. ET). The Olympic Games, which take place between July 26 and Aug. 11 this year, […]
- [5 keys to better understand the encyclical Humanae Vitae](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-keys-to-better-understand-the-encyclical-humanae-vitae-3153): On July 25, 1968, St. Paul VI published Humanae Vitae, an encyclical on the regulation of birth and the dangers involved in the use of artificial contraceptive methods and their imposition as state policy. At the time the encyclical was rejected by many even within the Catholic Church. The document, published at the beginning of the sexual revolution, continues to draw mixed reactions, which is why it’s necessary to take a closer look at five key points that allow us to better understand the encyclical, the context in which it was written, its prophetic message, and its validity even today.  […]
- [Pope Francis appoints new auxiliary bishop known for ‘priestly heart’ to St. Paul-Minneapolis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-new-auxiliary-bishop-known-for-priestly-heart-to-st-paul-minneapolis-3151): Pope Francis on Thursday appointed Father Kevin Kenney as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.  The bishop-elect, born and raised in Minneapolis, currently serves as parish priest of St. Olaf Parish as well as administrator of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish within the archdiocese.  In an interview with The Catholic Spirit, the official news service of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Kenney said he was only informed of the Holy Father’s desire to appoint him bishop late last month and is grateful to continue his work as a “missionary” of Jesus Christ. “Every time […]
- [Pope proposes 3 gestures from Gospel miracle to live at Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-proposes-3-gestures-from-gospel-miracle-to-live-at-mass-3149): Pope Francis on Sunday noted three gestures from the Bible account of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes which he argued are mirrored by Jesus at the Last Supper and by the faithful in each Mass.
- [Dalí’s Christ in Rome: Exploring the Intersection of Art and Spirituality for the Jubilee 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dalis-christ-in-rome-exploring-the-intersection-of-art-and-spirituality-for-the-jubilee-2025-3145): Discover Salvador Dalí's iconic "Christ of Saint John of the Cross" in a special exhibition in Rome, showcasing the intersection of art and spirituality in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee. 
- [Basilica of St. Bartholomew: A Sanctuary for Modern Martyrs and a Jubilee 2025 Pilgrimage Site](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/basilica-of-st-bartholomew-a-sanctuary-for-modern-martyrs-and-a-jubilee-2025-pilgrimage-site-3143): Discover the Basilica of St. Bartholomew, a shrine to modern martyrs and a pilgrimage site for the Jubilee of 2025, celebrating faith and hope.
- [Cardinal Tagle and Pope Francis Highlight Eucharist at National Eucharistic Congress](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-tagle-and-pope-francis-highlight-eucharist-at-national-eucharistic-congress-3141): Cardinal Tagle and other key figures emphasize the importance of the Eucharist at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, calling for a renewed mission in the U.S. Church.
- [Pope Francis Visits Vatican Summer Camp, Emphasizes Family Peace and Bonding with Elders](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-visits-vatican-summer-camp-emphasizes-family-peace-and-bonding-with-elders-3139): Pope Francis visits the Vatican Summer Camp, sharing wisdom on family peace and the importance of relationships with elders.
- [Pope Francis Champions Paris Olympic Games for Peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-champions-paris-olympic-games-for-peace-3137): Discover how the Vatican and global leaders are harnessing the power of the Olympic Games to promote peace and unity, inspired by Pope Francis's vision of a more inclusive world.
- [Carmelite friends of Pope Francis in Spain to leave convent after 400 years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/carmelite-friends-of-pope-francis-in-spain-to-leave-convent-after-400-years-3135): The Discalced Carmelites of San José monastery in Lucena, Spain, are being forced to leave after over 400 years due to a lack of vocations, despite Pope Francis's messages to them because of his friendship with a former prioress.
- [Remembering Pope Paul VI’s historic visit to Turkey](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/remembering-pope-paul-vis-historic-visit-to-turkey-3133): On July 25, 1967, Pope Paul VI set foot on Turkish soil — the first papal visit to the city of Istanbul since it was called Constantinople.
- [Vatican approves ‘spiritual experience’ connected to Trinity shrine of Maccio in Italy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-approves-spiritual-experience-connected-to-trinity-shrine-of-maccio-in-italy-3131): On July 24, the Vatican approved the "spiritual experience" at the Sanctuary of Maccio in Italy, marking the fifth announcement by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith since its May 17 norms for discerning "alleged supernatural phenomena."
- [Cardinal Lacroix of Quebec returns to ministry after Vatican investigation finds no abuse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-lacroix-of-quebec-returns-to-ministry-after-vatican-investigation-finds-no-abuse-3129): Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec announced Monday that he will resume his duties as archbishop after a voluntary six-month withdrawal amid abuse allegations.  
- [Vatican secretary of state meets Ukrainian president Zelenskyy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-secretary-of-state-meets-ukrainian-president-zelenskyy-3127): Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday at the end of a diplomatic visit to the country. 
- [Vatican secretary of state brings Pope Francis’ message of closeness to Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-secretary-of-state-brings-pope-francis-message-of-closeness-to-ukraine-3125): Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin is in Ukraine this week for what is the diplomat’s first visit to the country since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022. 
- [Da Roma al mondo: L'evangelizzazione radicata nella verità e nella bellezza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/john-ashley-noronha-evangelizzazione-roma-verita-bellezza): Roma occupa un posto centrale nell’illuminare i principi cattolici di Verità e Bellezza, servendo come epicentro storico e spirituale della fede. La città guida tutti coloro che la visitano verso l’ultima verità e bellezza, come meglio espresso dal salmista nel Salmo 27:4: “Una cosa ho chiesto al Signore, questa sola io cerco: abitare nella casa del Signore tutti i giorni della mia vita, per contemplare la bellezza del Signore e ammirare il suo santuario.” Gruppi di pellegrini, turisti e studenti affluiscono nella Città Eterna tutto l’anno per visitare le sue storiche chiese e monumenti, sperimentando l’incredibile bellezza di Roma. Con […]
- [New Post](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-post): Content asdasdas asdasdasdaasdasdas
- [Mamertine Prison in Rome, Prison of Saints Peter and Paul](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/le-piattaforme-di-ewtn): Digital and print news outlets, including Italian Catholic news agency ACI Stampa and Catholic youth evangelisation and cultural platform ChurchPOP Italiano, as well as two global cable services and a publishing group.
- [Pope Francis to take 8-week break in liturgical schedule this summer](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-take-8-week-break-in-liturgical-schedule-this-summer-2825): Pope Francis is slowing down his liturgical schedule a bit this summer as he prepares to head out on the longest international trip of his pontificate in September.   
- [Theologians hold closed-door meeting in Rome on guidance document for October synod](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/theologians-hold-closed-door-meeting-in-rome-on-guidance-document-for-october-synod-2823): Approximately 20 theologians are in Rome for 10 days of preparatory work preceding the drafting of the guiding document for the next assembly of the Synod on Synodality.   
- [At general audience, Pope Francis explains the correct use of Christian freedom](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-general-audience-pope-francis-explains-the-correct-use-of-christian-freedom-2821): Pope Francis said Wednesday the Holy Spirit gives us the freedom to do good and to serve others — and not to do whatever we want or to exploit the weak.   
- [Vatican clears New Zealand Cardinal John Dew of abuse allegations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-clears-new-zealand-cardinal-john-dew-of-abuse-allegations-2819): A Vatican-led review of an abuse complaint against Cardinal John Dew of New Zealand found no need for further inquiry, per Archbishop Paul Martin. New Zealand police also chose not to file charges after their investigation.
- [Pope Francis to write reflection on Sacred Heart of Jesus devotion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-write-reflection-on-sacred-heart-of-jesus-devotion-2817): Pope Francis will prepare a reflection on the Sacred Heart of Jesus for a world “that seems to have lost its heart,” he announced Wednesday.   
- [Pope Francis tells gay man rejected from seminary to ‘go ahead with your vocation’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-tells-gay-man-rejected-from-seminary-to-go-ahead-with-your-vocation-2815): Pope Francis has reportedly encouraged a 22-year-old gay man to continue to pursue a vocation to the priesthood after he was not accepted into a Catholic seminary. According to the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, the pope responded to an email from Lorenzo Michele Noè Caruso, telling him to “go ahead” with his vocation, just days after the Vatican issued an apology for the pontiff’s use of a slur in reference to seminarians who identify as gay. The pope’s handwritten note was sent June 1 as an email attachment. According to news reports, it condemned clericalism and worldliness and said: “Jesus calls all, all.” According to Il […]
- [Pope Francis appoints new members to Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-new-members-to-dicastery-for-the-doctrine-of-the-faith-2813): Pope Francis has appointed two cardinals and an archbishop as new members of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
- [Pope Francis praises Father James Martin’s book on the resurrection of Lazarus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praises-father-james-martins-book-on-the-resurrection-of-lazarus-2811): Pope Francis has written an introduction to the Italian version of a new book by Jesuit Father James Martin about Jesus' healing of Lazarus, the Pope writing that the book serves as a reminder of "Jesus is not afraid of our death, or our sin.”
- [Pope Francis appoints California priest to remote island post in Polynesia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-california-priest-to-remote-island-post-in-polynesia-2807): Pope Francis on Monday appointed a California priest to a missionary post on a remote island in Polynesia.
- [Pope Francis: Building peace requires ‘taking a risk’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-building-peace-requires-taking-a-risk-2803): Pope Francis highlights the critical role of peacemaking amid global conflicts, emphasizing that true peace requires risk-taking and intercession, inspired by the example of Jesus Christ.
- [Pope Francis’ message for migrants and refugees](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-message-for-migrants-and-refugees-2801): The Holy See Press Office on Monday released Pope Francis’ message for the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which will be celebrated on Sept. 24 with the theme “God Walks with His People.”
- [Vatican's New Saints: Carlo Acutis And Others & No Female Deacons in the Catholic Church?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-new-saints-carlo-acutis-and-others-and-no-female-deacons-in-the-catholic-church-2799): Top 5 news of the week
- [Pope Francis: In the Eucharist, Jesus offers himself for the world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-the-eucharist-jesus-offers-himself-for-the-world-2797): In the Eucharist, Jesus offers himself for the life of the world, Pope Francis proclaimed from the window of the Apostolic Palace on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.  
- [Pope Francis joins in Corpus Christi celebration in Rome for first time in years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-joins-in-corpus-christi-celebration-in-rome-for-first-time-in-years-2795): Pope Francis gave a solemn blessing with the Blessed Sacrament from the steps of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on Sunday in the culmination of a Eucharistic procession through the streets of Rome. 
- [Swiss Guards: Fit for Service](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/swiss-guards-fit-for-service-2793): New recruits receive a private audience with Pope Francis and undergo rigorous training to uphold the esteemed legacy of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
- [Roman Nights: The Gospel in Action ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/roman-nights-the-gospel-in-action-2791): Roman Nights event highlights the power of solidarity and charity in addressing global poverty.
- [The Lanciano Miracle: Unveiling the Eucharistic Mystery ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lanciano-miracle-unveiling-the-eucharistic-mystery-2789): Join us as we explore the Lanciano Miracle, one of the most profound Eucharistic miracles in the history of the Church.
- [John Paul II Award at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/john-paul-ii-award-at-the-vatican-2787): The Vatican John Paul II Foundation honors the Justice and Peace Center in Kampala, Uganda, with the inaugural John Paul II Award.
- [First World Children's Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/first-world-childrenschildrens-day-2785): Thousands of Children Celebrate the First World Children's Day with Pope Francis in Rome 
- [U.S. Ambassador to Holy See Joe Donnelly will step down, report says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/us-ambassador-to-holy-see-joe-donnelly-will-step-down-report-says-2783): The United States’ ambassador to the Holy See — former Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly from Indiana — is reportedly stepping down from his post to return to his home a few miles northeast of South Bend.
- [Pope Francis hails ‘immense gift’ of vocation to the consecrated life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-hails-immense-gift-of-vocation-to-the-consecrated-life-2781): Pope Francis on Thursday addressed a message to participants in a conference on consecrated religious life currently taking place in Brazil. In his message, he expressed his gratitude for “the immense gift of the vocation to consecrated life which, in its most diverse charisms, enriches ecclesial communion and contributes greatly to the mission of the Church throughout the world.” The pontiff noted that in many places “the first proclamation of the Gospel is made by consecrated men and women, who take up with great commitment and with the dedication of their lives the mandate of the Lord.” The Holy Father […]
- [Pope Francis: The Eucharist is God’s response to the deepest hunger of the heart](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-eucharist-is-gods-response-to-the-deepest-hunger-of-the-heart-2779): On the occasion of the solemnity of Corpus Christi, Pope Francis on Thursday said “the Eucharist is God’s response to the deepest hunger of the human heart, the true hunger.” The solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ is celebrated on the Thursday following the solemnity of the Holy Trinity. However, for pastoral reasons, in many countries, including the United States, the celebration will not take place until this Sunday, June 2. On this day on which the Eucharist — the real presence of Christ — is given public and solemn adoration, love, and gratitude, the Holy Father on […]
- [Pilgrims of Hope Amidst Crisis: Archbishop Fisichella on the 2025 Jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pilgrims-of-hope-amidst-crisis-archbishop-fisichella-on-the-2025-jubilee-2777): With 32 million expected for the Jubilee Year, the Archbishop discusses preparations, his hopes for conversion, and why ‘we are all pilgrims of hope.'
- [Pope Francis opens new catechetical cycle on Holy Spirt’s role in salvation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-opens-new-catechetical-cycle-on-holy-spirts-role-in-salvation-2775): Pope Francis on Wednesday opened a new catechetical series during his weekly general audience, focusing on the theme of creation across history and the role of the Holy Spirit in the story of salvation.
- [Vatican apologizes after pope’s derogatory remark on gay men in Catholic seminaries](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-apologizes-after-popes-derogatory-remark-on-gay-men-in-catholic-seminaries-2773): The Vatican on Tuesday issued an apology after Pope Francis’ use of an offensive word in Italian regarding seminarians who identify as gay.
- [Peace Gala Concert: A Musical Celebration for Global Unity | April 13, 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/peace-gala-concert-a-musical-celebration-for-global-unity-april-13-2024-2771): Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and harmony at the Peace Gala Concert, held on April 13, 2024. This special event features an impressive lineup of international artists and ensembles, all performing under the banner of peace and unity. Concert Highlights: Luigi Otto’s Trumpet Concerto, featuring soloist Otto Sauter (Germany) and the International Chamber Orchestra of Peace, conducted by Anton Lubchenko. Handel’s “Rinaldo” and “Xerxes” arias performed by Zeina Barhoum (Palestine/Jordan) and Fidan Damirova (Azerbaijan). Verdi’s powerful arias from “Nabucco” and “Louise Miller,” brought to life by Tuncay Kurtoglu (Turkey) and Hany Abdelzaher (Egypt). Sergey Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalize” with […]
- ['It pains me to leave': Pope Francis accepts resignation of Argentinian archbishop](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/it-pains-me-to-leave-pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-argentinian-archbishop-2765): The Holy See on Monday said Pope Francis had accepted the resignation of La Plata, Argentina Archbishop Gabriel Antonio Mestre, after the prelate had served in that role for less than a year.
- [12 things to know and share about the Holy Trinity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/12-things-to-know-and-share-about-the-holy-trinity-2763): The Catholic Church teaches that the Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith. But how much do we know about this mystery? What is its history? What does it mean? And how can it be proved? Here are 12 things to know and to share. 1. Where does the word “Trinity” come from? It comes from the Latin word “trinitas,” which means “three” or “triad.” The Greek equivalent is “triados.”  2. When was the word first used? The first surviving use of the term (there may have been earlier uses that are now lost) was about 170 A.D. […]
- [Vatican News: Pope to Travel to Luxembourg and Belgium & Canadian Cardinal Cleared of Misconduct Allegations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-to-travel-to-luxembourg-and-belgium-and-canadian-cardinal-cleared-of-misconduct-allegations-2761): Welcome to Vaticano Updates: Pope Francis stresses unity with Chinese Catholics, Cardinal Lacroix cleared of misconduct, Montecassino bombing remembered, urgent needs in Gaza, and a September visit to Luxembourg and Belgium announced.
- [International conference on youth ministry wrapping up in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/international-conference-on-youth-ministry-wrapping-up-in-rome-2759): Nearly 300 delegates hailing from bishops’ conferences in 110 countries are meeting in Rome to participate in the International Youth Ministry Conference. The conference, which began Thursday, concludes on Saturday.
- [Cardinal Hollerich: ‘Today we have politicians. Politicians have no convictions’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-hollerich-today-we-have-politicians-politicians-have-no-convictions-2757): In an interview with the French newspaper La Croix on Thursday, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, SJ, discussed the European elections and the dwindling influence of Christianity on politics.
- [Carbon dating reveals true age of purported tunics of St. Peter and St. John](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/carbon-dating-reveals-true-age-of-purported-tunics-of-st-peter-and-st-john-2755): The Vatican Museums on Thursday announced the new permanent exhibition of two relics purportedly belonging to St. Peter and St. John the Evangelist, shedding light on their origin and age.
- [World Children's Day: Pope Francis instills key lesson on Holy Spirit at Mass with children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-childrens-day-pope-francis-instills-key-lesson-on-holy-spirit-at-mass-with-children-2753): After an exuberant kick-off event on Saturday for the first World Children’s Day, Pope Francis gathered together with tens of thousands of children in St. Peter’s Square for Mass on this feast of the Holy Trinity. 
- [Pope Francis meets with 50,000 for World Children’s Day in Rome’s Olympic Stadium](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-50000-for-world-childrens-day-in-romes-olympic-stadium-2751): Pope Francis on Saturday addressed the first World Children’s Day, a gathering with children from around the globe, where he spoke on the importance of building a future based on peace, hope, and dialogue. 
- [Pope Francis paves the way for the canonization of new saints with zeal for mission work](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-paves-the-way-for-the-canonization-of-new-saints-with-zeal-for-mission-work-2749): Pope Francis has authorized the promulgation of a decree recognizing miracles attributed to several blesseds, paving the way for their canonization, the Vatican said on Thursday.
- [May with Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/may-with-mary-2747): Throughout May, the Vatican Gardens are open for the "May with Mary" pilgrimage, honoring the Blessed Mother. Led by Sr. Emanuela Edwards, pilgrims visit Marian shrines and pray for peace.   
- [The Order of Malta’s New Project for People with Disabilities](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/second-feature-building-a-life-on-their-own-inspiring-initiatives-in-lourdes-2745): Discover the inspiring new project by the Catholic lay religious Order of Malta, aimed at helping young people with mental disabilities build independent lives.
- [Swiss Guards - Their Faith and Honor  An intimate look into the life of the Swiss Guard ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/swiss-guards-their-faith-and-honor-an-intimate-look-into-the-life-of-the-swiss-guard-2743): What does it take to serve as a Pontifical Swiss Guard? Following the swearing-in ceremony of 34 new recruits at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vaticano explored the life of the Swiss Guard, echoing the difficulties all Christians find in their spiritual lives.
- [Upholding Human Dignity in the Face of Modern Challenges](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/upholding-human-dignity-in-the-face-of-modern-challenges-2741): At the 2nd International Bioethics Conference, held in Rome on May 17-18, focused on contemporary bioethical challenges. It was inspired by the thought and legacy of Jérôme Lejeune on the 30th anniversary of his death.
- [Cardinal Fernández meets with Coptic Church leader over same-sex blessing rift](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-fernandez-meets-with-coptic-church-leader-over-same-sex-blessing-rift-2739): In Damascus, Syria, today, news that the 11 “Martyrs of Damascus” will be canonized was received with “emotion and hope,” according to Father Firas Lufti, guardian of the Franciscan convent of Bab-Touma in Damascus. 
- [Pope Francis lambasts the scourge of human trafficking](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-lambasts-the-scourge-of-human-trafficking-2737): Pope Francis today urged the abolition of human trafficking, “one of the most terrible scourges of our time” that disrespects and disregards human dignity and delivers “large profits to people without moral scruples.” 
- [Joy in Syria: Pope Francis gives ‘green light’ for canonization of ‘Martyrs of Damascus’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/joy-in-syria-pope-francis-gives-green-light-for-canonization-of-martyrs-of-damascus-2735): Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, who heads the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, met with the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church to discuss a rift caused by the Vatican's statement allowing non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples.
- [Carlo Acutis to be first millennial saint: Pope Francis recognizes miracle for canonization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/carlo-acutis-to-be-first-millennial-saint-pope-francis-recognizes-miracle-for-canonization-2733): Pope Francis has recognized a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis, paving the way for him to become the first Millennial saint.
- [Pontifical Academy for Life is betraying its founder, JPII biographer George Weigel says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-academy-for-life-is-betraying-its-founder-jpii-biographer-george-weigel-says-2731): George Weigel, biographer of St. John Paul II, lamented that the Pontifical Academy for Life betrayed Dr. Jérôme Lejeune, its founding president, with a book that dissents from the pontiff’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life).
- [Bishop of Shanghai defends China’s religious freedom record at Vatican conference](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-of-shanghai-defends-chinas-religious-freedom-record-at-vatican-conference-2729): The bishop of Shanghai defended the Chinese government’s religious freedom record at a Vatican conference on Tuesday in a speech that called for the Church in China to “follow a path of ‘sinicization.’”
- [Pope Francis to palliative care symposium: Euthanasia is a ‘failure of love’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-palliative-care-symposium-euthanasia-is-a-failure-of-love-2727): Pope Francis said at an interfaith symposium on palliative care in Toronto that “genuine palliative care is radically different from euthanasia, which is never a source of hope or genuine concern for the sick and dying.”
- [Pope Francis: Humility ‘is the source of peace in the world and in the Church’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-humility-is-the-source-of-peace-in-the-world-and-in-the-church-2725): Pope Francis on Wednesday closed his catechetical series on vices and virtues with a review of humility, a virtue that forms the “the base of Christian life” and is a source of peace for the Church and the world.
- [53rd International Eucharistic Congress: "Fraternity to Heal the World"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/53rd-international-eucharistic-congress-fraternity-to-heal-the-world-2723): In Ecuador, the first country consecrated to the Sacred Heart 
- [Pope Francis praises historic council in China as ‘an authentic synodal journey’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praises-historic-council-in-china-as-an-authentic-synodal-journey-2721): Pope Francis has praised the Catholic Church’s first council in China 100 years ago as “an authentic synodal journey” that opened the way for the Church in China “to increasingly have a Chinese face.”
- [Pope expresses ‘spiritual closeness’ to Iran after death of president in helicopter crash](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-expresses-spiritual-closeness-to-iran-after-death-of-president-in-helicopter-crash-2719): Pope Francis on Monday offered prayers to the Islamic Republic of Iran after the country’s president was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
- [Pope Francis on female deacons: ‘No’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-female-deacons-no-2717): Pope Francis has once again come out strongly against an ordained female diaconate, reiterating what for the Holy Father has been a consistently firm stance against women becoming clergy.
- [Vatican: Investigation of Canadian cardinal found no ‘misconduct or abuse’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-investigation-of-canadian-cardinal-found-no-misconduct-or-abuse-2715): The Vatican on Tuesday said it would take “no further canonical procedure” after an investigation into abuse allegations against a Canadian cardinal revealed no evidence of misconduct or abuse.
- [LIVE | "The Gospel in Action: Fostering Human Dignity and Lifting up the Poor" | Roman Nights |](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-the-gospel-in-action-fostering-human-dignity-and-lifting-up-the-poor-roman-nights-2713): LIVE | Join us for a live panel discussion titled “The Gospel in Action: Fostering Human Dignity and Lifting up the Poor”, part of the “Roman Nights” series. This event features a diverse group of speakers including: Marco Maximilian Elser: Major investor in SCOOTERINO and founder of Northeast Securities, Inc. Marco shares his extensive experience in the corporate world and his deep commitment to charitable initiatives, including his role on the board of Fondazione Operation Smile Italy. Sister Santina (Tina) Bartolini: A devoted caretaker and missionary from The Pope John XXIII Community, Sister Santina has dedicated her life to serving […]
- [Here’s what Pope Francis said in his ‘60 Minutes’ interview](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/heres-what-pope-francis-said-in-his-60-minutes-interview-2711): Pope Francis addressed a wide range of topics, including the war in Ukraine, anti-Semitism and American immigration policy, in his first interview with a US broadcast network.
- [International Jérôme Lejeune bioethics conference highlights crucial life and health issues](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/international-jerome-lejeune-bioethics-conference-highlights-crucial-life-and-health-issues-2707): The International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune held its second annual international conference in Rome on May 17–18 to reflect on the bioethical challenges surrounding the health and care of people at different stages of life.
- [Pope Francis to travel to Luxembourg and Belgium in September](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-travel-to-luxembourg-and-belgium-in-september-2705): Pope Francis will visit Luxembourg and Belgium at the end of September. From Sept. 26-29, he will celebrate the 600th anniversary of Catholic universities in Leuven and Louvain-la-Neuve, concluding with a Mass in Brussels.
- [Cardinal Hollerich urges caution, dialogue on women’s ordination](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-hollerich-urges-caution-dialogue-on-womens-ordination-2703): In a new interview, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, SJ, suggested that the Church’s position on female priests is not set in stone and should be discussed further, at the same time warning of triggering “a huge backlash.”
- [Pope Francis appoints pontifical legate to 2024 International Eucharistic Congress](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-pontifical-legate-to-2024-international-eucharistic-congress-2701): Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life, as his special envoy for the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress, which will be held in Quito, Ecuador.
- [Pope Francis Calls for Unity in Syro-Malabar Church & Care for the Elderly and Grandparents](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-unity-in-syro-malabar-church-and-care-for-the-elderly-and-grandparents-2699): Hello and welcome to this week’s Vaticano Updates – the most important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican. Pope Francis met with Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil and members of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, urging obedience amidst a long-standing liturgical conflict and stressing the importance of unity in this ancient Eastern-rite church. In Rome, the Vatican hosted a three-day international climate change summit, bringing together global policymakers and researchers. Participants signed a new international protocol to be submitted to the United Nations. At a conference on birth rates, Pope Francis emphasized that selfishness, consumerism, and individualism are more significant […]
- [California governor: Pope Francis told me he was ‘proud’ of state’s death penalty moratorium](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/california-governor-pope-francis-told-me-he-was-proud-of-states-death-penalty-moratorium-2697): California Governor Gavin Newsom shared that after a Vatican conference, Pope Francis endorsed California's efforts to end the death penalty, praising the state's progress.  
- [Pope Francis on Pentecost: The Holy Spirit’s work in us is powerful](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-pentecost-the-holy-spirits-work-in-us-is-powerful-2695): On the solemnity of Pentecost, Pope Francis urged Christians to proclaim the Gospel with the Holy Spirit's power and gentleness. He emphasized that this power isn't arrogant but rooted in truth and fidelity.
- [Pope Francis appoints Cardinal Tagle as special envoy to National Eucharistic Congress](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-cardinal-tagle-as-special-envoy-to-national-eucharistic-congress-2693): Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, as his special envoy to the National Eucharistic Congress in the United States, which will be celebrated in Indianapolis July 17–21.
- [How life has changed for the girl who recovered her sight at 2023 World Youth Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-life-has-changed-for-the-girl-who-recovered-her-sight-at-2023-world-youth-day-2689): Jimena, who regained her sight after receiving Communion at WYD Lisbon 2023, shared with ACI Prensa about that miraculous moment, her return home, and meeting Pope Francis in Rome to thank the Virgin.
- [Here’s how the city of Rome is preparing for the 2025 Jubilee Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/heres-how-the-city-of-rome-is-preparing-for-the-2025-jubilee-year-2687): Construction projects are underway in Rome as the city prepares for the Jubilee Year of 2025. According to the city's mayor, Gualtieri, the upcoming "Jubilee of Hope" is expected to attract between 30 and 35 million tourists.
- [Orthodox patriarch anticipates Pope Francis visit to Turkey for Council of Nicaea anniversary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/orthodox-patriarch-anticipates-pope-francis-visit-to-turkey-for-council-of-nicaea-anniversary-2685): Pope Francis might be traveling to Turkey next year for the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, according to Eastern Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew in comments he made on Thursday.
- [Pope Francis’ pastoral visit to Verona emphasizes call to be peacemakers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-pastoral-visit-to-verona-emphasizes-call-to-be-peacemakers-2683): Pope Francis’s one-day visit to Verona focused on promoting peace, offering an alternative to the current social paradigm. Though Verona has just over 250,000 residents, the pope's message was global in scope.
- [Fernández: Vatican’s new apparitions guidelines stress ‘caution’ in discernment process](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fernandez-vaticans-new-apparitions-guidelines-stress-caution-in-discernment-process-2681): Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández held a press conference addressing the Vatican’s new guidelines on apparitions, with the prelate noting that the new norms would help introduce greater prudence in the discernment process.
- [Pope Francis says conservative critics have a ‘suicidal attitude’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-conservative-critics-have-a-suicidal-attitude-2679): In a "60 Minutes" interview airing this Sunday, Pope Francis critiques his "conservative critics" in the U.S., labeling their stance as "suicidal" for clinging to the past without openness.
- [Building Peace Beyond Borders: An Initiative organized at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/building-peace-beyond-borders-a-vatican-initiative-inspired-by-robert-schuman-2677): The legacy of the Venerable Robert Schuman, hailed as the founding father of a united Europe, continues to inspire efforts to build peace across the continent.
- [New Norms Give Vatican Greater Say on Alleged Apparitions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-new-norms-give-vatican-greater-say-on-alleged-apparitions-2675): Vatican’s top doctrinal office is centralizing its authority over the investigation of alleged Marian apparitions and other religious phenomena under new norms it issued Friday, a break from past protocols that gave local bishops greater autonomy.
- [Parolin: International human rights conventions must be safeguarded in Russia-Ukraine war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/parolin-international-human-rights-conventions-must-be-safeguarded-in-russia-ukraine-war-3379): Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin met with Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights Tatiana Moskalkova via video conference on Sept. 16 to highlight the need to safeguard international human rights conventions in the Russia-Ukraine war.
- [Pope Francis says the Catholic Church is ‘more alive’ outside of Europe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-the-catholic-church-is-more-alive-outside-of-europe-3377): Pope Francis on Wednesday said the Catholic Church is “more alive” outside of Europe as he reflected back on his recent apostolic journey to Southeast Asia.
- [Pope Francis’ visit to Singapore ‘has revived the faith of our people,’ cardinal says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-visit-to-singapore-has-revived-the-faith-of-our-people-cardinal-says-3375): “I believe his visit has revived the faith of our people. His visit has caused many of our Catholics to work together,” said Cardinal William Goh, archbishop of Singapore, in an interview with Vatican News about Pope Francis’ recent visit to the country.
- [Bishop Álvarez chosen by Pope Francis to participate in Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-alvarez-chosen-by-pope-francis-to-participate-in-synod-on-synodality-3373): Exiled Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez is slated to be among the participants in the second and last session of the Synod of Synodality, set to take place at the Vatican next month from Oct. 2–27.
- [Pope Francis: Diverse religious identities are ‘a gift from God’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-diverse-religious-identities-are-a-gift-from-god-3371): Pope Francis praised cultural and religious diversity as “a gift from God” in a video message to an interreligious youth conference on Tuesday. 
- [Pope Francis tells young people to prioritize the Eucharist like Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-tells-young-people-to-prioritize-the-eucharist-like-carlo-acutis-3369): Pope Francis in his youth message released on Tuesday encouraged young people to imitate Blessed Carlo Acutis in prioritizing “the great gift of the Eucharist.”
- [Pope’s Asia visit draws attention to Holy See’s delicate China diplomacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-asia-visit-draws-attention-to-holy-sees-delicate-china-diplomacy-3367): As the Vatican-China agreement on bishop appointments nears its October renewal, Pope Francis' recent journey through Southeast Asia has highlighted the Holy See's complex relationship with Beijing.
- [Here’s what will be new at the Synod on Synodality part 2](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/heres-what-will-be-new-at-the-synod-on-synodality-part-2-3365): Before the second session of the Synod on Synodality kicks off in Rome at the beginning of October, participants will gather in retreat to pray together and ask forgiveness for sins in a penitential prayer vigil led by Pope Francis.
- [Vatican announces press conference on ‘spiritual experience’ of Medjugorje](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-press-conference-on-spiritual-experience-of-medjugorje-3363): Cardinal Víctor Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, will lead a press conference on the “spiritual experience” of Medjugorje this Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Vatican.
- [Pope Francis urges release of Hamas hostages, end of conflict in Israel and Palestine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-release-of-hamas-hostages-end-of-conflict-in-israel-and-palestine-3361): During his Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis appealed for the release of the remaining Hamas hostages as he remembered 23-year-old American Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five others whose bodies were recovered by Israeli military in Gaza last month.
- [Pope Francis will not go to Paris for Notre Dame cathedral reopening](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-will-not-go-to-paris-for-notre-dame-cathedral-reopening-3359): Pope Francis definitively ruled out the possibility of visiting France for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral on his return flight on Friday from Southeast Asia.
- [Pope Francis: U.S. presidential election a choice between ‘the lesser evil’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-us-presidential-election-a-choice-between-the-lesser-evil-3357): Pope Francis said that American voters face the choice between “the lesser evil” in the U.S. presidential election during an in-flight press conference Friday on his return from his nearly two-week tour of Southeast Asia.
- [Pope Francis creates new archdiocese in Wales, appoints its first bishop](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-creates-new-archdiocese-in-wales-appoints-its-first-bishop-3355): Pope Francis has united two Welsh dioceses to create the new Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia, the Vatican announced Sept. 12, the feast of the Holy Name of Mary.
- [Pope Francis to Singapore’s Catholics: Follow St. Francis Xavier in spreading God’s love](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-singapores-catholics-follow-st-francis-xavier-in-spreading-gods-love-3351): At Mass with approximately 50,000 Catholics in Singapore on Thursday, Pope Francis recalled the example of the great missionary to Asia, St. Francis Xavier, who responded with enthusiasm to the call to spread God’s love.
- [Pope Francis praises Singapore’s spirit of progress, reminds leaders not to exclude the weak](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praises-singapores-spirit-of-progress-reminds-leaders-not-to-exclude-the-weak-3349): Pope Francis on Thursday praised Singapore for its “shining example” in building a united country based on harmony and cooperation but highlighted risks rapid progress could have on the family, human relationships, and the weakest members of society.     
- [Explore Rome’s Major Papal Basilicas with EWTN Travel App: A Pilgrim’s Guide for the Jubilee Year 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/explore-romes-major-papal-basilicas-with-ewtn-travel-app-a-pilgrims-guide-for-the-jubilee-year-2025-3347): The Jubilee Year 2025 is approaching, with over 30 million pilgrims expected in Rome. To assist them, the EWTN Vatican Bureau created the EWTN Travel Jubilee App, guiding visitors through Rome's hidden treasures
- [Unveiling the Catholic Heritage of Papua New Guinea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/unveiling-the-catholic-heritage-of-papua-new-guinea-3345): Pope Francis' visit to Papua New Guinea highlights the Catholic Church's crucial role in fostering peace and hope in a nation struggling with economic and social challenges
- [German Catholic Delegation Engages in Dialogue with Vatican Amid Synodal Way Tensions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/german-catholic-delegation-engages-in-dialogue-with-vatican-amid-synodal-way-tensions-3343): A delegation from the German Central Committee of Catholics visits Rome to foster dialogue amid ongoing tensions surrounding the Synodal Way
- [International Eucharistic Congress 2024 Begins in Ecuador](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/international-eucharistic-congress-2024-begins-in-ecuador-3341): Ecuador's 53rd International Eucharistic Congress highlights the role of fraternity and the Eucharist in healing the world.
- [Healing a Nation: Ecuador's Sacred Legacy and Quito's International Eucharistic Congress](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/healing-a-nation-ecuadors-sacred-legacy-and-quitos-international-eucharistic-congress-3339): The International Eucharistic Congress in Ecuador serves as a spiritual beacon for a country in crisis, bringing hope for healing through faith.
- [Pope Francis leaves East Timor: ‘I’ll never forget your smiles’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-leaves-east-timor-ill-never-forget-your-smiles-3337): Before departing East Timor on Wednesday, Pope Francis told a group of young adults he will never forget the smiles he witnessed during his visit to Asia’s youngest and most Catholic country.
- [Catholic Church is in the midst of a growth spurt in Singapore](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-church-is-in-the-midst-of-a-growth-spurt-in-singapore-3335): Catholicism is the fastest-growing religion in Singapore, thriving alongside a strong Buddhist presence and marked by active Church participation in social and liturgical life.
- [Pope Francis’ Mass in East Timor draws 600,000 Catholics](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-mass-in-east-timor-draws-600000-catholics-3333): An estimated 600,000 Catholics attended Pope Francis’ Mass on Tuesday in East Timor, a small island country that is 98% Catholic. 
- [Pope Francis in East Timor says children show us how to ‘be cared for by God’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-east-timor-says-children-show-us-how-to-be-cared-for-by-god-3331): On the second day of his apostolic visit to East Timor (Timor-Leste), Pope Francis first met with children and religious sisters at the Irmãs Alma School in Dili on Tuesday morning and thanked them for their testimony of love.
- [Pope Francis’ message to global literacy event: Multilingual education promotes dialogue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-message-to-global-literacy-event-multilingual-education-promotes-dialogue-3329): Cardinal Parolin conveys Pope Francis' message for International Literacy Day 2024, highlighting the importance of multilingualism and literacy in fostering a more educated and peaceful society
- [Pope to youth in Papua New Guinea: Words, gestures of love overcome ‘ugly fruit of hatred’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-to-youth-in-papua-new-guinea-words-gestures-of-love-overcome-ugly-fruit-of-hatred-3327): Pope Francis calls on youth in Papua New Guinea to unite through love and service, helping each other rise after every fall.
- [Catholics in East Timor welcome Pope Francis to their island ‘oasis’ of religious vocations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholics-in-east-timor-welcome-pope-francis-to-their-island-oasis-of-religious-vocations-3325): Pope Francis encourages the faithful of East Timor to let the fragrance of the Gospel bring healing, peace, and transformation to their nation.
- [Remembering the missionary martyrs of Papua New Guinea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/remembering-the-missionary-martyrs-of-papua-new-guinea-3323): During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis reflected on the sacrifices of early Catholic missionaries and martyrs who braved the rainforests to spread the Gospel to "the ends of the Earth."
- [Pope Francis' Historic Southeast Asia Tour: Strengthening Faith and Interfaith Relations Across Four Nations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-historic-southeast-asia-tour-strengthening-faith-and-interfaith-relations-across-four-nations-3321): Pope Francis embarks on a 12-day journey through Southeast Asia, promoting peace, dialogue, and unity in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore
- [From Assisi to Gubbio: Embarking on the Season of Creation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-assisi-to-gubbio-embarking-on-the-season-of-creation-3319): A symbolic pilgrimage from Assisi to Gubbio marks the start of the Season of Creation, calling Christians to actively care for the environment.
- [Explore the Vatican Gardens: A Family-Friendly Natural Playground](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/explore-the-vatican-gardens-a-family-friendly-natural-playground-3317): A unique Vatican Gardens tour invites families to experience the beauty of creation while deepening their spiritual connection
- [The Significance of Pope Francis' Visit to Indonesia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/significance-of-pope-francis-visit-to-indonesia-3315): Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia highlights the importance of interreligious dialogue and strengthens the Catholic Church's ties in a diverse religious landscape
- [The Eucharist: Sacrament of Unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/eucharist-sacrament-of-unity-3313): Exploring the Eucharist as the central mystery that unites the Church and deepens Christian faith.
- [Pope Francis to 2024 International Eucharistic Congress: The Eucharist teaches us fraternity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-2024-international-eucharistic-congress-the-eucharist-teaches-us-fraternity-3311): The gift of the Eucharist helps us to become the body of Christ for others, Pope Francis said in a video message sent to the 2024 International Eucharistic Congress in Quito, Ecuador, on Sunday.
- [Pope Francis in Papua New Guinea: Put love before superstition, fear](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-papua-new-guinea-put-love-before-superstition-fear-3309): Pope Francis on Sunday encouraged Catholics in a remote town in Papua New Guinea to continue to be missionaries where they live, working together to replace superstition and fear with love.
- [Pope Francis’ Mass in Papua New Guinea: ‘Open yourselves to the joy of the Gospel’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-mass-in-papua-new-guinea-open-yourselves-to-the-joy-of-the-gospel-3307): Pope Francis presided over Mass at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday, delivering a powerful message to Papua New Guineans that despite the far distance that separates them from Rome, they are in the center of Christ’s heart.
- [Pope Francis asks Papua New Guinea Catholics to spread the Gospel to 'peripheries'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-asks-papua-new-guinea-catholics-to-spread-the-gospel-to-peripheries-3305): Pope Francis called on Catholics in Papua New Guinea on Saturday to continue in their efforts of bringing the Gospel to the most marginalized and remote communities within the country.
- [Some people in Papua New Guinea walked 3 weeks to see Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/some-people-in-papua-new-guinea-walked-3-weeks-to-see-pope-francis-3303): The bishop of Kundinawa in Papua New Guinea, Paul Sundu, said that of the 300,000 people expected to see Pope Francis this weekend, “many walked two or three weeks before the papal visit” from all the dioceses of the island country.
- [Pope Francis urges stewardship of Papua New Guinea’s resources, peace among tribes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-stewardship-of-papua-new-guineas-resources-peace-among-tribes-3301): Pope Francis began his historic visit to Papua New Guinea on Saturday (local time) with a call for stewardship of the nation’s rich natural resources and a plea for peace amidst ongoing tribal conflicts. 
- [La Storia dei Miracoli Eucaristici e uno Sguardo ai Santi dell'Eucaristia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/storia-miracoli-eucaristici-santi-eucaristia): I miracoli eucaristici confermano ulteriormente la profonda verità, la bellezza e il mistero inesauribile dell’Eucaristia. Il primo miracolo documentato avvenne nella città italiana di Lanciano, dove una reliquia preziosa ci invita a riscoprire uno degli eventi più straordinari nella storia della Chiesa. Secondo la Chiesa Cattolica, i miracoli eucaristici rivelano in modo profondo la natura della fede, l’importanza dei sacramenti e il potere dell’intervento divino. Cosa ci dicono i miracoli eucaristici? Essi sono considerati come manifestazioni potenti dell’amore costante di Dio per il mondo, offrendo un mistero da contemplare e un incentivo per un impegno spirituale più profondo. Se applichiamo […]
- [Pope Francis arrives in Papua New Guinea amid report of arrests in Indonesia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-arrives-in-papua-new-guinea-amid-report-of-arrests-in-indonesia-3299): Pope Francis touched down in Papua New Guinea on Friday, the second country of his 12-day apostolic journey to Asia and Oceania, following emerging reports of a failed attempt on his life during his Indonesia visit.
- [Pope Francis celebrates Mass with 100,000 worshippers in Indonesia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-mass-with-100000-worshippers-in-indonesia-3297): More than 100,000 worshippers participated in Pope Francis’ celebration of Mass at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Thursday.
- [Pope Francis and grand imam sign joint declaration at Indonesia mosque](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-and-grand-imam-sign-joint-declaration-at-indonesia-mosque-3295): Pope Francis visited the grounds of Southeast Asia’s largest mosque on Wednesday for an interfaith meeting in Indonesia, where he signed a joint declaration condemning religious-based violence with Muslim leader Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar.
- [Pope Francis invites Indonesia’s Catholics to share ‘joy of encountering Christ’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-invites-indonesias-catholics-to-share-joy-of-encountering-christ-3293): Pope Francis met with Indonesian clergy at Jakarta's Cathedral, urging them to share “the joy of encountering Christ” while respecting the nation's ethnic and cultural diversity.
- [Pope Francis greets orphans and refugees in Indonesia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-greets-orphans-and-refugees-in-indonesia-3291): Pope Francis has established certain habits over the years that have become beautiful traditions.
- [Pope Francis begins Indonesia visit with call for Catholic-Muslim dialogue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-begins-indonesia-visit-with-call-for-catholic-muslim-dialogue-3289): On Wednesday, Pope Francis urged Indonesia’s political leaders to protect the nation’s cultural and religious diversity by respecting the human rights of all, including minorities.
- [Pope Francis sends telegram of condolence to Cardinal Parolin after mother's death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sends-telegram-of-condolence-to-cardinal-parolin-after-mothers-death-3287): Pope Francis sent a telegram of condolence on Tuesday to Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin following the death of the Italian prelate’s mother. 
- [Archbishop Paglia writes new book about old age as a ‘time for inner growth’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-paglia-writes-new-book-about-old-age-as-a-time-for-inner-growth-3285): Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, 79, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, has written a new book, Destinati alla vita ("Destined for Life"), reflecting on old age as a time for inner growth.   
- [From Quito to Rome: A Family of Families](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-quito-to-rome-a-family-of-families-3283): This week on Vaticano, we travel to Quito, Ecuador, where the upcoming International Eucharistic Congress shines a light on the city’s struggles and triumphs. The International Eucharistic Congress will take place from September 8-15.  A Family of Families In Quito, a Jesuit Center known as the “A Family of Families” Center works tirelessly to break the cycle of poverty for the community it serves. Through this mission, we see how the center not only provides for immediate needs but also empowers individuals to transform their lives. Ecuador is a small, diverse country, yet it faces significant challenges. Wealth disparity has […]
- [Longest Trip of Pope Francis’ Pontificate: Southeast Asia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/longest-trip-of-pope-francis-pontificate-southeast-asia-3281): Pope Francis’s upcoming visit to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church in Southeast Asia, where religious coexistence and social challenges intersect.  The Pope’s first stop: Indonesia Indonesia, with its 29 million Christians amidst 242 million Muslims, stands as a beacon of religious harmony. The Pope’s visit, the first to Indonesia since Pope St. John Paul II’s visit in 1989, aims to strengthen ties between Christians and Muslims in a country where Catholics make up just 3% of the population. In Jakarta, Father Thomas Ismoyo reflects on the significance of this […]
- [Preview of the 2024 International Eucharistic Congress](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/preview-of-the-2024-international-eucharistic-congress-3279): In little more than a week, the 2024 International Eucharistic Congress will get underway in Quito, Ecuador. In an interview with EWTN Noticias, Valeria Gavilanes, official spokesperson for the event, shared details about the significance of the event and what to expect. “The Eucharistic Congress is a living manifestation of the presence of Jesus among us, and it is a unique opportunity to renew our faith and our relationship with the Eucharist,” Gavilanes noted. The event, which will take place Sept. 8-15 at the Metropolitan Convention Center in Quito, will bring together some 4,000 participants, including laypeople, men and women […]
- [Vatican grants ‘nihil obstat’ to Our Lady of Mercy shrine in France](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-grants-nihil-obstat-to-our-lady-of-mercy-shrine-in-france-3277): The Vatican has affirmed that there are no objections to the 19th-century apparitions of Our Lady of Mercy at the Shrine of Pellevoisin in France and the faithful “are authorized to give to it their adherence in a prudent manner.” On Aug. 22, the Holy See issued a “nihil obstat” (no objection) to the miraculous visions and physical healing of French woman Estelle Faguette following the request of Archbishop Jérôme Daniel Beau of Bourges, France, for the decree.   “Estelle’s accounts are striking for their simplicity, clarity, and humility,” reads the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) letter to […]
- [This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of September](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-september-3275): Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of September is for the cry of the Earth. “Let us pray for the cry of the Earth,” Pope Francis urged the faithful in a video released Aug. 30. “If we took the planet’s temperature, it would tell us that the Earth has a fever. And it is sick, just like anyone who’s sick,” he said. The Holy Father asked individuals to consider two questions: “Are we listening to this pain? Do we hear the pain of the millions of victims of environmental catastrophes?” “The ones suffering most from the consequences of these […]
- [Francis won’t be the first pope to visit Papua New Guinea: a look at John Paul II’s trips](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/francis-wont-be-the-first-pope-to-visit-papua-new-guinea-a-look-at-john-paul-iis-trips-3273): Pope Francis will be visiting the country of Papua New Guinea from Sept. 6-9 as part of an 11-day, multi-country papal trip. But he won’t be the first pope to set foot on the South Pacific island nation — Pope John Paul II visited the island twice, in 1984 and 1995. Papua New Guinea (PNG), situated on the eastern half of an island in the southwestern Pacific, is home to nearly 9 million people. (The other side of the island consists of two Indonesian provinces.) Considered one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world, PNG is made up […]
- [Pope Francis urges release of hostages, aid for polio outbreak in Gaza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-release-of-hostages-aid-for-polio-outbreak-in-gaza-3271): After the bodies of six hostages killed by Hamas were recovered by Israeli forces this weekend, Pope Francis made an impassioned plea for peace in the Holy Land, urging the release of the remaining hostages and humanitarian aid for the polio outbreak in Gaza. Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus prayer, the pope expressed deep concern at the risk of the war between Israel and Hamas “spreading to other Palestinian cities.” “I appeal for the negotiations to continue, for an immediate cease-fire, the release of hostages, and relief to the people of Gaza, where […]
- [Eucharistic Saints: Carlo Acutis and More](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/eucharistic-saints-carlo-acutis-and-more-3269): This week on Vaticano, as we prepare for the International Eucharistic Congress in Quito, Ecuador, we embark on a journey through history, tracing the origins of Eucharistic miracles and their profound significance in the Catholic tradition. The Historical Roots of the Feast of Corpus Christi in Bolsena Our first stop is the medieval village of Bolsena, nestled 100 kilometers north of Rome. This quaint lakeside town is forever etched in the annals of the Catholic Church as the birthplace of the Feast of Corpus Christi. It was here, in 1263, that a miraculous event occurred—a Eucharistic miracle that would inspire […]
- [Pope Francis prays for people of Nicaragua: ‘Renew your hope in Jesus’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-people-of-nicaragua-renew-your-hope-in-jesus-3267): Pope Francis prayed Sunday for a renewed hope for the people of Nicaragua, where the Catholic Church is experiencing harsh persecution under the regime of President Daniel Ortega. “To the beloved people of Nicaragua: I encourage you to renew your hope in Jesus. Remember that the Holy Spirit always guides history toward higher designs,” Pope Francis said at the end of this Angelus address on Aug. 25. The pope entrusted Nicaragua to the protection and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “May the Immaculate Virgin protect you in times of trial and make you feel her maternal tenderness,” he said. “May Our […]
- [Pope Francis: War has an ‘abyss of evil’ at its center](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-war-has-an-abyss-of-evil-at-its-center-3265): Pope Francis called the heart of war an “abyss of evil” during a meeting with Catholic politicians and legislators at the Vatican on Saturday. “Our consciences cannot fail to be moved by the scenes of death and destruction daily before our eyes,” the pope said Aug. 24, about the many violent conflicts taking place around the globe. “We need to hear the cry of the poor, the ‘widows and orphans’ of which the Bible speaks,” he continued, “in order to see the abyss of evil at the heart of war and to resolve by every means possible to choose peace.” […]
- [Pope Francis meets wrongly-imprisoned Italian man freed after 33 years behind bars](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-wrongly-imprisoned-italian-man-freed-after-33-years-behind-bars-3263): Pope Francis had a private meeting at the Vatican on Friday with an Italian man who was wrongly imprisoned for 33 years after being falsely accused of the triple homicide of three shepherds in 1991. Beniamino Zuncheddu, now in his 60s, was released from prison in January after his murder conviction was overturned. The only eyewitness to the crime, which took place in the mountains at night on the Italian island of Sardinia, first said he couldn’t identify the killer, but later accused Zuncheddu, a fellow sheep herder. Zuncheddu’s conviction was overturned at the end of 2023 for insufficient proof […]
- [Pope to Madagascar Eucharistic Congress pilgrims: Be missionaries of God’s love to others](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-to-madagascar-eucharistic-congress-pilgrims-be-missionaries-of-gods-love-to-others-3261): In a message for pilgrims participating in the third National Eucharistic Congress in Madagascar (Aug. 23-26), Pope Francis says each person should be a missionary of God’s love to others. “Once you’ve met Christ in adoration, once you’ve touched him and received him in the Eucharistic celebration, you can no longer keep him to yourself, but become a missionary of his love to others,” the pope shared in a message released on Aug. 23. The message was read by the Apostolic Nuncio of Madagascar, Archbishop Tomasz Grysa. According to ACI Africa, CNA’s African news partner, an estimated 40,000 pilgrims are anticipated […]
- [Vatican approves devotion to 1945 apparition of Our Lady of Sorrows in Spain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-approves-devotion-to-1945-apparition-of-our-lady-of-sorrows-in-spain-3259): The Vatican has accepted the decree of an archbishop approving the spiritual activities of the Catholic Shrine of Chandavila in the town of La Codosera in Badajoz, Spain, where Our Lady of Sorrows is alleged to have appeared to two young girls at the end of World War II. An Aug. 22 letter from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) called Our Lady of Sorrows of Chandavila a “beautiful devotion,” with “many positive aspects,” including conversions, healing, and other visible signs of the action of the Holy Spirit in the pilgrims who visit the shrine.  The letter, […]
- [EU watchdog reports alarming rise in Christian persecution, calls for protections](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/eu-watchdog-reports-alarming-rise-in-christian-persecution-calls-for-protections-3257): On the occasion of the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief (Aug.22), a European watchdog warned of serious anti-Christian violence in Europe and called on governments to protect converts from Islam in particular.  The Vienna-based Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe) has reported an increase in anti-Christian hate crimes by 44%.  Though the OIDAC Europe 2022/23 Annual Report reports the majority of the 749 cases of anti-Christian hate crimes were acts of vandalism or arson, the religious freedom watchdog noted a marked increase in violent attacks against […]
- [Synod on Synodality: Bishops launch regional workshops ahead of October meeting in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-bishops-launch-regional-workshops-ahead-of-october-meeting-in-rome-3255): Around the world, bishops together with the Catholic faithful of their dioceses in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa are gearing up for the second session of the 2021-2024 Synod on Synodality to take place Oct.2-27 in Vatican City.  The worldwide process launched by Pope Francis for the Catholic Church is centered on the theological concept of “synodality” or “journeying together” as the People of God. Synodality places particular emphasis on renewing the call of each baptized person to actively participate in the mission Jesus Christ entrusted to his church.  As part of this global process of listening, dialogue, and […]
- [Pope Francis: Living the fruits of the Holy Spirit helps us spread holiness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-living-the-fruits-of-the-holy-spirit-helps-us-spread-holiness-3253): Pope Francis said Wednesday the person who lives with joy his anointing in the sacrament of confirmation cannot help but spread the fragrance of holiness in the Church and the world. “We know that, unfortunately, sometimes Christians do not spread the fragrance of Christ, but the bad odor of their own sin,” the pope also warned during the general audience Aug. 21, adding that “sin turns us into bad oil.” During his weekly public audience in the Vatican’s Pope Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis continued a series of lessons on the Holy Spirit, focusing on the fruits of being anointed […]
- [Pope Francis and Cardinal Pizzaballa open lay Catholic meeting against backdrop of war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-and-cardinal-pizzaballa-open-lay-catholic-meeting-against-backdrop-of-war-3251): The theme of peace took center stage at the Rimini Meeting this week as Pope Francis offered a message of encouragement in the face of the reality of war to the hundreds of thousands of attendees gathered on the opening day of the annual festival organized by the lay Catholic movement Communion and Liberation. Pope Francis urged the meeting’s participants not to be discouraged by war and the challenges of today but to search out “the beauty of life” with passion in an Aug. 19 message sent to the Catholic festival through Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Cardinal Pierbattista […]
- [Pope Francis reflects with wonder on 'the miracle of the Eucharist'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reflects-with-wonder-on-the-miracle-of-the-eucharist-3249): Pope Francis said Sunday that the Eucharist is a “miracle” in which Jesus nourishes us with his life and satisfies the hunger in our hearts.
- [Bioethicists scrutinize Pontifical Academy for Life’s new guidance on withdrawing food, water](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bioethicists-scrutinize-pontifical-academy-for-lifes-new-guidance-on-withdrawing-food-water-3247): The Pontifical Academy for Life's booklet on bioethics, particularly its stance on artificial nutrition and hydration, has raised concerns among some observers about a shift from traditional Church teachings.
- [Vatican talks to China in continued Russia-Ukraine peace efforts](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-talks-to-china-in-continued-russia-ukraine-peace-efforts-3245): Vatican peace envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi spoke this week with a Chinese government official about the Russia-Ukraine war.
- [Rupnik art appears on Vatican website again — and in Pope Francis’ apartment](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rupnik-art-appears-on-vatican-website-again-and-in-pope-francis-apartment-3243): Despite calls from abuse victims and their advocates to stop displaying artwork by the disgraced former Jesuit priest Father Marko Ivan Rupnik, the Vatican has again used one of the artist’s images to illustrate an online article.
- [Pope Francis: Mary goes before us on the journey of life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-mary-goes-before-us-on-the-journey-of-life-3241): During his Angelus address on the solemnity of the Assumption, Pope Francis reminded Catholics that the Blessed Virgin Mary always “goes before us on the journey.”
- [Vatican secretary of state says Ukraine’s military advances into Russia are ‘worrying’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-secretary-of-state-says-ukraines-military-advances-into-russia-are-worrying-3239): The Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, is expressing concerns about Ukraine’s recent military advances inside Russian territory, warning that the actions could further escalate the war.
- [Vatican expels Sodality of Christian Life founder](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-expels-sodality-of-christian-life-founder-3237): Luis Fernando Figari, founder of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae and accused of sexual abuse, has been expelled from the organization by Vatican decision, according to the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference.
- [The fascinating history of the feast of Mary’s assumption](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fascinating-history-of-the-feast-of-marys-assumption-3235): On Aug. 15, Catholics around the world mark the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, commemorating the end of her earthly life and assumption into heaven.
- [Irish archbishop and apostolic nuncio to EU Noël Treanor dies at 73](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/irish-archbishop-and-apostolic-nuncio-to-eu-noel-treanor-dies-at-73-3233): Archbishop Noël Treanor, the Irish prelate who had served as apostolic nuncio to the European Union since 2023, died of a heart attack on Sunday at age 73.
- [Vatican urges Iran to avoid ‘in any way’ escalating conflict in Middle East](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-urges-iran-to-avoid-in-any-way-escalating-conflict-in-middle-east-3231): The Vatican has urged Iran to avoid escalating “in any way” the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
- [The Basilica of Saint Mary Major: A Living Reliquary of Faith, Art, and History](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/basilica-of-saint-mary-major-a-living-reliquary-of-faith-art-and-history-3229): Discover the spiritual and artistic heritage of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, home to the revered Salus Populi Romani and a testament to centuries of Christian devotion
- [Pope Francis: True faith opens the mind and the heart](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-true-faith-opens-the-mind-and-the-heart-3227): Pope Francis urged people to truly listen to God’s voice rather than looking to the Lord for a confirmation of their own ideas in his Angelus address on Sunday.
- [Dictatorship in Nicaragua: 7 priests left the country and arrived ‘safely’ at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dictatorship-in-nicaragua-7-priests-left-the-country-and-arrived-safely-at-the-vatican-3225): Rosario Murillo, wife of dictator Daniel Ortega and vice president of Nicaragua, announced that seven priests left the Central American country and have arrived “safely” at the Vatican.
- [Pope Francis conveys ‘message of hope’ to Chinese Catholics, desire to visit China](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-conveys-message-of-hope-to-chinese-catholics-desire-to-visit-china-3223): Pope Francis conveyed a “message of hope” to Chinese Catholics and expressed his desire to one day visit the Basilica of Holy Mary, the Help of Christians, in Shanghai, China, during an interview released on Friday.
- [Vatican announces theme for World Day of Peace 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-theme-for-world-day-of-peace-2025-3221): The Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has announced the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 58th World Day of Peace 2025, which will be celebrated on Jan. 1: “Forgive Us Our Trespasses, Grant Us Your Peace.”
- [Pope Francis praises Knights of Columbus for efforts to form men of ‘faith and family’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praises-knights-of-columbus-for-efforts-to-form-men-of-faith-and-family-3219): Pope Francis sent a message to the Knights of Columbus convention in Quebec, expressing his “profound gratitude” for their “concrete witness to the faith that works through love.”
- [Vatican approves India’s Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Health ahead of shrine’s feast day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-approves-indias-sanctuary-of-our-lady-of-good-health-ahead-of-shrines-feast-day-3217): The Vatican has approved devotion at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Health in Vailankanni, India, the site of reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the 16th century. 
- [What does a general audience with Pope Francis consist of?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-does-a-general-audience-with-pope-francis-consist-of-3215): On Aug. 7, Pope Francis resumed general audiences at the Vatican after a brief and normal pause during the month of July. The following is an explanation of the nature and purpose of these encounters with the Holy Father.
- [Animal rights activists plead with Pope Francis to end bullfighting](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/animal-rights-activists-plead-with-pope-francis-to-end-bullfighting-3213): Two animal rights activists connected to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) temporarily interrupted Pope Francis’ Wednesday audience in Vatican City, calling on the 87-year-old pontiff to take action against bullfighting.
- [Pope Francis: ‘All things are possible’ when we invite God into our lives](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-all-things-are-possible-when-we-invite-god-into-our-lives-3211): Pope Francis held his first general audience after a monthlong break on Wednesday, reminding pilgrims in Paul VI Hall that “with God all things are possible” when we invite Jesus into our lives as Mary did.
- [Vatican Court president under investigation for alleged complicity with Sicilian Mafia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-court-president-under-investigation-for-alleged-complicity-with-sicilian-mafia-3209): The president of the Vatican Court, Giuseppe Pignatone, is under investigation by the Italian judiciary for allegedly collaborating with the Mafia in the early 1990s.
- [Pope Francis: ‘Miracle of the Snow’ reminds us of Mary and the wonder of grace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-miracle-of-the-snow-reminds-us-of-mary-and-the-wonder-of-grace-3207): In his homily during second vespers on the solemnity of Our Lady of the Snows at the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Monday evening, Pope Francis meditated upon the significance of grace in the life of the Mother of God and in the life of every Catholic.
- [The Miraculous History of Saint Mary Major: Celebrating Our Lady of the Snows](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/miraculous-history-of-saint-mary-major-celebrating-our-lady-of-the-snows-3205): Honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary Through Miracles and Traditions
- [Vatican confirms 19th-century Puerto Rican catechist was ‘not the Virgin Mary’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-confirms-19th-century-puerto-rican-catechist-was-not-the-virgin-mary-3203): Based on the new norms for studying alleged apparitions in the Catholic Church, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has denied the supernatural nature of the events related to Elenita de Jesus and Holy Mountain Shrine in Puerto Rico.
- [Pope Francis celebrates ‘Miracle of the Snow’ at Basilica of St. Mary Major](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-miracle-of-the-snow-at-basilica-of-st-mary-major-3201): Pope Francis joined Rome’s annual celebration of the “Miracle of the Snow,” the fourth-century Marian miracle that inspired the construction of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the papal basilica in Rome dedicated to the Mother of God.
- [Pope Francis appoints Providence Bishop Richard Henning as archbishop of Boston](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-providence-bishop-richard-henning-as-archbishop-of-boston-3199): Pope Francis has appointed Providence, Rhode Island, Bishop Richard Henning as the archbishop of Boston as longtime Archbishop Cardinal Sean O’Malley is retiring at age 80. 
- [Vatican deplores Olympic ‘offense done to many Christians’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-deplores-olympic-offense-done-to-many-christians-3197): In response to the July 26 Paris Olympics opening ceremony that mocked the Last Supper — and after the French bishops and other Catholic and world leaders decried the display — the Vatican on Saturday issued a statement denouncing the scene.
- [Pope Francis: Reading literature can enrich the Christian life, aid in priestly formation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reading-literature-can-enrich-the-christian-life-aid-in-priestly-formation-3195): In a new letter released Sunday, Pope Francis touts the benefits of reading literature for priests and all those seeking to enrich their lives as Christian believers. Though he said his letter was originally intended for men receiving priestly formation, he said all Christians — not just those involved in ministry — would benefit from incorporating poetry and literature into their personal times of study or leisure. “Time spent reading may well open up new interior spaces that help us to avoid becoming trapped by a few obsessive thoughts that can stand in the way of our personal growth,” he […]
- [Pope Francis urges prayers for victims of crises in Venezuela, Myanmar, and Middle East](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-prayers-for-victims-of-crises-in-venezuela-myanmar-and-middle-east-3193): Pope Francis on Sunday urged prayers for those suffering in the world due to political conflict, violence, and natural disasters, highlighting humanitarian crises in Venezuela, the Middle East, and Myanmar. Protests and violence have erupted in cities across Venezuela after citizens headed to the polls one week ago to vote in the country’s controversial presidential elections held on July 28.   The Venezuelan government declared on Monday that President Nicolás Maduro won the election, however many opposition leaders and citizens continue to contest the results, alleging fraud and corruption against the country’s leader and his party.  “I express my concern for […]
- [Pope at Angelus: ‘Material things do not give fullness to life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-at-angelus-material-things-do-not-give-fullness-to-life-3191): During his first Angelus address of the month, Pope Francis asked his listeners on Sunday to seek the path of charity, “which keeps nothing for itself but shares everything.” “Material things do not give fullness to life. They are important but they do not fill life. Only love can do that,” the Holy Father said to crowds of local and international pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on Aug. 4. Reflecting on Sunday’s Gospel reading (John 6:24-35) — which recounts how many people followed Jesus because they were looking for bread to eat and not because they believed in him or […]
- [Pope Francis: What would happen if we prayed more and complained less?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-what-would-happen-if-we-prayed-more-and-complained-less-3189): “What would happen if we prayed more and complained less?” Pope Francis asked Aug. 2 on his official profile on X. He then invited the faithful to ask the Lord for “the grace to know how to pray for one another.” The Holy Father posted this message as part of the Year of Prayer 2024, which he proposed as a preparation for the upcoming Jubilee of Hope 2025. The pope inaugurated the current Year of Prayer on Jan. 21, and since then he has invited the faithful to place themselves before the presence of the Lord on numerous occasions, especially […]
- [50,000 Altar Servers Met Pope Francis in Rome for 13th International Pilgrimage](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/50000-altar-servers-met-pope-francis-in-rome-for-13th-international-pilgrimage-3187): Young Catholics Gather for Faith, Fellowship, and Inspiration
- [Faith on the Frontlines: How Apostolat Militaire International Supports Catholic Soldiers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/faith-on-the-frontlines-how-apostolat-militaire-international-supports-catholic-soldiers-3185): Providing Guidance and Hope to Military Personnel Worldwide
- [Pope Francis' Epic Journey to Asia and Oceania: A 12-Day Tour Across Four Countries](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-epic-journey-to-asia-and-oceania-a-12-day-tour-across-four-countries-3183): A Historic Pilgrimage of Faith and Interreligious Dialogue
- [2025 Jubilee: Rome Prepares for 35 Million Pilgrims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/2025-jubilee-rome-prepares-for-35-million-pilgrims-3181): A Year of Forgiveness and Reconciliation in Vatican City
- [Rosary prayed by children for peace again this year on Oct. 18](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/un-milione-di-bambini-recita-rosario-pace): The initiative promoted by Aid to the Church in Need returns
- [It happened today: John Paul II was elected pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/accadde-oggi-giovanni-paolo-ii-veniva-eletto-papa): The Beginning of John Paul II’s Pontificate On October 16, 1978, at 6:18 p.m., white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel announced the election of Cardinal Karol Wojtyła as the new Pope of the Catholic Church. Born in Wadowice, Poland, on May 18, 1920, Wojtyła chose the name John Paul II, in honor of his predecessor, John Paul I. The future pope came from a devout Polish family, and after earning a doctorate in theology in Rome, he became chaplain and eventually archbishop of Krakow. He was appointed cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1967, distinguishing himself at […]
- [The Month of June and the Sacred Heart of Jesus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bozza-automatica): June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion that celebrates Christ’s immense love for humanity. The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart is celebrated each year on the Friday following the feast of Corpus Christi, and its date varies according to the liturgical calendar. The feast has deep roots dating back to 1673, when Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque, a religious of the Order of the Visitation in France, began receiving mystical visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In these apparitions, Jesus revealed to her His heart burning with love, visible outside the chest, surrounded by a crown […]
- [The bells of Notre Dame return](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ritornano-le-campane-di-notre-dame): Preparations continue for the reopening of Paris Cathedral. The bells are back in place
- [Pope Francis: "The life given to us by the Holy Spirit is eternal life."](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papa-francesco-catechesi-spirito-santo): St. Peter’s Square, 9 a.m.. Rome wakes up to a cloudy sky. The Pope arrives in the popemobile for a tour of the Piazza. It is the day of the general audience. Pope Francis, today, resuming the cycle of catechesis on the theme of the Holy Spirit who “leads the people of God to meet Jesus our hope,” focuses his meditation on the theme, “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” The Reading chosen for this catechesis is from the Gospel of John chapter 14. “In the first three centuries,” the Pope begins, “the Church did not feel the need to […]
- [Pope Francis hopes for ‘reconciled differences’ with Orthodox and Protestant Christians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-hopes-for-reconciled-differences-with-orthodox-and-protestant-christians-3563): Pope Francis expressed hope for “reconciled differences” among Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians during his Wednesday audience.
- [Pope Francis meets with Argentine vice president Victoria Villarruel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-argentine-vice-president-victoria-villarruel-3561): Pope Francis met with Argentina's Vice President, Victoria Villarruel, on Monday to discuss the country's situation and exchange gifts.
- [Santa Maria dell'Orazione e della Morte: The Church in Rome Dedicated to the Burial of the Abandoned Dead](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/santa-maria-dellorazione-e-della-morte-la-chiesa-di-roma-dedicata-alla-sepoltura-dei-defunti-abbandonati): The church of Santa Maria dell’Orazione e della Morte is located in Rome, near Campo dei Fiori and Palazzo Farnese. Founded in 1576, this confraternal church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary with the special title of Our Lady of Oration and Death. Its original mission was to provide a proper burial for abandoned bodies, which were found in the countryside and rivers of Rome. The History of the Confraternity of Death The roots of this church date back to 1538, when a confraternity associated with the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Damaso, known as the “Company of Death,” […]
- [Cardinal Zuppi returns to Moscow as Vatican peace envoy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zuppi-returns-to-moscow-as-vatican-peace-envoy-3559): Cardinal Matteo Zuppi returned to Moscow on Monday to meet with Russian authorities as part of the peace mission entrusted to him by Pope Francis.
- [Pilgrimage to Pompeii: The Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pellegrinaggio-pompei-santuario-vergine-rosario): The Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Italy. Located at the foot of the volcano Vesuvius, its beauty and spiritual significance attract more than 3 million pilgrims each year. They come from all over the world to meet the Virgin Mary and Her Son by praying the Rosary. The Rosary: A Prayer Based on the Gospel Speaking about the Rosary, Archbishop Tommaso Caputo, Archbishop of Pompeii, explains, “It is a prayer rooted in the Gospel, in the Word of God. It is entirely composed of the Word […]
- [The path of St. John Henry Newman from Oxford to Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cammino-san-john-henry-newman-oxford-roma): Five years ago, with thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis declared Cardinal John Henry Newman a saint. A brilliant academic, poet, theologian and one of the most charismatic figures of the 19th century, Newman left an indelible mark on his time. From Anglican roots to Catholic curiosity Born in England in 1801, Newman grew up in an Anglican family. Ordained an Anglican priest at age 24, he served as a clergyman and professor at Oriel College in Oxford for more than two decades. Despite his alliance with the High Church, he had a deep respect for […]
- [Pope Francis announces 21 new cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papa-francesco-annuncia-21-nuovi-cardinali): Pope Francis announced during the Angelus on Sunday, Oct. 6, that he will create 21 new cardinals, including the archbishops of Tehran, Tokyo and Toronto, in a consistory on Dec. 8. Announcement of new cardinals reflects universality of Church “I am pleased to announce,” he said, “that on December 8 I will hold a consistory for the appointment of new cardinals. Their origin reflects the universality of the Church, which continues to proclaim God’s merciful love to all people.” The announcement was made by the 87-year-old pope from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square after the Angelus prayer on Oct. […]
- [Pope Francis prays for peace on anniversary of Hamas attack](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/anniversario-attacco-hamas-appello-papa-francesco-pace): On October 7, 2023, Hamas stormed the border with Israel. This week marks the first anniversary of the attack, which triggered a spiral of violence in the Middle East. Remembering the victims and offering condolences to the families Militant groups abducted more than 251 people, including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. When the young man’s body was found in early September, the Pope offered words of condolence to his mother, Rachel. Speaking of the Pope, Rachel shared, “He cares about all these innocent hostages and all the innocent civilians who are in a very dangerous place right now.” Pope Francis’ call for […]
- [Vatican shares Pope Francis’ schedule for December consistory to create cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-shares-pope-francis-schedule-for-december-consistory-to-create-cardinals-3557): The Vatican on Saturday published the schedule for Pope Francis’ consistory to create new cardinals, stating that the liturgy will take place on Dec. 7 — not Dec. 8, as previously announced.
- [Pope Francis: ‘True wealth is being loved by God’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-true-wealth-is-being-loved-by-god-3555): Happiness is not found in material things but in God himself, who shows us the joy found in making our lives a gift for others, Pope Francis said in his Sunday Angelus address.
- [Catholics invited to ‘adopt’ Synod on Synodality members in prayer](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholics-invited-to-adopt-synod-on-synodality-members-in-prayer-3553): Prayer groups are sponsoring an online platform through which you can “adopt” a Synod on Synodality member to pray for during the month of October.
- [Pope Francis writes letter to new cardinals: You express the Church’s unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-writes-letter-to-new-cardinals-you-express-the-churchs-unity-3551): Pope Francis expressed in a letter Saturday a desire that each of the 21 new cardinals to be added in December will be more of a “servant” than an “eminence.”
- [Pope Francis’ Brazilian pick for cardinal urges openness to ordaining married priests in region](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-brazilian-pick-for-cardinal-urges-openness-to-ordaining-married-priests-in-region-3549):  Archbishop Jaime Spengler, soon to be cardinal, announced a trial of an Amazonian rite and called for openness to married priests in areas with priest shortages.
- [Called to Serve: Diaconal Ordination at the Heart of the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/called-to-serve-diaconal-ordination-at-the-heart-of-the-church-3547): 15 seminarians embrace their calling to serve as deacons, ordained in the sacred setting of Saint Peter's Basilica
- [Pope Francis Names 21 New Cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-21-new-cardinals-3541): Pope Francis announced the creation of 21 new cardinals from diverse global regions, emphasizing the Church’s universality and commitment to a broader representation within its leadership.
- [Pope Francis Prays for Peace on Eve of Hamas Attack Anniversary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-peace-on-eve-of-hamas-attack-anniversary-3539): On the eve of the anniversary of the Hamas attack, Pope Francis led a global prayer for peace, calling for an end to violence and urging the world to protect those affected by conflict.
- [Non-Catholic delegates put Christian unity in focus at Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/non-catholic-delegates-put-christian-unity-in-focus-at-synod-on-synodality-3537): Three non-Catholic Christian delegates took center stage at Thursday’s Synod on Synodality press briefing at the Vatican.
- [Taiwan’s ambassador to Vatican highlights partnership in charity and peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/taiwans-ambassador-to-vatican-highlights-partnership-in-charity-and-peace-3535): Taiwan's ambassador to the Holy See, Matthew Lee, highlighted the importance of the Vatican-Taiwan partnership in promoting peace and religious freedom in a recent interview with CNA.
- [Conflict between Opus Dei and Spanish diocese to be mediated by papal commissioner](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/conflict-between-opus-dei-and-spanish-diocese-to-be-mediated-by-papal-commissioner-3533): Pope Francis appointed  pontifical commissioner to resolve conflict between Opus Dei and the Diocese of Barbastro-Monzón over the Torreciudad complex in Spain.
- [Film composer Hans Zimmer to conduct Vatican concert for poor and homeless](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/film-composer-hans-zimmer-to-conduct-vatican-concert-for-poor-and-homeless-3531):  The Vatican announced that Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer will conduct a special concert for the poor and homeless in Vatican City.
- [Who is the Rome Diocese’s new vicar general, future Cardinal Baldassare Reina?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-is-the-rome-dioceses-new-vicar-general-future-cardinal-baldassare-reina-3529): Pope Francis gave the Rome Diocese its new vicar general.
- [Pope: ‘Prohibitions of the Spirit’ ensure Church unity is not driven by personal viewpoints](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-prohibitions-of-the-spirit-ensure-church-unity-is-not-driven-by-personal-viewpoints-3527): Pope Francis urged Catholics to heed the “prohibitions of the Holy Spirit” to protect the unity and universality of the Church.
- [PHOTOS: Vatican to unveil restored baldacchino in St. Peter’s Basilica on Oct. 27](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-vatican-to-unveil-restored-baldacchino-in-st-peters-basilica-on-oct-27-3525): The Vatican will unveil the restored baldacchino over St. Peter’s Basilica on Oct 27, alongside ongoing restorations of Bernini’s “Cathedra of St. Peter.”
- [New cardinals say Europe is becoming the Catholic Church’s new ‘peripheries’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-cardinals-say-europe-is-becoming-the-catholic-churchs-new-peripheries-3523): Cardinals-designate from three continents said the global south offers the West nonmaterial gifts like abundant priestly vocations and a joy-filled faith.
- [Is the Next Pope at the Synod?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/is-the-next-pope-at-the-synod-3521): ANALYSIS: Roughly half of all cardinal-electors are currently in Rome, making the Synod on Synodality something of a prelude to a future conclave.
- [Catholic bishops from mainland China and Taiwan in dialogue at Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-bishops-from-mainland-china-and-taiwan-in-dialogue-at-synod-on-synodality-3519): The Synod on Synodality has brought Catholic bishops from mainland China and Taiwan together for dialogue and encounter.
- [Women deacons off the table? Synod delegate claims ‘some women sense a call to priesthood’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/women-deacons-off-the-table-synod-delegate-claims-some-women-sense-a-call-to-priesthood-3515): Women deacons aren't on Synod agenda, but female delegate discussed women experiencing "a call to the priesthood."
- [Pope Francis prays rosary for peace on eve of first anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-rosary-for-peace-on-eve-of-first-anniversary-of-hamas-oct-7-attack-3513): Pope Francis presided over a solemn rosary prayer in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major on Sunday evening, invoking the intercession of the Virgin Mary for peace in the world amid an escalating conflict in the Middle East. 
- [Pope Francis urges married couples to ‘be open to life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-married-couples-to-be-open-to-life-3511): “Be open to the gift of life,” Pope Francis urged married couples in his Sunday Angelus address in which the pope described a recent encounter with a father of eight children as “a great consolation.”
- [Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including archbishops of Tehran and Toronto](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-21-new-cardinals-including-archbishops-of-tehran-and-toronto-3509): Pope Francis announced on Sunday that he will create 21 new cardinals, including the archbishops of Tehran, Tokyo, and Toronto, at a consistory on Dec. 8.
- [Belgian prime minister criticizes Pope Francis for statements on abortion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/belgian-prime-minister-criticizes-pope-francis-for-statements-on-abortion-3507): Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo criticized Pope Francis' recent abortion comments made during his return from Belgium. The apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Franco Coppola, has been summoned to discuss the issue.
- [Synod participants put spotlight on world’s poor and vulnerable on feast of St. Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-participants-put-spotlight-on-worlds-poor-and-vulnerable-on-feast-of-st-francis-3505): Closing the first week of meetings, Synod on Synodality participants from different continents put a spotlight on the plight of the world’s poor and vulnerable at a press briefing held in the Vatican on the Oct. 4 feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.
- [What’s behind the viral photo of Pope Francis venerating a chair?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/whats-behind-the-viral-photo-of-pope-francis-venerating-a-chair-3503): On Wednesday, Oct. 2, after Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis viewed the historic relic of St. Peter’s chair in the Ottoboni sacristy. A photo of him before the chair went viral.
- [Who is King Baudouin? Meet the king of the Belgians whom Pope Francis wants to canonize](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-is-king-baudouin-meet-the-king-of-the-belgians-whom-pope-francis-wants-to-canonize-3501): Pope Francis Announces Beatification Process for Belgian King Baudouin, a Faithful Defender of Unborn Life
- [Synod rules out women deacons; meetings called to be ‘laboratories of synodal life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-rules-out-women-deacons-meetings-called-to-be-laboratories-of-synodal-life-3499): On Oct. 2, at the Synod on Synodality, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández dismissed speculation on further theological study into the ordination of women as deacons.
- [Analysis: This week at the Synod on Synodality — revolution or much ado about nothing?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/analysis-this-week-at-the-synod-on-synodality-revolution-or-much-ado-about-nothing-3497): Synod on Synodality: Embracing Dialogue without Radical Change in Church Governance
- [Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey to Luxembourg and Belgium](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-apostolic-journey-to-luxembourg-and-belgium-3495): Pope Francis brings a message of hope and peace during his Apostolic Journey to Luxembourg and Belgium, inspiring young and old alike.
- [Synod on Synodality 2024 Kicks Off](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-2024-kicks-off-3493): Synod on Synodality begins its final phase, focusing on deeper unity, mission, and discernment within the Catholic Church
- [Bonifatiuswerk: Strengthening Faith in Northern Europe for 50 Years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bonifatiuswerk-strengthening-faith-in-northern-europe-for-50-years-3491): A Milestone Celebration for Northern Europe Aid 
- [Carlo Acutis: The First Millennial Saint in the Making](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/carlo-acutis-the-first-millennial-saint-in-the-making-3489): Interview with Carlo Acutis’ mother
- [St. Thérèse of Lisieux: The Doctor of Evangelization and the "Little Way" of Love](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-therese-of-lisieux-the-doctor-of-evangelization-and-the-little-way-of-love-3487): St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known for her "little way" of trust and love, profoundly influenced evangelization and holiness despite never leaving her convent.
- [Pope Francis opens Synod on Synodality assembly with warning against personal ‘agendas’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-opens-synod-on-synodality-assembly-with-warning-against-personal-agendas-3485): Pope Francis opened the Synod on Synodality on Wednesday with a Mass, urging over 400 priests, bishops, and cardinals to avoid imposing personal “agendas” during the monthlong discussions.
- [At Synod on Synodality, pope says Church needs new ways for bishops to be ‘synodal’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-synod-on-synodality-pope-says-church-needs-new-ways-for-bishops-to-be-synodal-3483): At the first meeting of the full assembly of the Synod on Synodality on Wednesday, Pope Francis said a bishop’s ministry should include cooperation with laypeople and that the synod will need to identify “differing forms” of the exercise of this ministry.
- [Pope Francis calls for global day of prayer and fasting amid escalating conflict in Holy Land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-global-day-of-prayer-and-fasting-amid-escalating-conflict-in-holy-land-3481): Pope Francis has called for a global day of prayer and fasting on Oct. 7 to mark the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel amid escalating violence in the region.
- [Pope Francis steers delicate course on women, the Church, and the Synod on Synodality 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-steers-delicate-course-on-women-the-church-and-the-synod-on-synodality-2024-3479): The debate on women's participation in the Church, including the possibility of women as deacons, is not on the agenda for this month’s Synod, but discussions continue, some encouraged by Pope Francis. 
- [Pope Francis appoints priest who serves disadvantaged youth to Vatican evangelization office](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-priest-who-serves-disadvantaged-youth-to-vatican-evangelization-office-3477): Pope Francis Appoints Father Samuele Sangalli as Deputy Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization
- [Cardinal Parolin decries wars, abortion, gender ideology, and repression in UN address](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-decries-wars-abortion-gender-ideology-and-repression-in-un-address-3475): On Sept. 28, Cardinal Pietro Parolin addressed the UN General Assembly, discussing key international issues, including Nicaragua, Venezuela, and the wars in Ukraine and the Holy Land.
- [Decoding the Synod on Synodality: CNA’s essential terminology guide](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/decoding-the-synod-on-synodality-cnas-essential-terminology-guide-3473): As the Church kicks off the second session of the Synod on Synodality this week, it’s helpful to understand some key terms and concepts. This glossary aims to clarify important vocabulary related to the synod.
- [Pope Francis: We must acknowledge our sins, ask forgiveness to become missionary Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-we-must-acknowledge-our-sins-ask-forgiveness-to-become-missionary-church-3469): On the eve of the second session of the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis stated that the Catholic Church must acknowledge its sins and seek forgiveness to be credible in fulfilling the mission entrusted by Jesus Christ.
- [Synod on Synodality retreat aims for ‘renewed’ Pentecost through Mary and the rosary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-retreat-aims-for-renewed-pentecost-through-mary-and-the-rosary-3467): Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary-General of the Synod of Bishops, opened a two-day retreat for the Synod on Synodality participants, urging them and the Catholic faithful to pray the rosary throughout the Oct. 2–27 global meeting.
- [Vatican announces apostolic visit to Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-apostolic-visit-to-priestly-fraternity-of-st-peter-3465): The Vatican has announced it will carry out an apostolic visitation to the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), an institution whose priests celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) and which is in full communion with the Catholic Church.
- [Vaticano Updates: Pope Francis names consultants to Vatican doctrine office](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticano-updates-pope-francis-names-consultants-to-vatican-doctrine-office-3463): Hello and welcome to this week’s Vaticano Updates – the most important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican.
- [In Belgium, Pope Francis gives strong warning over scandal of abuse, cover-up](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-belgium-pope-francis-gives-strong-warning-over-scandal-of-abuse-cover-up-3461): Pope Francis during a Mass in Belgium’s national stadium in Brussels on Sunday gave a strong warning to Catholics about the sin of causing scandal.
- [Pope Francis responds to critics of his comments on women in Belgium](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-responds-to-critics-of-his-comments-on-women-in-belgium-3459): Aboard the papal plane, Pope Francis addressed criticism of his remarks about women during a Sept. 28 visit to a Catholic university in Louvain, calling it "obtuse" to intentionally misinterpret his stance.
- [Pope Francis in Belgium: 'Crisis of faith' in the West requires a return to the Gospel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-belgium-crisis-of-faith-in-the-west-requires-a-return-to-the-gospel-3457): A “crisis of faith” in the West requires a return to the Gospel, Pope Francis told Belgian bishops on Saturday morning at the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels.   
- [Pope Francis lauds Belgian king who chose to abdicate rather than sign abortion law](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-lauds-belgian-king-who-chose-to-abdicate-rather-than-sign-abortion-law-3455): Pope Francis lauded Belgian King Baudouin for choosing to temporarily abdicate the throne rather than sign a law legalizing abortion during a visit to the Catholic king’s tomb on Saturday in Belgium.
- [Lebanon crisis threatens Eastern Catholic participation at Vatican Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lebanon-crisis-threatens-eastern-catholic-participation-at-vatican-synod-on-synodality-3453): The military escalation between Israel and Hezbollah endangers Lebanon, including its Christians, and may reduce the presence of Eastern Catholic patriarchs from Lebanon at the Synod on Synodality.
- [Pope Francis urges professors to ‘seek the truth’ in visit to 600-year-old Belgian university](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-professors-to-seek-the-truth-in-visit-to-600-year-old-belgian-university-3451): Pope Francis told university professors to “seek the truth” in a speech critiquing academia’s tendencies toward relativism and “a technocratic culture” during a visit to a 600-year-old university in Belgium. 
- [In Belgium, Pope Francis says ‘Church should be ashamed’ of clerical abuse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-belgium-pope-francis-says-church-should-be-ashamed-of-clerical-abuse-3449): In Belgium’s Laeken Castle, Pope Francis confronted the Catholic Church’s long-standing clerical abuse crisis in the country, declaring unequivocally that “the Church should be ashamed” and must seek forgiveness for its failures.
- [Celebrating 800 Years of St. Francis' Stigmata](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/celebrating-800-years-of-st-francis-stigmata-3447): Pilgrims from around the world gather in La Verna, Tuscany, to mark the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata, reflecting on suffering, healing, and spiritual renewal.
- [Celebrating 40 Years of Diplomatic Ties Between the U.S. and Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/celebrating-40-years-of-diplomatic-ties-between-the-us-and-vatican-3445): Celebrating 40 Years of U.S.-Vatican Diplomatic Relations: A Global Partnership for Peace and Human Dignity.
- [Vatican Approves Medjugorje Devotion After Decades of Investigation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-approves-medjugorje-devotion-after-decades-of-investigation-3443): Vatican Approves Medjugorje Devotion, Encouraging Pilgrims to Deepen Their Faith Through the Queen of Peace
- [Pope Francis Calls for Unified Easter Celebrations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-unified-easter-celebrations-3441): Pope Francis Urges Christians to Embrace a Unified Easter Celebration in 2025 for Greater Unity
- [Synod on Synodality 2024 Preparations Underway](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-2024-preparations-underway-3439): Global Church leaders gather in Rome for the final session of the Synod on Synodality, focused on building a synodal Church in mission
- [Catholic Church elevated in Estonia: Pope Francis creates Diocese of Tallinn](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-church-elevated-in-estonia-pope-francis-creates-diocese-of-tallinn-3437): Pope Francis has elevated the Apostolic Administration of Estonia to the status of a diocese, creating the first Catholic diocese in the Baltic country.
- [Vatican secretary of state warns of Europe’s low birth rates, ‘demographic winter’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-secretary-of-state-warns-of-europes-low-birth-rates-demographic-winter-3435): Cardinal Parolin calls on Europe to rediscover its Christian roots and address its demographic challenges with solidarity and hope.
- [In a secularized Luxembourg, Pope Francis tells Catholics to evangelize Europe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-a-secularized-luxembourg-pope-francis-tells-catholics-to-evangelize-europe-3433): Pope Francis landed in Luxembourg on Thursday, the first stop in a four-day tour of two historically Christian countries in Europe, both of which are experiencing steep declines in religious adherence amid the spread of secularization.
- [Catholic Institute for Nonviolence to launch in Rome, contribute to 2024 synod](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-institute-for-nonviolence-to-launch-in-rome-contribute-to-2024-synod-3431): Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar and Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego will lead the inauguration of the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence on Sept. 29 in Rome at the Istituto Maria Santissima Bambina, a convent just outside St. Peter’s Square.
- [Pope Francis to young economists: ‘Love is the first and greatest factor of change’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-young-economists-love-is-the-first-and-greatest-factor-of-change-3429): Pope Francis on Wednesday met with young adults participating in the annual Economy of Francesco gathering as the movement for economic change — inspired by the pope and St. Francis of Assisi — launched a permanent foundation.
- [Pope Francis offers prayers for victims of Iran coal mine explosion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-offers-prayers-for-victims-of-iran-coal-mine-explosion-3427): Pope Francis said Wednesday he is praying for the dozens of victims of a deadly coal mine explosion in Tabas, Iran, that happened last Saturday.
- [Pope Francis condemns pornography as ‘a language of the devil’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-condemns-pornography-as-a-language-of-the-devil-3425): Pope Francis at his general audience on Wednesday called pornography a work of the devil, and warned Christians to reject this and other temptations accessed through the internet.
- [Pope Francis offered asylum to Myanmar’s imprisoned leader Aung San Suu Kyi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-offered-asylum-to-myanmars-imprisoned-leader-aung-san-suu-kyi-3423): Pope Francis said he has offered Myanmar’s imprisoned prime minister Aung San Suu Kyi to come to the Vatican.
- [Vatican secretary of state calls out United Nations for promoting abortion, gender ideology](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-secretary-of-state-calls-out-united-nations-for-promoting-abortion-gender-ideology-3421): In an address to the UN's “Summit of the Future,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin stressed human dignity and voiced the Vatican’s opposition to the promotion of abortion and gender ideology.
- [Vatican reveals theme for World Youth Day 2027 in South Korea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-reveals-theme-for-world-youth-day-2027-in-south-korea-3419): The Vatican on Tuesday unveiled the theme of the next international World Youth Day — which will be in Seoul, South Korea, in 2027 — and the theme of the local World Youth Day happening during the Jubilee Year 2025 in Rome.
- [La Guardia Svizzera: guardiana della tradizione](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/la-guardia-svizzera-guardiana-della-tradizione): SPECIALE Vaticano sulle Guardie Svizzere Pontificie
- [EWTN brings the Good News to today's world!](http://ewtnvatican.com/chisiamo)
- [Pope Francis names consultants to Vatican doctrine office, including controversial theologian](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-consultants-to-vatican-doctrine-office-including-controversial-theologian-3417): Pope Francis has named 28 new consultors to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, including moral theologian Father Maurizio Chiodi, who has expressed opinions contrary to Church teaching.
- [Ahead of synod, prominent prelates publish on ‘LGBTQ issues’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ahead-of-synod-prominent-prelates-publish-on-lgbtq-issues-3415): Just days after organizers of the second session of the Synod on Synodality in October said topics were not the focus of discussions, two prominent participants have publicly weighed in on the question of Catholics identifying as LGBTQ.
- [Pope Francis cancels meetings for ‘mild flu-like condition’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-cancels-meetings-for-mild-flu-like-condition-3413): Pope Francis canceled his meetings on Monday due to suffering from symptoms of a “mild flu-like condition,” the Holy See Press Office said.
- [What you need to know about part 2 of the Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-part-2-of-the-synod-on-synodality-3411): The second Vatican assembly for the global Synod on Synodality will kick off on Oct. 2, bringing together clerics and laity alike for nearly one month of discussions. Here is what you need to know: 
- [Pope Francis: ‘True power is taking care of the weakest’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-true-power-is-taking-care-of-the-weakest-3409): On Sunday, Pope Francis recalled Jesus’ teaching that true power is found by taking care of others, not by exploiting them or using them. 
- [Pope Francis celebrates anniversary of his vocation to the priesthood](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-anniversary-of-his-vocation-to-the-priesthood-3407): Seventy-one years ago, on Sept. 21, 1953, Jorge Mario Bergoglio's priestly vocation began. He joined the Jesuit novitiate in 1958, was ordained in 1969, and became pope on March 13, 2013.
- [Pope Francis asks cardinals to achieve ‘zero deficit’ in the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-asks-cardinals-to-achieve-zero-deficit-in-the-catholic-church-3405): Pope Francis has called on cardinals to work to achieve the goal of “zero deficit” in the economy of the Catholic Church through cost reduction, the search for external resources, and evangelical generosity.
- [Behind the Scenes of Padre Pio and St. Francis Films](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/behind-the-scenes-of-padre-pio-and-st-francis-3403): A Rome-based film team is producing two docudramas on St. Francis of Assisi and Padre Pio to inspire change in viewers' lives. "His Body and Blood" premieres in 2025, while "Saint Pio of Pietrelcina" debuts on September 23rd on EWTN.
- [An Ocean of Suffering: A Benedictine Abbot’s Resolve Amidst Holy Land Conflict](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ocean-of-suffering-a-benedictine-abbots-resolve-amidst-holy-land-conflict-3401): As violence grips the Holy Land, Abbot Fr. Nikodemus Schnabel of the Dormition Abbey remains steadfast, urging pilgrims to return and support his community.
- [Echoes of Faith: Exploring Quito’s Sacred Streets and Eucharistic Legacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/echoes-of-faith-exploring-quitos-sacred-streets-and-eucharistic-legacy-3399): International Eucharistic Congress draws global focus to Quito’s rich Catholic heritage
- [Powering the Future: Jobs, Education, and Inclusion on the Path to COP 29](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/powering-the-future-jobs-education-and-inclusion-on-the-path-to-cop-29-3397): Rome hosts high-level discussions on Laudato si’, renewable energy, and the future of the global workforce.
- [Ratzinger Schülerkreis Explores "The Call to Holiness" at Rome Conference](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ratzinger-schuelerkreis-explores-the-call-to-holiness-at-rome-conference-3395): Theological legacy of Pope Benedict XVI takes center stage at annual Schülerkreis meeting.
- [Christians Endure Mounting Threats in the Holy Land Amid Conflict](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christians-endure-mounting-threats-in-the-holy-land-amid-conflict-3393): Abbot Nikodemus Schnabel Speaks on the Challenges of Staying in Jerusalem
- [Pope Francis: More needs to be done to restore dignity to organized crime victims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-more-needs-to-be-done-to-restore-dignity-to-organized-crime-victims-3391): Pope Francis on Thursday called on participants of the Conference on the Social Use of Assets Confiscated from the Mafia to work toward recovering the well-being — not just the assets — of victims and communities wounded by organized crime.
- [Vatican to work with Italian authorities to prosecute source of leaks](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-work-with-italian-authorities-to-prosecute-source-of-leaks-3389): The Vatican is cooperating with Italian prosecutors on an investigation into the leaking of financial information related to the Vatican’s major finance trial that ended last year.
- [Vatican approves devotion at Medjugorje while not pronouncing on authenticity of ‘alleged messages’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-approves-devotion-at-medjugorje-while-not-pronouncing-on-authenticity-of-alleged-messages-3387): Vatican Approves Devotion at Medjugorje, but Withholds Judgment on Supernatural Authenticity of Apparitions
- [Vatican unveils commemorative stamp on 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations with U.S.](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-unveils-commemorative-stamp-on-40th-anniversary-of-diplomatic-relations-with-us-3385): The Vatican this week unveiled a commemorative stamp to mark four decades of diplomatic relations with the United States.
- [PHOTOS: La Verna in Tuscany marks 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ stigmata](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-la-verna-in-tuscany-marks-800th-anniversary-of-st-francis-stigmata-3383): Fr. Massimo Fusarelli blesses the world with relics of St. Francis' stigmata as La Verna marks 800 years since the saint's mystical encounter. Pilgrims gather in prayer, reflecting on his connection to Christ's suffering and message of peace.
- [What has the Catholic Church said about Medjugorje? A timeline](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-has-the-catholic-church-said-about-medjugorje-a-timeline-3381): Below is a timeline of the Catholic Church’s investigations into and decisions about Medjugorje.
- [From Tourists to Pilgrims: Rome’s Jubilee Year Seeks to Ignite Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-tourists-to-pilgrims-romes-jubilee-year-seeks-to-ignite-faith-3745): Rome is preparing to welcome millions of visitors for the Jubilee Year, as pilgrims pass through the Holy Doors.
- [The Influence of John Paul II on the Fall of Communism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/influence-of-john-paul-ii-on-the-fall-of-communism-3743): As Germany marks the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall this year, key witnesses are highlighting the crucial role played by St. John Paul II in bringing about the peaceful revolution that transformed Europe. 
- [Pope Francis Celebrates Holy Mass for Deceased](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-holy-mass-for-deceased-3741): Pope Francis commemorated All Souls’ Day on November 2nd with a Mass at Rome's Laurentino Cemetery. The Mayor of Rome and over 100 faithful welcomed the pope to the city's third-largest burial ground.
- [Pope Francis Visits the Pontifical Gregorian University](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-visits-the-pontifical-gregorian-university-3739): Pope Francis warned against “Coca-Cola spirituality” at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome
- [From the Vatican: wishing ‘great wisdom’ for President-elect Trump](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-the-vatican-wishing-great-wisdom-for-president-elect-trump-3737): Cardinal Pietro Parolin and other Vatican leaders expressed well wishes to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, hoping for wise leadership in domestic and international matters.
- [Meet Pope Francis’ personal travel agent — new cardinal George Koovakad](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-pope-francis-personal-travel-agent-new-cardinal-george-koovakad-3735): Pope Francis’ personal travel agent — the priest who organizes his trips around the world — is one of the 21 clerics who will be made a cardinal at a consistory at the Vatican in December.
- [Pope Francis at general audience urges people to pray for Spain flood victims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-general-audience-urges-people-to-pray-for-spain-flood-victims-3733): Opening his Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square with a prayer to Our Lady of the Forsaken (Virgen de los Desamparados), the patroness of Valencia, Spain, Pope Francis asked people to pray for the victims of flash floods in Spain.
- [Pope Francis at Gregorian University warns of ‘Coca-Cola spirituality’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-gregorian-university-warns-of-coca-cola-spirituality-3731): Pope Francis warned against “Coca-Cola spirituality” on Tuesday at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, shortly after the rector praised exiled Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez as a model of true Christian courage.
- [Vatican opens visitor center for St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-opens-visitor-center-for-st-peters-basilica-3729): The Vatican last week opened a center to welcome pilgrims and tourists before they visit St. Peter’s Basilica.
- [4 German bishops praise Rome synod, criticize German Synodal Way](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/4-german-bishops-praise-rome-synod-criticize-german-synodal-way-3727): Four German bishops, resisting the move of turning the German Synodal Way into a permanent council, have expressed their gratitude for the Synod on Synodality, which concluded Oct. 27 in Rome.
- [Pope Francis includes Naples archbishop among new cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-includes-naples-archbishop-among-new-cardinals-3725): Pope Francis has added the Italian archbishop of Naples, Domenico Battaglia, to the list of new cardinals he will create at a consistory at the Vatican on Dec. 7.
- [Cause for beatification of Sister Clare Crockett opened](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cause-for-beatification-of-sister-clare-crockett-opened-3723): The congregation of Sister Clare Crockett, a young nun who died in 2016 during an earthquake in Ecuador, announced the beginning of her cause for beatification.
- [Pope Francis names Archbishop Galbas as new leader of Warsaw Archdiocese](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-archbishop-galbas-as-new-leader-of-warsaw-archdiocese-3721): Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Adrian Józef Galbas as the new metropolitan archbishop of Warsaw, Poland, accepting the resignation of Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz, who will turn 75 in February. 
- [Pope Francis to Mexicans: Keep being devotees of Our Lady of Guadalupe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-mexicans-keep-being-devotees-of-our-lady-of-guadalupe-3719): Pope Francis shared a heartfelt video message addressed to Mexicans in which he reminded the country of its “great fortune” in having the Virgin of Guadalupe and encouraged all Mexicans to “continue being Guadalupanos [devotees of Our Lady of Guadalupe].”
- [Pope Francis in All Saints’ Day Angelus highlights Christians’ ‘identity card’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-all-saints-day-angelus-highlights-christians-identity-card-3717): In his Angelus address on Friday on the solemnity of All Saints, Pope Francis spoke about the “identity card” of the Christian.
- [This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of November](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-november-3715): Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of November is for those who have lost a child.
- [Vatican’s anime-style mascot Luce goes viral on internet with Catholic memes, fan art](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-anime-style-mascot-luce-goes-viral-on-internet-with-catholic-memes-fan-art-3713): The Vatican introduced an anime-style mascot named Luce to represent Catholic pilgrims in the 2025 Jubilee year on Monday, Oct. 28 — and within a week, the character has already become a viral internet sensation.
- [Pope Francis: The heart of our faith is love](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-heart-of-our-faith-is-love-3711): Pope Francis on Sunday spoke about Jesus’ teaching that “all things must be done with love,” something, he said, that is essential for the faith of each person.
- [Pope Francis prays in cemetery for unborn children on All Souls’ Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-in-cemetery-for-unborn-children-on-all-souls-day-3709): Pope Francis marked All Souls’ Day with a Mass at a Roman cemetery on Saturday, making a special visit to the “Garden of Angels.”
- [‘Dilexit Nos’: wisdom from 20 saints on the Sacred Heart of Jesus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dilexit-nos-wisdom-from-20-saints-on-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-3707): Pope Francis’ new encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus is packed with testimonies from the saints of prayer and devotion to the heart of Christ throughout the centuries.
- [Santa Maria in Via Lata: Discover Where Saint Peter and Paul Stayed in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/first-dwelling-of-the-apostles-in-rome-3705): Journey to the ancient Church of Santa Maria in Via Lata. This historic site is believed to have housed some of Jesus' earliest followers during their time in the Eternal City.
- [Catholic Shark Tank](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-shark-tank-3703): On October 14th, aspiring businesses and NGOs gathered in a boardroom at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, presenting their ideas to investors in a unique setting.
- [The Hidden Story of John Paul II’s Sainthood](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hidden-story-of-john-paul-iis-sainthood-3701): Inside stories from those who worked in the household of Pope Saint John Paul II.
- [The Synod on Synodality Concludes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-concludes-3699): Pope Francis approves final document of the synod and does not issue post-synodal exhortation.
- [Encyclical Dilexit Nos: The Heart of Compassion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/encyclical-dilexit-nos-the-heart-of-compassion-3697): In the final days of the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis introduced his latest encyclical, Dilexit Nos ("He Loved Us"), a document centered on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the transformative power of God’s love.
- [Here’s what Pope Francis is doing for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/heres-what-pope-francis-is-doing-for-all-saints-and-all-souls-days-2024-3693): Pope's schedule for November 1 and 2, 2024.
- [In Rome, theologians reflect on ‘reception’ stage of Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-rome-theologians-reflect-on-reception-stage-of-synod-on-synodality-3691): Theologians and others involved in the October gathering of the Synod on Synodality met this week to offer their expert opinions on the synodal process as it moves into the “reception” or implementation phase.
- [Pope Francis: Confirmation is the ‘sacrament of witness,’ not the ‘sacrament of goodbye’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-confirmation-is-the-sacrament-of-witness-not-the-sacrament-of-goodbye-3689): Pope Francis urged thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday not to see confirmation as their “last rites” in the Church but as “the start of active participation.”
- [LIVE | Roman Nights | Jubilee 2025: A Year of Hope in a World of Crisis | October 31st, 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-roman-nights-jubilee-2025-a-year-of-hope-in-a-world-of-crisis-october-31st-2024-3687): Roman Nights: Jubilee 2025: A Year of Hope in a World of Crisis
- [Vatican publishes first report on Church safeguarding efforts worldwide](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-publishes-first-report-on-church-safeguarding-efforts-worldwide-3685): The Vatican issued its first annual report Tuesday assessing the Catholic Church’s policies and procedures to prevent abuse in dioceses worldwide from Africa to Oceania.
- [Texas nuns dismissed from religious life after lengthy feud with bishop, Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/texas-nuns-dismissed-from-religious-life-after-lengthy-feud-with-bishop-vatican-3683): A group of Texas nuns has been dismissed from religious life and returned to the lay state after a lengthy feud with their bishop over the governance of their monastery.
- [Cardinal O’Malley: Church acknowledges damage of abuse but ‘celibacy is not the cause’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-omalley-church-acknowledges-damage-of-abuse-but-celibacy-is-not-the-cause-3681): Cardinal Seán O’Malley stressed that “celibacy is not the cause of pedophilia” but highlighted the need for more reforms within the Church.
- [Father Radcliffe’s Synod Comments on Africa Echo Cardinal Kasper](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/father-radcliffes-synod-comments-on-africa-echo-cardinal-kasper-3679): Father Timothy Radcliffe’s suggestion of foreign influence on African bishops during the Synod recall Cardinal Kasper’s contentious statements from a decade ago.
- [Women Deacons, ‘Sexuality’ and More: Here’s How the Synod Final Document Changed From the Draft](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/women-deacons-sexuality-and-more-heres-how-the-synod-final-document-changed-from-the-draft-3677): When the final document of the Synod on Synodality’s was confirmed on Oct. 26, it emphasized that the possibility of women deacons remains unsettled.
- [Meet ‘Luce’: The Vatican’s cartoon mascot for Jubilee 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-luce-the-vaticans-cartoon-mascot-for-jubilee-2025-3675): Ahead of the 2025 Jubilee, the Vatican has launched a cartoon mascot unveiled Monday as the cheerful face of the Catholic Church’s upcoming holy year.
- [Pope Francis to open Holy Door in Roman prison on feast of St. Stephen for 2025 Jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-open-holy-door-in-roman-prison-on-feast-of-st-stephen-for-2025-jubilee-3673): Pope Francis will open a Holy Door in Rome’s Rebibbia prison on Dec. 26.
- [Cardinal Renato Martino, longtime Vatican diplomat, dies at 91](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-renato-martino-longtime-vatican-diplomat-dies-at-91-3671): Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino died on Monday at age 91.
- [Pope Francis cuts salaries of Vatican cardinals again](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-cuts-salaries-of-vatican-cardinals-again-3669): Pope Francis has decided to cut the salaries of the cardinals working at the Vatican again, a measure that will take effect Nov. 1.
- [Exploring the Mysteries of Purgatory and the Importance of Praying for the Dead](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/exploring-the-mysteries-of-purgatory-and-the-importance-of-praying-for-the-dead-3667): Discover the Catholic tradition of praying for the souls in purgatory and its role in our journey toward eternal holiness
- [Pope Francis Canonizes 14 New Saints](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-canonizes-14-new-saints-3665): The 14 New Saints of the Catholic Church.
- [In synod closing Mass, Pope Francis calls for ‘a Church that hears the cry of the world’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-synod-closing-mass-pope-francis-calls-for-a-church-that-hears-the-cry-of-the-world-3663): Pope Francis closed the global Synod on Synodality’s final assembly on Sunday with a call for a Church that “hears the cry of the world” without being “blind” to the urgent issues facing our time.
- [10 questions (and answers) about the Synod on Synodality’s final document](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/10-questions-and-answers-about-the-synod-on-synodalitys-final-document-3661): The 52-page text offers a theological reflection on synodality as the fulfillment of Vatican II reforms and proposes ways to apply it to relationships, structures, and processes within the Catholic Church.
- [Victims feel ‘betrayed’ as Vatican investigation of Rupnik hits one year with no answers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/victims-feel-betrayed-as-vatican-investigation-of-rupnik-hits-one-year-with-no-answers-3659): A year after the Vatican announced a canonical case on former Jesuit artist Father Marko Rupnik, accused of spiritual, psychological, and sexual abuse, victims express disappointment and betrayal over the Church’s lack of response and transparency.
- [Pope Francis in Angelus address mourns Catholic priest murdered in Mexico](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-angelus-address-mourns-catholic-priest-murdered-in-mexico-3657): In his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis remembered Father Marcelo Pérez, a priest recently murdered in the violence-stricken region of Chiapas, Mexico
- [Dilexit Nos: 7 takeaways from Pope Francis’ new encyclical on the Sacred Heart](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dilexit-nos-7-takeaways-from-pope-francis-new-encyclical-on-the-sacred-heart-3655): In his newly released encyclical, Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”), Pope Francis calls on Catholics worldwide to rediscover the love and compassion found in the heart of Jesus Christ.
- [Cookies and empanadas in Dilexit Nos: food references in the teachings of Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cookies-and-empanadas-in-dilexit-nos-food-references-in-the-teachings-of-pope-francis-3653): Food references in the pontificate of Pope Francis and especially in Dilexit Nos.
- [Cardinal Fernández says female diaconate will be studied ‘more intensively’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-fernandez-says-female-diaconate-will-be-studied-more-intensively-3651): Cardinal Victor Fernández announced that the female diaconate will undergo further study, noting that while Pope Francis deems it not yet "mature," it remains an "open issue."
- [‘We walk together’: U.S. bishops reflect on last global session of Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/we-walk-together-us-bishops-reflect-on-last-global-session-of-synod-on-synodality-3649): As the Synod on Synodality's second session concludes, U.S. bishops shared their insights in interviews with EWTN News hosts Catherine Hadro, Matthew Bunson, and Father Thomas Petri, OP.
- [Pope Francis ratifies Synod on Synodality’s final document, marking new approach to Church reform](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-ratifies-synod-on-synodalitys-final-document-marking-new-approach-to-church-reform-3647): New approach to Church reform by way of the final document of the Synod on Synodality.
- [The Synod on Synodality’s final document: What you need to know](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodalitys-final-document-what-you-need-to-know-3645): Pope Francis adopted the Synod on Synodality's final document on Saturday, bypassing the usual apostolic exhortation to implement the assembly's conclusions directly.
- [Cardinal-elect Kikuchi: Rebuilding Faith in Japan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-elect-kikuchi-rebuilding-faith-in-japan-3643): EWTN's Colm Flynn interviews Cardinal-elect Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi, Archbishop of Tokyo, on his unexpected appointment, the Catholic Church’s challenges in Japan, and hopes for unity through the Synod.         
- [The Apostles for the Holy Year: St. Jude Thaddeus and St. Simon the Zealot](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/apostles-for-the-holy-year-st-jude-thaddeus-and-st-simon-the-zealot-3641): As we approach the Jubilee Year of 2025, St. Jude Thaddeus and St. Simon the Zealot stand as powerful symbols of hope and zeal.
- [Analysis: What will the final document of the Synod on Synodality be like?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/analysis-what-will-the-final-document-of-the-synod-on-synodality-be-like-3639): Discussion of the final document of the Synod on Synodality.
- [The Church in Dialogue: Fostering Peace and Cooperation in Kazakhstan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/church-in-dialogue-fostering-peace-and-cooperation-in-kazakhstan-3637): Although Catholics make up only 1% of Kazakhstan’s population, Vatican representative Msgr. Khaled Akasheh held a prominent position at the Interreligious Congress in Astana. Why does such a small minority hold such influence?
- [Restoring the Marble Marvel: Vatican's Apollo Belvedere Returns to Glory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/restoring-the-marble-marvel-apollo-belvedere-returns-to-glory-3635): After a meticulous five-year restoration, the Vatican Museums have unveiled the Apollo Belvedere in its original marble splendor.
- [Cardinal Czerny: Legacy of Synod on Synodality will be a ‘refreshed’ missionary Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-czerny-legacy-of-synod-on-synodality-will-be-a-refreshed-missionary-church-3631): Jesuit Cardinal Michael Czerny hopes the legacy of the Synod on Synodality launched by Pope Francis will be the renewal of the Catholic Church.
- [Sacred Heart encyclical ‘key’ to Pope Francis’ pontificate, theologian says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sacred-heart-encyclical-key-to-pope-francis-pontificate-theologian-says-3629): A prominent Italian theologian and archbishop has called Pope Francis’ new encyclical on the Sacred Heart “the key to his entire pontificate” and “the inspiring motive of [his] whole ministry and magisterium.”
- [‘People of God’ should be involved in selecting bishops, cardinal says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/people-of-god-should-be-involved-in-selecting-bishops-cardinal-says-3627): Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, emphasized Wednesday that while selecting bishops is the Pope's decision, the process will increasingly involve the “people of God” and requires candidates to possess certain “gifts.”
- [10 inspiring quotes from Pope Francis in his encyclical ‘Dilexit Nos’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/10-inspiring-quotes-from-pope-francis-in-his-encyclical-dilexit-nos-3625): Most inspiring quotes from Pope Francis in his new encyclical Dilexit Nos on the divine and human love of the heart of Jesus Christ.
- [Sacred Heart shows path forward in AI Era, Pope Francis says in new encyclical ‘Dilexit Nos’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sacred-heart-shows-path-forward-in-ai-era-pope-francis-says-in-new-encyclical-dilexit-nos-3623): Pope Francis released a new encyclical Dilexit Nos  (“He Loved Us”) on Thursday, calling for a renewed understanding of devotion to the Sacred Heart in the modern era and its many pressing challenges.
- [Pope Francis expels two more members of Sodality of Christian Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-expels-two-more-members-of-sodality-of-christian-life-3621): The apostolic nunciature in Peru announced Pope Francis approved the expulsion of two Sodalitium Christianae Vitae members after a 2023 investigation into abuse allegations.
- [French diocese to hold ordinations after two-year halt by Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/french-diocese-to-hold-ordinations-after-two-year-halt-by-vatican-3619): The Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon in the south of France will ordain six men to the transitional diaconate on Dec. 1.
- [Indonesian bishop declines cardinal appointment to ‘grow in priestly life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/indonesian-bishop-declines-cardinal-appointment-to-grow-in-priestly-life-3617): Pope Francis accepted the request of Indonesian Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur, OFM, not to be made a cardinal in a December consistory.
- [Pope Francis: The Holy Spirit is ‘essential’ for unity in marriage](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-holy-spirit-is-essential-for-unity-in-marriage-3615): Encouraging married couples to invoke the Holy Spirit during General Audience on October 23, 2024.
- [How to Pray Newly-Canonized Saint Elena Guerra's Chaplet of the Holy Spirit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-to-pray-newly-canonized-saint-elena-guerras-chaplet-of-the-holy-spirit-3613): Chaplet of Holy Spirit written by St. Elena Guerra.
- [It won't be 21, but 20: Pope Francis accepts bishop's request not to be created cardinal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/non-saranno-21-ma-20-papa-francesco-accetta-la-richiesta-di-un-vescovo-di-non-essere-creato-cardinale): One of the 21 chosen to be created cardinals of the Catholic Church on Dec. 7 asked Pope Francis not to be named cardinal, a request the Holy Father granted, thus reducing the number of new cardinals to 20. Pope Francis grants request from Bishop of Bogor “Pope Francis has granted the request of His Excellency Paskalis Bruno Syukur, Bishop of Bogor, Indonesia, not to be created cardinal in the next consistory,” reads a statement released by Vatican Press Office director Matteo Bruni on Oct. 22. The decision was motivated by the bishop’s desire to “grow further in priestly life, […]
- [Catholic Church statistics: Catholic population declines in Europe, grows in rest of the world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/statistiche-chiesa-cattolica-la-popolazione-cattolica-diminuisce-in-europa-cresce-nel-resto-del-mondo): The Catholic population in Europe declined by nearly half a million in 2022, but continued to grow in all other parts of the world, according to data released this week by the Vatican. According to numbers released by the Holy See’s Fides Agency, the Catholic population in Europe was just under 285.6 million at the end of 2022, a decrease of about 474,000 from 2021. This decline is in line with the overall reduction in Europe’s population, which recorded a net loss of 517,000. In 2022, Catholics still accounted for 39.5 percent of the European population, a decline of 0.08 […]
- [An atheist for 35 years, she reencountered God at the tomb of St. John Paul II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/atheist-for-35-years-she-reencountered-god-at-the-tomb-of-st-john-paul-ii-3609): Spanish woman returns to the faith after an experience at the tomb of St. John Paul II.
- [African bishops speak: How has the Synod on Synodality impacted the Church in Africa?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/african-bishops-speak-how-has-the-synod-on-synodality-impacted-the-church-in-africa-3607): African synod delegates reflect on the journey of "walking together as the people of God" and its impact on the Church in Africa.
- [Vatican-China bishop deal renewed for four more years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-china-bishop-deal-renewed-for-four-more-years-3605): The Vatican has renewed its agreement with China on the appointment of Catholic bishops for an additional four years.
- [Cardinal Pizzaballa: Two-state solution unrealistic for Israel-Hamas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/il-cardinale-pizzaballa-dichiara-che-una-soluzione-a-due-stati-per-il-conflitto-israele-gaza-e-irrealistica-sottolineando-lurgenza-di-un-cessate-il-fuoco-e-di-una-nuova-leadership-per-il-medio-orien): Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa said that, at the moment, a two-state solution to end the war between Israel and Hamas in the Holy Land “is not realistic.” “My impression is that no one wants a wider conflict, but no one is able to stop it,” Pizzaballa said in an exclusive interview with EWTN’s Colm Flynn. “Now there is a need for something new, creative, I don’t know what, but all the previous agreements, the ideas, the prospect of a two-state solution, all that is not realistic now,” the cardinal explained. Pizzaballa described the war between Israel and […]
- [Vatican-China agreement on bishops renewed for another four years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/accordo-vaticano-cina-sui-vescovi-rinnovato-per-altri-quattro-anni): The Vatican announced Tuesday the renewal of its agreement with China on the appointment of Catholic bishops for another four years, extending the validity of the agreement until Oct. 22, 2028. The renewal comes just days after a Hudson Institute report highlighted how seven Catholic bishops in China have been detained without due process, while others have been subjected to intense pressure, surveillance and police investigations since the initial signing of the Sino-Vatican agreement six years ago. Despite these critical issues, the Vatican has expressed willingness to continue dialogue with Beijing. Vatican-China agreement on bishops: renewal and future prospects The […]
- [5 ways St. John Paul II changed the Catholic Church forever](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-modi-in-cui-san-giovanni-paolo-ii-ha-cambiato-per-sempre-la-chiesa-cattolica): You probably know that St. John Paul II was the second pope with the longest pontificate in modern history, lasting 27 years, and that he was the first non-Italian pontiff since Dutch Pope Adrian VI in 1523. But did you know that in those 27 years he also changed the Catholic Church forever? Here are five ways he did so: The pope’s official biographer, George Weigel, who has documented the pontiff’s involvement with civic leaders for decades, noted John Paul II’s enormous political influence. This is especially seen in the way his engagement with world leaders helped the fall of […]
- [Fernández: Diaconate ‘is not today’ the answer for promoting women in Church leadership](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fernandez-diaconate-is-not-today-the-answer-for-promoting-women-in-church-leadership-3603): Cardinal Víctor Fernández reaffirmed Pope Francis' opposition to women's access to the diaconate, women's roles to be studied.
- [Pope Francis presents "Dilexit nos": an Encyclical on Human and Divine Love](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papa-francesco-presenta-dilexit-nos-un-enciclica-sull-amore-umano-e-divino): An Initiative of Profound Spirituality Next Thursday, Pope Francis’ Encyclical, “Dilexit nos,” which explores the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ, will be presented at the Holy See Press Office. The presentation will be led by Monsignor Bruno Forte, Metropolitan Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto, and Sister Antonella Fraccaro, General Head of the Disciples of the Gospel. A Message of Hope and Renewal Last June 5, during a general audience, Pope Francis anticipated his intention to draft a document that would gather “the precious reflections of previous magisterial texts and of a long history going back to the […]
- [Pope Francis to release new encyclical ‘Dilexit Nos’ on the Sacred Heart of Jesus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-release-new-encyclical-dilexit-nos-on-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-3601): Pope Francis will publish the fourth encyclical of his pontificate on Thursday on “the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ.”
- [Who are the 14 new saints canonized by Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chi-sono-i-14-nuovi-santi-canonizzati-da-papa-francesco): The 14 people who became the new saints of the Catholic Church last Sunday include a priest whose intercession led to the miraculous healing of a man attacked by a jaguar, a woman who convinced a pope to promote a worldwide novena to the Holy Spirit, and 11 men killed in Syria for refusing to deny their faith and convert to Islam. Although their names are not known to the general public, the 14 new saints have all demonstrated heroic virtues and a holiness lived out in their particular vocations, including two married men — fathers of eight and five […]
- [Live updates: The Synod on Synodality debates the Catholic Church’s future](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-updates-the-synod-on-synodality-debates-the-catholic-churchs-future-3599): Last session updates for Synod on Synodality
- [Cardinal Fernández promises follow-up meeting after controversial absence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-fernandez-promises-follow-up-meeting-after-controversial-absence-3597): Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, has apologized for a "misunderstanding" over his absence from an Oct. 18 synod meeting on a Vatican study group about women's roles in the Church.             
- [Pope Francis canonizes 14 new saints, including priests martyred in Syria](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-canonizes-14-new-saints-including-priests-martyred-in-syria-3595): Pope Francis canonized 14 new saints on Sunday, including a father of eight and Franciscan friars killed in Syria for refusing to renounce their faith and convert to Islam.
- [Here’s what’s happening during the last week of the Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/heres-whats-happening-during-the-last-week-of-the-synod-on-synodality-3593): 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.
- [Synod, Zen, and sinicization: Vatican’s China deal sparks tensions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-zen-and-sinicization-vaticans-china-deal-sparks-tensions-3591): Two prominent Catholics — Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong and American author George Weigel — have leveled sharp criticisms at the Synod on Synodality, focusing particularly on the Vatican’s approach to China.
- [Synod delegates urge young Catholics to learn how to listen to others in a polarized world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-delegates-urge-young-catholics-to-learn-how-to-listen-to-others-in-a-polarized-world-3589): More than 30 students — most of whom were from the U.S. — from over 10 universities attended “The University Students in Dialogue with Synod Leaders,” an Oct. 18 event organized by the General Secretariat of the Synod held in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall.
- [Is the Synod on Synodality’s focus on the local Churches a Trojan horse?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/is-the-synod-on-synodalitys-focus-on-the-local-churches-a-trojan-horse-3587): Is there more than meets the eye in the framing of discussions about ecclesiastical governance and the relationship between the local Churches and the universal Church — the main topic of conversation at the Synod on Synodality for the past week?
- [Alcide de Gasperi: Man of Faith and State](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/alcide-de-gasperi-uomo-di-fede-e-di-stato): Alcide De Gasperi: A visionary leader who, guided by faith and resilience, transformed war-torn Italy and laid the foundation for a united and peaceful Europe. Discover how his legacy continues to influence the political and spiritual landscape of our continent today. Alcide De Gasperi was born in 1881 in Trentino, a mountainous and deeply Catholic region. Raised in a modest family, he attended the University of Vienna where he majored in literature, participating from a young age in Christian-social inspired political activities. Political commitment and faith were always closely linked in his life, uniting religious and social values. De Gasperi’s […]
- [St. Benedict and the Foundation of the Abbey of Monte Cassino](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/san-benedetto-e-la-fondazione-dellabbazia-di-montecassino): Discover the extraordinary history of the Abbey of Monte Cassino, the Abbey where St. Benedict of Norcia lived and created the Rule of the same name. A millennial symbol of faith, resilience and spiritual rebirth, it continues to inspire the faithful throughout Europe. The origins and foundation of the AbbeyFounded by St. Benedict in 529, the Abbey of Monte Cassino stands as one of the most important places of Western monasticism. After leaving Subiaco because of local conflicts, St. Benedict chose Monte Cassino as the ideal place for his new monastery, where he wrote the famous Benedictine Rule. This rule, […]
- [Over 500 Belgians demand removal from baptismal registry after Pope Francis remarks](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/over-500-belgians-demand-removal-from-baptismal-registry-after-pope-francis-remarks-3585): Over 500 Belgians have requested removal from the baptismal registry ("débaptisation") in response to Pope Francis' controversial statements on abortion and women's role in the Church during his visit to Luxembourg and Belgium.
- [Cardinal Bo: Bishops worldwide should implement ‘diocesan synods’ in home countries](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-bo-bishops-worldwide-should-implement-diocesan-synods-in-home-countries-3583): Cardinal Charles Bo, head of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) and Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar, said diocesan synods are key to building a vision and mission for local Churches.
- [These are the 14 people who will be canonized saints this weekend](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/these-are-the-14-people-who-will-be-canonized-saints-this-weekend-3581): 14 Blesseds to be Canonized by Pope Francis on 20 October 2024.
- [The Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/il-miracolo-eucaristico-di-lanciano): Jesus said to [Thomas], “Do you believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who, though they have not seen, have believed” (John 20:29). These words illuminate the deep faith in the Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano, an extraordinary event that dates back to the 8th century and continues to fascinate and inspire the Catholic world. The Mass is the moment when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, a central dogma in the Catholic faith. This miraculous event reinforced the doctrine of the Real Presence, confirming that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. Origins […]
- [Chiara Corbella Petrillo: A Life of Faith and Sacrifice](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chiara-corbella-petrillo-una-vita-di-fede-e-sacrificio): Chiara Corbella Petrillo is a figure who has inspired many people through her witness of faith and her ability to face suffering with serenity. Her life, though short, has left a profound mark. Chiara met her husband, Enrico Petrillo, when she was 18 years old during a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. The two were married on Sept. 21, 2008, in Assisi, beginning a journey that would lead them to face great trials, but always united by faith. A Life Marked by Losses and Deep Faith In the first two years of their marriage, Chiara and Enrico experienced the pain of the […]
- ["Gestation for others": becomes a universal crime in Italy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/divieto-universale-maternita-surrogata-italia): The Senate passed the bill permanently after the House said yes in July 2023
- [Australian archbishop: Synod on Synodality cannot ‘reinvent the Catholic faith’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/australian-archbishop-synod-on-synodality-cannot-reinvent-the-catholic-faith-3579): Interview with Synod on Synodality delegate, Australian Archbishop Anthony Fisher, OP, of Sydney.
- [Vatican Museums unveils ‘iconic statue’ Apollo Belvedere after years of restoration work](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-museums-unveils-iconic-statue-apollo-belvedere-after-years-of-restoration-work-3577): This week, the Vatican Museums unveiled the restored "Apollo Belvedere," an ancient marble statue, after years of work by Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums (PAVM).
- [Pope Francis to release ‘first memoir published by a sitting pontiff’ in January](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-release-first-memoir-published-by-a-sitting-pontiff-in-january-3575): In January 2025, Pope Francis will become the first sitting pontiff to publish an autobiographical memoir, which will be titled “Hope.”
- [Restoring St. Peter’s Baldachin: A Masterpiece Ready for the Jubilee 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/restoring-st-peters-baldachin-a-masterpiece-ready-for-the-jubilee-2025-3573): Bernini’s bronze Baldachin at St. Peter’s Basilica is being restored for the Jubilee of Hope, reviving its artistic and spiritual splendor for pilgrims.
- [82 Years of Diplomatic Ties: Taiwan's Unique Relationship with the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/taiwan-celebrates-113th-national-day-with-a-message-of-peace-from-rome-3571): Taiwan's 82-year diplomatic relationship with the Holy See underscores its commitment to religious freedom and interfaith harmony, with Catholics playing a key role in promoting Taiwan as a model of democracy and religious coexistence.
- [Bishop Barron Reflects on the Purpose and Direction of Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-barron-reflects-on-the-purpose-and-direction-of-synodality-3569): As the Synod on Synodality enters its final phase, Bishop Robert Barron highlights the core elements of synodality—wider consultation, accountability, and transparency—while emphasizing the importance of involving the laity in Church governance.
- [Where St. Francis of Assisi Received the Stigmata: A Visit to the La Verna Sanctuary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/where-st-francis-of-assisi-received-the-stigmata-a-visit-to-the-la-verna-sanctuary-3567): La Verna, the sacred site where St. Francis of Assisi received the Stigmata, offers pilgrims a journey of silence and reflection, immersing them in the spiritual legacy and profound connection St. Francis had with the cross and God’s creation.
- [Synod on Synodality 2024 Explainer](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-2024-explainer-3565): Pope Francis highlights the Synod on Synodality as a spiritual journey guided by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing inclusion and reflection over political agendas to deepen the Church's understanding of synodality.
- [Pope Francis' 10th Consistory and Its Global Impact](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-10th-consistory-and-its-global-impact-3951): Pope Francis has created 142 cardinals from 70 countries across nine consistories since his election in 2013, profoundly shaping the future of the Catholic Church.
- [Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Vatican Nativity Scene](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/behind-the-scenes-the-making-of-the-vatican-nativity-scene-3949): The Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square and the traditional huge Christmas tree were inaugurated on December 7.
- [Pope Francis: Beauty urges us to take Christ out into the streets and bring him to people](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-beauty-urges-us-to-take-christ-out-into-the-streets-and-bring-him-to-people-3945): Pope Francis this week encouraged participants of the second International Congress of Confraternities and Brotherhoods to bring Christ “out into the streets so that he may enter into all hearts.”
- [Naples’ new cardinal sees red hat as call to ‘embrace the cross of the weakest’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/naples-new-cardinal-sees-red-hat-as-call-to-embrace-the-cross-of-the-weakest-3943): Archbishop Domenico Battaglia of Naples, Italy said he sees the appointment not as a personal honor but as “a call to dream together of a Church that gets its hands dirty."
- [21 New Cardinals to Reflect Catholic Church’s Unity Amid Geographic Expansion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/21-new-cardinals-to-reflect-catholic-churchs-unity-amid-geographic-expansion-3941): The 21 new cardinals to be created by Pope Francis at the Dec. 7 consistory reflect the pontiff’s vision for a missionary Church that reaches out to the world’s peripheries.
- [Pope Francis: Preaching must rely on Holy Spirit, keep homilies under 10 minutes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-preaching-must-rely-on-holy-spirit-keep-homilies-under-10-minutes-3939): Pope Francis during his general audience at St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday said all evangelizing activity depends on the Holy Spirit and not on “pastoral initiatives promoted by us.”
- [Mercedes-Benz presents Pope Francis with new modified G-Wagon ‘popemobile’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mercedes-benz-presents-pope-francis-with-new-modified-g-wagon-popemobile-3937): Pope Francis was handed the key to a new Mercedes-Benz “popemobile” on Wednesday by the CEO of the German luxury car brand.
- [Pope Francis, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán talk Ukraine and family policies](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-hungarian-prime-minister-viktor-orban-talk-ukraine-and-family-policies-3935): Pope Francis received the prime minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, at the Vatican on Wednesday.
- [Pope Francis’ Letter to Nicaraguan Catholics is ‘Balm for our Spirit,’ Exiles Say](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-letter-to-nicaraguan-catholics-is-balm-for-our-spirit-exiles-say-3933): Catholics exiled from Nicaragua are expressing their gratitude for the recent letter of encouragement Pope Francis sent to the persecuted Church in the Central American country. 
- [Traditional Rite to Demolish Wall Protecting Holy Door Held at St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/traditional-rite-to-demolish-wall-protecting-holy-door-held-at-st-peters-basilica-3929): For the Jubilee, on the evening Dec. 2, the rite of “recognitio” (Latin for “verification”) took place in St. Peter’s Basilica.
- [‘Theological Diplomacy’: How Cardinal Ayuso Advanced Catholic-Islamic Relations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/theological-diplomacy-how-cardinal-ayuso-advanced-catholic-islamic-relations-3927): COMMENTARY: Cardinal Ayuso was not a well-known figure, even in Rome. But he was at the center of an important story for nearly 20 years.
- [Faith, Mission, and Martyrdom: The Legacy of St. Ralph Sherwin at the English College in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/faith-mission-and-martyrdom-the-legacy-of-st-ralph-sherwin-at-the-english-college-in-rome-3925): In honor of “Martyrs' Day" at the Venerable English College, EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser interviewed the College’s Rector, Father Stephen Wang.
- [Pope Francis to Nicaraguan Catholics: Faith and hope work miracles](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-nicaraguan-catholics-faith-and-hope-work-miracles-3923): Pope Francis has written to Nicaraguan Catholics, offering prayers and invoking the Virgin’s consolation amid persecution under President Ortega and Vice President Murillo.
- [Vatican suppresses Carmelite monastery following long-running controversy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-suppresses-carmelite-monastery-following-long-running-controversy-3921): The Vatican has suppressed the Carmelite Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas, following a long-running controversy that began with a diocesan investigation into allegations that the prioress had broken her vow of chastity.
- [Vaticano Update: Advent in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-vatican-newsletter-advent-in-rome-3917): The most important news from the Vatican presented by the EWTN Vatican Bureau.
- [5 Italians to be elevated as cardinals by Pope Francis at Dec. 7 consistory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-italians-to-be-elevated-as-cardinals-by-pope-francis-at-dec-7-consistory-3915): Five Italians to become Catholic Cardinals at the Dec. 7 consistory, four with the right to vote for the new pope at the next conclave.
- [‘Raise your heads,’ Pope Francis tells faithful in first Advent message amid multiple conflicts](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/raise-your-heads-pope-francis-tells-faithful-in-first-advent-message-amid-multiple-conflicts-3913): At the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis welcomed the recent Lebanon-Israel ceasefire while urging the faithful to “stand erect and raise your heads” amid global turmoil.
- [A path toward unity: Pope Francis proposes joint Catholic-Orthodox celebration of Nicaea anniversary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/path-toward-unity-pope-francis-proposes-joint-catholic-orthodox-celebration-of-nicaea-anniversary-3911): Pope Francis has proposed celebrating the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea together with Orthodox leaders in a personal letter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.
- [Prosecutor confirms existence of Vatican dossier on disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/prosecutor-confirms-existence-of-vatican-dossier-on-disappearance-of-emanuela-orlandi-3909): The Vatican’s chief prosecutor confirmed at a public event on Wednesday that despite prior denials, the Vatican does possess a confidential file on the disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi — the so-called “Vatican girl” who went missing over 40 years ago.
- [Vatican Updates: Pope Francis Announces 2025 Canonization Date for Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-updates-pope-francis-announces-2025-canonization-date-for-carlo-acutis-3907): The week's most important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican.
- [Protecting the Vulnerable: Fr. Hans Zollner on Safeguarding in the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/protecting-the-vulnerable-fr-hans-zollner-on-safeguarding-in-the-church-3905): Father Hans Zollner discusses the Catholic Church’s efforts to safeguard minors in regions affected by poverty and violence. Explore his insights on the challenges, progress, and the mission to protect the most vulnerable.
- [Cardinal Parolin on Combating Loneliness in Western Society](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-on-combating-loneliness-in-western-society-3903): Cardinal Pietro Parolin highlights the epidemic of loneliness in the West, linking it to cultural shifts and secularization. Discover how the Church and society can work together to rebuild connections and hope.
- [Vatican Symposium Tackles AMR Crisis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-symposium-tackles-amr-crisis-3901): Global health leaders convened at the Vatican to address the growing AMR crisis. Learn about the urgent call to action to protect modern medicine and safeguard public health.
- [Advent in Rome: Hope and Jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/advent-in-rome-hope-and-jubilee-3899): Experience the unique Advent celebrations in Rome, from Vatican traditions to the Nativity Scene and the Jubilee of Hope. Learn how this season brings a deeper spiritual meaning and anticipation for the faithful.
- [Inside Gammarelli: Tailors of the Popes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inside-gammarelli-tailors-of-the-popes-3897): Discover the story of Gammarelli, the historic Roman tailor shop that has dressed popes, cardinals, and clergy for centuries. Explore their artisanal tradition and unique role in Vatican history.
- [Outgoing Australian ambassador notes growing momentum of women leadership in the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/outgoing-australian-ambassador-notes-growing-momentum-of-women-leadership-in-the-vatican-3895): Australia’s ambassador to the Holy See, Chiara Porro says she has seen a rise in the participation and promotion of women’s leadership in the Catholic Church under Pope Francis. 
- [Pope Francis confirms plans to visit Turkey for historic Nicaea council anniversary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-confirms-plans-to-visit-turkey-for-historic-nicaea-council-anniversary-3893): Pope Francis told a group of theologians on Thursday he plans to visit Turkey for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in 2025.
- [Pope Francis announces Chinese translations for weekly audiences](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-announces-chinese-translations-for-weekly-audiences-3891): Starting next week, Chinese will be added as the ninth official language at papal general audiences, Pope Francis announced Wednesday.
- [At general audience, Pope Francis pleads for Ukraine's children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-general-audience-pope-francis-pleads-for-ukraines-children-3889): Pope Francis called on Italian children to pray for their Ukrainian peers facing a harsh winter amid ongoing war at his general audience on Wednesday.
- [U.S. Secretary Blinken meets Pope Francis: Vatican talks address Middle East and Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/us-secretary-blinken-meets-pope-francis-vatican-talks-address-middle-east-and-ukraine-3887): U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Pope Francis on Wednesday morning at the Vatican.
- [Pontifical universities in Rome host conference on legacy of St. John Paul II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-universities-in-rome-host-conference-on-legacy-of-st-john-paul-ii-3885): The Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education is sponsoring a four-day event in Rome to honor the spiritual and intellectual legacy of Pope Saint John Paul II while marking the 25th anniversary of his encyclical Fides et Ratio.
- [Scientists and CEOs share big ideas at Vatican ethical innovation summit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/scientists-and-ceos-share-big-ideas-at-vatican-ethical-innovation-summit-3883): Entrepreneurs, researchers, and civil society leaders spoke at the Vatican’s Pontifical Lateran University this week about their big ideas for ethical innovation.
- [Vaticano Updates: "Luce," the Jubilee Mascot](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticano-updates-luce-the-jubilee-mascot-3881): Pope Francis cuts cardinals' salaries, rebukes Swiss bishops on abuse, unveils Jubilee mascot “Luce,” plans a prison Holy Door, and mourns Cardinal Martino at 91.
- [Vaticano Updates: Bells of Notre-Dame Ring Again](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticano-updates-bells-of-notre-dame-ring-again-3879): Notre Dame’s bells rang for the first time since the fire. Pope Francis hailed it as prophetic. He promoted the Rosary for the Jubilee, added St. Isaac to the Martyrology, and prayers were asked for a priest in Singapore.
- [Vaticano Updates: 1,000 days of War in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticano-updates-1000-days-of-war-in-ukraine-3877): This week, Cardinal Zuppi marked 1,000 days of war in Ukraine, the Vatican approved Indigenous liturgical adaptations, and Pope Francis expanded the library and set November 9 to honor local saints. Catholic leaders met to strengthen abuse safeguards.
- [Vatican may add ‘spiritual abuse’ to crimes in Church law](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-may-add-spiritual-abuse-to-crimes-in-church-law-3875): The Vatican may make “spiritual abuse” a formalized crime in Church law, rather than merely an aggravating circumstance of other crimes.
- [Pope Francis: Synod on Synodality document part of magisterium, calls for implementation now](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-synod-on-synodality-document-part-of-magisterium-calls-for-implementation-now-3873): Pope Francis clarified that the final Synod on Synodality document, advocating structural changes like increased lay and women participation, is part of the Church’s ordinary magisterium and must be implemented by dioceses.
- [Pope Francis calls for end to use of landmines as Biden allows U.S. mines in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-end-to-use-of-landmines-as-biden-allows-us-mines-in-ukraine-3871): Pope Francis urged an end to anti-personnel landmines at an international summit, following U.S. President Joe Biden's approval of their use by Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine war.
- [Pope Francis denounces countries that talk about peace, but make war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-denounces-countries-that-talk-about-peace-but-make-war-3869): Pope Francis presided over a solemn event Monday at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Argentina and Chile that settled a border dispute between the two countries.
- [Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, champion of interreligious dialogue, dies at 72](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-miguel-angel-ayuso-guixot-champion-of-interreligious-dialogue-dies-at-72-3867): Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, a Spanish-born prelate and prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, died Monday aged 72 after a long illness.
- [Vatican to point live webcam at St. Peter’s tomb, publish monthly magazine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-point-live-webcam-at-st-peters-tomb-publish-monthly-magazine-3865): The Vatican on Monday publicized further initiatives undertaken by St. Peter’s Basilica in light of the 2025 Jubilee Year — including a new magazine and a livestream of the tomb of St. Peter.
- [Pope Francis urges marriage and family institute: Use the gospel to spread salvation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-marriage-and-family-institute-use-the-gospel-to-spread-salvation-3863): Pope Francis met with the John Paul II Pontifical Theological Institute on Monday, urging collaboration with scholars and cultural institutions to support Catholic spouses and families.
- [Here is the miracle that now paves the way for Pier Giorgio Frassati’s canonization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/here-is-the-miracle-that-now-paves-the-way-for-pier-giorgio-frassatis-canonization-3861): Pope Francis recognized a miracle attributed to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati’s intercession on Monday, paving the way for his canonization as a saint during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee of Youth next summer.
- [Carlo Acutis film gains backing from National Eucharistic Congress, McGrath Institute](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/carlo-acutis-film-gains-backing-from-national-eucharistic-congress-mcgrath-institute-3859): Castletown Media announced that the National Eucharistic Congress and Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute are partners for the film Roadmap to Reality: Carlo Acutis and our Digital Age.
- [Pope Francis urges young Catholics to build a world rooted in Christ’s kingship](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-young-catholics-to-build-a-world-rooted-in-christs-kingship-3857): Marking the solemnity of Christ the King and the close of the liturgical year, Pope Francis presided over Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, urging young Catholics to reject superficial acclaim and embrace authentic Christian witness.
- [The Assyrian-Catholic bond: a model of unity despite differences](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/assyrian-catholic-bond-a-model-of-unity-despite-differences-3855): ACI Mena, CNA's Arabic-language partner, interviewed the Assyrian Church of the East's catholicos-patriarch on Pope Francis' inclusion of St. Isaac of Nineveh in the Roman Martyrology.
- [Papal trip confirmed: Here is what Pope Francis will do in Corsica on Dec. 15](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-trip-confirmed-here-is-what-pope-francis-will-do-in-corsica-on-dec-15-3853): The Holy See on Saturday confirmed the rumors that Pope Francis will undertake a one-day apostolic journey to Corsica next month — marking the first-ever papal visit to the island most famous for being Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace.
- [The Revival of Sacred Music](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/revival-of-sacred-music-3851): Discover the revival of sacred music through Floriani and global efforts to preserve the Church’s rich musical heritage. Explore its beauty, power in evangelization, and enduring relevance today.           
- [Inside the Pope’s University](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inside-the-popes-university-3849): A unique academic institution at the heart of Rome, the Pontifical Lateran University shapes future Church leaders through its deep connection with the Holy See and diverse international community.           
- [Evangelii Gaudium: Roadmap to Pope Francis’ Pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/eleven-years-since-the-text-that-mapped-out-pope-franciss-pontificate-3847): Discover the impact of Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis’s first Apostolic Exhortation, which set the direction for his pontificate. Learn how this key document renewed the Church’s mission of evangelization and called for active lay participation.           
- [The Legacy of Mother Cabrini](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/legacy-of-mother-cabrini-3845): A statue honoring St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the patroness of immigrants, was unveiled in Rome. Learn about her enduring legacy of faith, hope, and service to the poor and immigrants worldwide.
- [Vatican Library and Bahrain Forge Groundbreaking Collaboration](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-library-and-bahrain-forge-groundbreaking-collaboration-3843): The Vatican Library and the Kingdom of Bahrain have announced a historic collaboration to preserve Arabic cultural heritage, strengthening ties established during Pope Francis' 2022 visit.
- [Pope Francis assigns U.S. cardinal to carry out ‘urgent’ overhaul of Vatican pension fund](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-assigns-us-cardinal-to-carry-out-urgent-overhaul-of-vatican-pension-fund-3841): Pope Francis has appointed U.S. Cardinal Kevin Farrell to oversee “new and unavoidable” reform to the Vatican’s pension system as it faces a “serious prospective imbalance” that means changes can no longer be postponed.
- [Vatican Christmas tree wreathed in controversy over environmental objections](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-christmas-tree-wreathed-in-controversy-over-environmental-objections-3839): An online petition posted to change.org in mid-October garnered over 53,000 signatures in protest of the evergreen being chopped down, arguing it contradicts Pope Francis’ promotion of protection for the environment.
- [Pope Francis: Desire and Christian hope can overcome ‘dangerous plague’ of nihilism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-desire-and-christian-hope-can-overcome-dangerous-plague-of-nihilism-3837): In an address to participants of the first plenary assembly of the Dicastery for Culture and Education on Nov. 21, Pope Francis said desire, fearlessness, and Christian hope are remedies needed to overcome the “shadow of nihilism” prevalent in society.
- [Bottles of bourbon signed by Pope Francis expected to fetch up to $20,000 for charity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bottles-of-bourbon-signed-by-pope-francis-expected-to-fetch-up-to-20000-for-charity-3835): Two bottles of rare bourbon signed by Pope Francis are projected to net up to $20,000 for several Kentucky charities.
- [Pope Francis calls for study of Church history free from ideologies](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-study-of-church-history-free-from-ideologies-3833): Pope Francis has published a letter addressed especially to priests in formation to promote the renewal of the study of Church history, emphasizing its importance in better interpreting reality.
- [Pope Francis reads Ukrainian student’s moving testimony of faith at general audience](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reads-ukrainian-students-moving-testimony-of-faith-at-general-audience-3831): To mark 1,000 days since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Pope Francis shared the “testimony of faith” of a Ukrainian student at his general audience on Wednesday, underscoring the power of faith, love, and hope amid the tragedy of violence.
- [‘Hope Never Disappoints’ is Holy Father’s new book for 2025 Jubilee Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hope-never-disappoints-is-holy-fathers-new-book-for-2025-jubilee-year-3829): The author of a new book based on interviews with Pope Francis discussed the Holy Father’s views on Christian hope, migration, and the Israel-Hamas conflict
- [Vatican simplifies funeral rite for popes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-simplifies-funeral-rite-for-popes-3827): The Vatican has updated the liturgical book regulating the funeral rite of popes, simplifying some of the rituals at Pope Francis’ request.
- [10 things you should know about Blessed Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-blessed-carlo-acutis-3825): Pope Francis will canonize Carlo Acutis on April 27, 2025.
- [Pope Francis announces 2025 canonizations for Carlo Acutis, Pier Giorgio Frassati during Jubilee celebrations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-announces-2025-canonizations-for-carlo-acutis-pier-giorgio-frassati-during-jubilee-celebrations-3823): Pope Francis announced Wednesday that Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be canonized.
- [Pope Francis conveys closeness to Ukraine in letter marking 1,000th day of war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-conveys-closeness-to-ukraine-in-letter-marking-1000th-day-of-war-3821): In a letter, Pope Francis expressed his great sorrow for the suffering of the people of Ukraine, who have now endured 1,000 days of war.
- [Pope Francis laicizes schismatic Argentine priest](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-laicizes-schismatic-argentine-priest-3819): Pope Francis expelled from the clerical state for the crime of schism Fernando María Cornet, an Argentine who served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Sassari, Italy.
- [10 Surprising Facts About St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/10-surprising-facts-about-st-peters-basilica-and-the-vatican-3817): The basilica, consecrated on Nov. 18, 1626, is a place of beauty and transcendence, prayer and worship. It is a place made beautiful by human hands and the grace of God.
- [Vatican approves liturgical adaptations for Indigenous communities in Mexico](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-approves-liturgical-adaptations-for-indigenous-communities-in-mexico-3815): The Vatican has approved a series of liturgical adaptations for Indigenous communities in the Mexican state of Chiapas.
- [Pope Francis’ claim that Israel action in Gaza could be ‘genocide’ draws criticism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-claim-that-israel-action-in-gaza-could-be-genocide-draws-criticism-3813): Pope Francis’ call for an investigation into claims that a genocide may be happening in Gaza has garnered criticism.
- [3 things to know about the 2 papal basilicas dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/3-things-to-know-about-the-2-papal-basilicas-dedicated-to-st-peter-and-st-paul-in-rome-3811): Nov. 18 is celebrated in the Catholic Church as the feast day of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul. Here are three things to know about the historical, architectural, and spiritual significance of these two papal basilicas. 
- [Pope Francis asks Rome’s Catholics to help combat ‘housing emergency’ during 2025 jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-asks-romes-catholics-to-help-combat-housing-emergency-during-2025-jubilee-3809): Noting the housing issues that could be caused by the large influx of pilgrims expected for the jubilee in 2025, the pope asked for “a courageous gesture of love” in a letter published Nov. 15.
- [Pope Francis: The poor ‘continue to wait’ for the Church, governments to take action](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-poor-continue-to-wait-for-the-church-governments-to-take-action-3807): Pope Francis was joined by thousands of pilgrims in the Vatican on Sunday to celebrate the eighth annual World Day of the Poor to renew the Church’s commitment to “be close to the suffering” through spiritual and material works of charity.
- [Honoring the ‘saints next door’: Pope Francis calls for annual celebration of local holy men and women](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/honoring-the-saints-next-door-pope-francis-calls-for-annual-celebration-of-local-holy-men-and-women-3805): Pope Francis wants dioceses worldwide to shine a spotlight on their “saints next door” every year on Nov. 9.
- [Pope Francis: Young people can be ‘artisans of hope’ amid mental health challenges](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-young-people-can-be-artisans-of-hope-amid-mental-health-challenges-3803): Speaking to members of Italy’s National Youth Council at the Vatican on Nov. 16, the pope emphasized the need for comprehensive support structures amid what he called an “epochal change” affecting young people.
- [Diocesan phase completed for canonization of Father Pedro Arrupe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/diocesan-phase-completed-for-canonization-of-father-pedro-arrupe-3801): Nov. 14 marked the closing of the diocesan phase of the cause for the beatification of Father Pedro Arrupe, the 28th superior general of the Society of Jesus.
- [Rare Vatican Relic on Display: The Story Behind St. Peter’s Chair](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rare-vatican-relic-on-display-the-story-behind-st-peters-chair-3799): For the first time in 150 years, the Chair of St. Peter, one of the Vatican’s most sacred treasures, has been removed from Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s monumental reliquary for public veneration.
- [Vatican AI: The Church and New Technology](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-ai-the-church-and-new-technology-3797): In October, the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences hosted a conference in the Vatican to discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in society and its implications for the Church.
- [The 1700th Anniversary of the Basilica of St. John Lateran](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/1700th-anniversary-of-the-basilica-of-st-john-lateran-3795): The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Rome's most important church, recently celebrated its 1,700th anniversary.
- [World Day of the Poor 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-day-of-the-poor-2024-3793): Pope Francis celebrated the eighth World Day of the Poor on Sunday, November 17th. The theme for this year is “The prayer of the poor rises up to God."
- [Roman Nights: A Glimpse Into the Jubilee of Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/roman-nights-a-glimpse-into-the-jubilee-of-hope-3791): As the 2025 Jubilee of Hope approaches, the EWTN Vatican Bureau hosted its Roman Nights event, bringing together voices from across the Catholic world to reflect on the rich meaning and spiritual depth of this sacred tradition.
- [7 things to know about Sister Clare Crockett](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/7-things-to-know-about-sister-clare-crockett-3789): On Nov. 4, the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother, Sister Clare Crocket's religious community, announced the beginning of her cause for beatification.
- [Italy’s Mafia-fighting ‘street priest’ Archbishop Domenico Battaglia to become a cardinal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italys-mafia-fighting-street-priest-archbishop-domenico-battaglia-to-become-a-cardinal-3787): Archbishop Domenico Battaglia of Naples, a late addition to the pope’s roster of new cardinals to be created next month, has commanded headlines for years for his strong stand against organized crime in southern Italy.
- [Cardinals test out virtual reality headsets at new AI-inspired jubilee art exhibit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-test-out-virtual-reality-headsets-at-new-ai-inspired-jubilee-art-exhibit-3785): Catholic cardinals this week donned virtual reality headsets at the premiere of an innovative art exhibit that opened this week for the 2025 Jubilee Year showcasing contemporary art inspired by artificial intelligence.
- [PHOTOS: Discover the history of St. Peter’s Basilica in new Microsoft online AI-enhanced 3D model](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-discover-the-history-of-st-peters-basilica-in-new-microsoft-online-ai-enhanced-3d-model-3783): The Vatican and Microsoft have created a 3D digital model of St. Peter’s Basilica using the latest in artificial intelligence to offer a new way to experience the nearly 2,000-year history of the tomb of St. Peter.
- [Vatican, Catholic leaders from Europe discuss sexual abuse in the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-catholic-leaders-from-europe-discuss-sexual-abuse-in-the-church-3781): Catholic leaders from across Europe are in Rome this week to discuss how the Church can best protect children from sexual abuse and how to help those who have already been hurt by it.
- [U.S. bishops vote to advance 2 American causes for canonization at 2024 meeting](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/us-bishops-vote-to-advance-2-american-causes-for-canonization-at-2024-meeting-3779): The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) at its fall 2024 plenary assembly voted on Wednesday to advance the canonization causes of two faithful American women: Benedictine Sister Annella Zervas and Servant of God Gertrude Agnes Barber.
- [Nicaragua bars priests from anointing the dying in hospitals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/nicaragua-bars-priests-from-anointing-the-dying-in-hospitals-3777): Nicaragua's dictatorship is preventing priests from entering hospitals in Nicaragua to administer the sacrament of anointing of the sick to those who need it.
- [Pope Francis: True devotion to Mary always ‘points to Jesus’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-true-devotion-to-mary-always-points-to-jesus-3775): “Mary is always the mother that brings us to Jesus,” the Holy Father said. “Mary does not only point to herself. She points to Jesus.”
- [U.S. nuncio: Bishops must foster missionary zeal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/us-nuncio-bishops-must-foster-missionary-zeal-3773): A major challenge facing U.S. bishops today is to move faithful Catholics from private faith to a missionary commitment to lead others to Christ, the apostolic nuncio to the United States said Tuesday.
- [Pope Francis to have Sunday lunch with 1,300 guests on World Day of the Poor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-have-sunday-lunch-with-1300-guests-on-world-day-of-the-poor-3771): Pope Francis will have lunch on Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Vatican with 1,300 people “who hold a privileged place in God’s heart” as part of celebrations to mark the eighth World Day of the Poor.
- [Pope Francis moves part of Vatican library and archive to Rome seminary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-moves-part-of-vatican-library-and-archive-to-rome-seminary-3769): Pope Francis has called for the expansion of the Vatican library and archives to a building outside Vatican City to make more “available this precious patrimony.”
- [Pope Francis marks first millennium since birth of St. Bernard, patron of mountaineers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-marks-first-millennium-since-birth-of-st-bernard-patron-of-mountaineers-3767): At the Vatican on Monday, Pope Francis recalled the hospitality and peacemaking of St. Bernard of Aosta, the patron saint of mountaineers and Alpine travelers who lived one millennium ago and gave his name to the St. Bernard dog breed.
- [Pope on 150th anniversary of Our Lady of Pompeii: ‘Rediscover the beauty of the rosary’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-on-150th-anniversary-of-our-lady-of-pompeii-rediscover-the-beauty-of-the-rosary-3765): In honor of the 150th anniversary of Our Lady of the Rosary’s arrival in Pompeii on Nov. 13, Pope Francis encourages Catholics to contemplate Christ’s life “through the gaze of Mary” during the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.             
- [Pope Francis appoints new preacher to the Papal Household to succeed Cardinal Cantalamessa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-new-preacher-to-the-papal-household-to-succeed-cardinal-cantalamessa-3763): Pope Francis on Nov. 9 appointed Father Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap, as the new preacher of the Papal Household, replacing Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, 90, who held that position for 44 years.
- [Vatican prohibits Traditional Latin Mass in Bishop Strickland’s former cathedral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-prohibits-traditional-latin-mass-in-bishop-stricklands-former-cathedral-3761): The Traditional Latin Mass at the Diocese of Tyler's cathedral in Texas will end on Dec. 1, following a Vatican-approved order nearly a year after Pope Francis removed Bishop Joseph Strickland as diocesan head.
- [Pope Francis: Self-sacrifice, humble service are key to good leadership](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-self-sacrifice-humble-service-are-key-to-good-leadership-3759): During his Angelus address Sunday, Pope Francis asked his listeners to consider the qualities necessary for good leadership.
- [Honoring persecuted Middle East Christians, Pope Francis adds Assyrian saint to Martyrology](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/honoring-persecuted-middle-east-christians-pope-francis-adds-assyrian-saint-to-martyrology-3757): Pope Francis announced on Saturday that St. Isaac of Nineveh, a seventh-century Assyrian bishop venerated across Christian traditions, will be added to the Roman Martyrology.
- [Synod on Synodality undersecretary: Deposit of faith doesn’t change and cannot change](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-undersecretary-deposit-of-faith-doesnt-change-and-cannot-change-3755): Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín is one of the key figures of the Synod on Synodality. Pope Francis appointed him undersecretary of the event, which the Spanish prelate says he has experienced as “an offer of grace” and a call “to personal conversion.”
- [Rome’s most important church celebrates 1,700th birthday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/romes-most-important-church-celebrates-1700th-birthday-3753): The most important church in Rome, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, is celebrating its 1,700th anniversary on Nov. 9.
- [Historic ‘Chair of St. Peter’ on public display in Vatican basilica for first time in 150 years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/historic-chair-of-st-peter-on-public-display-in-vatican-basilica-for-first-time-in-150-years-3751): For the first time in over a century, the historic Chair of St. Peter, a wooden throne symbolizing the pope’s magisterial authority, has been removed from its gilded bronze reliquary in St. Peter’s Basilica to be displayed for public veneration.
- [Microsoft president to unveil ‘AI-enhanced experience’ of St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/microsoft-president-to-unveil-ai-enhanced-experience-of-st-peters-basilica-3749): Microsoft President Brad Smith is set to unveil an artificial intelligence-enhanced project focusing on St. Peter’s Basilica during a press conference at the Vatican on Nov. 11. 
- [From the Vatican to the USA: Saint Jude's Relics Arrive in America](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-the-vatican-to-the-usa-saint-judes-relics-arrive-in-america-3747): An extraordinary event is taking place as the arm of Saint Jude the Apostle—a relic that has remained in Rome for over 1700 years—travels across the United States.
- [Pope Francis Remembers Jimmy Carter’s ‘Firm Commitment’ To Peace, Reconciliation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-remembers-jimmy-carters-firm-commitment-to-peace-reconciliation-4127): Pope Francis praised former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s “firm commitment” to peace and reconciliation in a message of condolence following Carter’s death at age 100 on Sunday.
- [The Vatican in 2024: A Year of Global Outreach and Strategic Ambiguity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-in-2024-a-year-of-global-outreach-and-strategic-ambiguity-4125): Discover the highlights of Pope Francis' 2024, including his longest trip, the Synod's conclusion, new cardinals, and his nuanced stance on sensitive Church issues.           
- [Lateran Holy Door opens as Rome’s jubilee journey continues](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lateran-holy-door-opens-as-romes-jubilee-journey-continues-4123): On the feast of the Holy Family, Cardinal Baldassare Reina opened the Holy Door at Rome’s Basilica of St. John Lateran
- [Pope Francis Prays For South Korea Air Crash Victims And Families](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-south-korea-air-crash-victims-and-families-4121): Pope Francis expressed profound sorrow Sunday for the victims of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster.
- [Pope Francis: Family Dialogue Defeats Digital Distraction](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-family-dialogue-defeats-digital-distraction-4119): On Sunday, the Feast of the Holy Family, Pope Francis highlighted the Family of Nazareth as a model of dialogue and mutual listening while warning against allowing mobile phones to disrupt family communication.
- [Will Pope Francis Visit Ukraine In 2025?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/will-pope-francis-visit-ukraine-in-2025-4117): Media reports about Pope Francis potentially visiting Ukraine have raised hopes the Holy Father could accept an invitation to visit the war-torn country in 2025.
- [Pope Francis’ 2024 Travels: Historic Visits To Southeast Asia, Oceania, Belgium, And Corsica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-2024-travels-historic-visits-to-southeast-asia-oceania-belgium-and-corsica-4115): Despite health challenges that canceled his COP28 trip to Dubai, Pope Francis kept an ambitious 2024 travel schedule, to Asia, Corsica, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
- [Pope Francis: How To Be ‘Pilgrims Of Hope’ During 2025 Jubilee Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-how-to-be-pilgrims-of-hope-during-2025-jubilee-year-4113): Pope Francis called on Catholics to become “pilgrims of hope” in a BBC podcast on Friday, emphasizing that “hope and kindness touch the very heart of the Gospel."
- [Honoring Pope Benedict XVI: Insights from Those Who Knew Him Best](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/man-of-faith-companions-of-the-pope-look-back-4111): Reflections on Pope Benedict XVI's legacy from those closest to him, highlighting his faith, humility, and enduring impact on the Church.           
- [Pope Francis Prays For Persecuted Christians On Feast Of St. Stephen](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-persecuted-christians-on-feast-of-st-stephen-4109): Pope Francis recalled the witness of persecuted Christians around the world on Thursday as he celebrated the feast of St. Stephen, the Church’s first martyr.
- [Special Report: Inside The Prison As Pope Francis Opens The Jubilee Holy Door](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/special-report-inside-the-prison-as-pope-francis-opens-the-jubilee-holy-door-4107): The pope's Thursday Mass at Rome's Rebibbia Prison on St. Stephen's feast marked the start of the Jubilee of Hope, symbolizing redemption and new beginnings for inmates.
- [PHOTOS: Pilgrims From All Over The World Pass Through Holy Door Of St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pilgrims-from-all-over-the-world-pass-through-holy-door-of-st-peters-basilica-4105): Pilgrims from around the world are passing through the open Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, which Pope Francis opened on Christmas Eve to begin the 2025 Jubilee.
- [Pope Francis Launches Jubilee 2025 With Opening Of Holy Door](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-launches-jubilee-2025-with-opening-of-holy-door-4103): Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before Mass on Christmas Eve, officially launching the Jubilee Year 2025.
- [Pope Francis On Christmas 2024: God Is Our Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-christmas-2024-god-is-our-hope-4101): Hope lives, Pope Francis said in his homily for Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican as he reflected on the incredible fact that the infinite God became a small Child.
- [Urbi et Orbi: Pope Francis Urges World Leaders To Pursue Dialogue, Peace In Jubilee Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/urbi-et-orbi-pope-francis-urges-world-leaders-to-pursue-dialogue-peace-in-jubilee-year-4099): Pope Francis on Christmas Day delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi address and blessing in Vatican City, inviting all individuals and nations to “silence the sound of arms and overcome divisions.”
- [Pope Francis Praises Bocce, Calling It A Sport For ‘Normal People’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praises-bocce-calling-it-a-sport-for-normal-people-4097): Pope Francis expressed his appreciation for the ball sport of bocce during an audience with representatives of the Italian Bowling Federation on Dec. 20.
- [Christians In Gaza, Syria ‘Need Everything,’ Vatican Cardinal Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christians-in-gaza-syria-need-everything-vatican-cardinal-says-4095): The head of the Vatican’s office for Eastern Catholic Churches offered a stark assessment of the situation facing Christians in the Holy Land and Syria, warning of increasing instability and humanitarian challenges across the region.
- [Knights Of Columbus Donate Mobile Broadcasting Unit To Vatican For 2025 Jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/knights-of-columbus-donate-mobile-broadcasting-unit-to-vatican-for-2025-jubilee-4093): The Knights of Columbus have donated a state-of-the-art mobile broadcasting van to the Vatican, just in time for the start of the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year.
- [Vatican Officially Opens Beatification Process For Late Belgian King Baudouin](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-officially-opens-beatification-process-for-late-belgian-king-baudouin-4091): The Vatican this month officially opened the beatification process of King Baudouin of Belgium, remembered as the humble leader willing to abdicate his throne rather than approve the decriminalization of abortion in his country.
- [Papal Preacher Urges ‘Littleness’ Ahead Of Christmas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-preacher-urges-littleness-ahead-of-christmas-4089): Papal preacher Father Roberto Pasolini urged Church leaders to embrace the quality of “littleness” ahead of the Christmas holiday.
- [Vatican News:  New lighting system to illuminate Saint Peter’s Square for Jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-new-lighting-system-to-illuminate-saint-peters-square-for-jubilee-4087): This week’s Vaticano Updates – the most important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican.
- [Pope Francis Prays For Victims As Death Toll In German Christmas Market Attack Reaches 5](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-victims-as-death-toll-in-german-christmas-market-attack-reaches-5-4085): Pope Francis on Saturday expressed his shock at the deadly attack at a Christmas market in eastern Germany that claimed five lives, including that of a child, and left more than 200 injured.
- [A Visual Tour Of The Holy Doors Pope Francis Will Open For The 2025 Jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/visual-tour-of-the-holy-doors-pope-francis-will-open-for-the-2025-jubilee-4083): On Dec. 24 at 7 p.m., Pope Francis will inaugurate the Jubilee of Hope 2025 at St. Peter’s Basilica, where 30 million are expected to participate. Later, he will celebrate Christmas Mass.
- [Pope Francis Warns Against Gossip, Celebrates Family Life In Vatican Christmas Messages](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-warns-against-gossip-celebrates-family-life-in-vatican-christmas-messages-4081): Pope Francis delivered two Christmas messages at the Vatican on Saturday, warning against gossip’s “destructive effects” while celebrating the importance of family life and humble service.
- [Pope Francis Calls For ‘Ceasefire On All War Fronts’ At Christmas'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-ceasefire-on-all-war-fronts-at-christmas-4079): Pope Francis on Sunday lamented the ongoing war and violence affecting families in Gaza and other parts of the world in the lead-up to Christmas and called for a “ceasefire on all war fronts.”
- [Pope Francis At Sunday Angelus Before Christmas: ‘No Child Is Ever A Mistake’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-sunday-angelus-before-christmas-no-child-is-ever-a-mistake-4077): Pope Francis emphasized that “no child is ever a mistake” during his last Angelus address before Christmas Day.
- [5 Holy Doors: What Every Catholic Should Know Ahead of Jubilee 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-holy-doors-what-every-catholic-should-know-ahead-of-jubilee-2025-4075): What every Catholic should know about the 5 Holy Doors of the 2025 Jubilee Year.
- [Christmas at the Vatican: St. Peter's Square Shines Bright for the Holidays](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christmas-at-the-vatican-st-peters-square-shines-bright-for-the-holidays-4073): Discover the magic of Christmas at St. Peter’s Square with the majestic Norway Spruce and Grado Lagoon Nativity scene.
- [The Origins of Silent Night](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/origins-of-silent-night-4071): Uncover the origins of "Silent Night," the world's most beloved Christmas carol, first performed in 1818 in Oberndorf, Austria.
- [Tracing the Roots of the Jubilee Doors](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/tracing-the-roots-of-the-jubilee-doors-4069): Discover the origins of Jubilee Holy Doors, from their first use in 1294 to their profound symbolism of mercy and hope.
- [Pope Francis’ Message for Peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-message-for-peace-4067): Pope Francis urges personal and structural change for lasting peace in his message for the 58th World Day of Peace.
- [Pope Francis' Trip to Corsica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-trip-to-corsica-4065): Pope Francis visits Corsica, highlighting the power of popular piety to reconnect with secularized communities.
- [When Was Jesus Born? Italian Researcher Puts Christ’s Birth In December, 1 BC](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/when-was-jesus-born): An interview with researcher Liberato De Caro of the Institute of Crystallography of the National Research Council in Bari, Italy
- [Pope Francis Sends Special Christmas Gift To The People Of War-torn Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sends-special-christmas-gift-to-the-people-of-war-torn-ukraine-4061): As Christmas draws near: Pope Francis gifts a vehicle converted into a small mobile hospital to care for the inhabitants of Ukraine devastated by war.
- [Pope Francis Declares French Martyrs Of Compiègne Saints Via Equipollent Canonization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-declares-french-martyrs-of-compiegne-saints-via-equipollent-canonization-4059): Pope Francis has officially declared the 16 Discalced Carmelite nuns of Compiègne, executed during the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution, as saints through the rare procedure of “equipollent canonization.”
- [Pope Francis Prays For Cyclone Chido Victims In France’s Poorest Overseas Territory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-cyclone-chido-victims-in-frances-poorest-overseas-territory-4057): Pope Francis on Wednesday prayed especially for Cyclone Chido victims in the French territory of Mayotte during his weekly general audience.
- [Following Prolonged Wait, The Blood Of St. Januarius Liquefies Again](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/following-prolonged-wait-the-blood-of-st-januarius-liquefies-again-4055): The faithful of the city of Naples in Italy experienced profound relief when they witnessed the liquefaction of the blood of Saint Januarius, the miracle that kept the city in suspense during the day on Dec. 16.
- [Pope Francis Calls On Young People To Protect Their Authenticity And Dignity At Work](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-on-young-people-to-protect-their-authenticity-and-dignity-at-work-4053): In a message addressed to young people entering the workforce, Pope Francis, alluding to bosses, advised them not to “give in to requests that humiliate you or cause you discomfort, to ways of proceeding and demands that tarnish your authenticity.”
- [Pope Francis Appoints New Auxiliary Bishop For Jordan And The Titular See Of Siminia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-new-auxiliary-bishop-for-jordan-and-the-titular-see-of-siminia-4051-2): Pope Francis on Dec. 17 appointed Father Iyad Twal as auxiliary bishop of the patriarchal diocese of Jerusalem of the Latins for Jordan and as titular bishop of Siminia.
- [Pope Francis Appoints New Auxiliary Bishop For Jordan And The Titular See Of Siminia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-new-auxiliary-bishop-for-jordan-and-the-titular-see-of-siminia-4051): Pope Francis on Dec. 17 appointed Father Iyad Twal as auxiliary bishop of the patriarchal diocese of Jerusalem of the Latins for Jordan and as titular bishop of Siminia.
- [Pope Francis Pens Essay On Humor: ‘Irony Is A Medicine’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-pens-essay-on-humor-irony-is-a-medicine-4049-2): Pope Francis on Tuesday penned an essay for the New York Times on the importance of fostering a sense of humor, of quelling narcissism through “appropriate doses of self-irony,” and of avoiding “wallowing in melancholy at all costs.”
- [Pope Francis Pens Essay On Humor: ‘Irony Is A Medicine’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-pens-essay-on-humor-irony-is-a-medicine-4049): Pope Francis on Tuesday penned an essay for the New York Times on the importance of fostering a sense of humor, of quelling narcissism through “appropriate doses of self-irony,” and of avoiding “wallowing in melancholy at all costs.”
- [Pope Francis Reveals He Survived Two Threats To His Life In Iraq](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reveals-he-survived-two-threats-to-his-life-in-iraq-4047-2): Pope Francis has revealed that he narrowly escaped two attempts on his life during his visit to Iraq in March 2021 in the city of Mosul.
- [Pope Francis Reveals He Survived Two Threats To His Life In Iraq](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reveals-he-survived-two-threats-to-his-life-in-iraq-4047): Pope Francis has revealed that he narrowly escaped two attempts on his life during his visit to Iraq in March 2021 in the city of Mosul.
- [As He Turns 88, 8 + 8 Interesting Things About Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/as-he-turns-88-8-8-interesting-things-about-pope-francis-4045-2): Did you know? Pope Francis Edition: On the occasion of his 88th birthday, these and other interesting facts about Pope Francis.
- [As He Turns 88, 8 + 8 Interesting Things About Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/as-he-turns-88-8-8-interesting-things-about-pope-francis-4045): Did you know? Pope Francis Edition: On the occasion of his 88th birthday, these and other interesting facts about Pope Francis.
- [Pope Francis At 88: Age-Old Wisdom, Intergenerational Dialogue At Heart Of Evangelization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-88-age-old-wisdom-intergenerational-dialogue-at-heart-of-evangelization-4043-2): Pope Francis, who celebrates his 88th birthday today, has become one of the oldest-serving popes in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history.
- [Pope Francis At 88: Age-Old Wisdom, Intergenerational Dialogue At Heart Of Evangelization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-88-age-old-wisdom-intergenerational-dialogue-at-heart-of-evangelization-4043): Pope Francis, who celebrates his 88th birthday today, has become one of the oldest-serving popes in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history.
- [Pope Francis Celebrates His 88th Birthday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-his-88th-birthday-4041-2): Pope Francis turns 88 today! Pray for him as he leads the Church. This week on Vaticano: Notre Dame reopens, AI at the Vatican, and Cardinal Grech on the synod!
- [Pope Francis Celebrates His 88th Birthday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-celebrates-his-88th-birthday-4041): Pope Francis turns 88 today! Pray for him as he leads the Church. This week on Vaticano: Notre Dame reopens, AI at the Vatican, and Cardinal Grech on the synod!
- [In Meeting With France’s Macron, Pope Shares Prayer For Having A Sense Of Humor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-meeting-with-frances-macron-pope-shares-prayer-for-having-a-sense-of-humor-4037): Pope Francis met French President Emmanuel Macron in Corsica on Sunday, discussing global issues and sharing a lighthearted moment about the value of humor.
- [Pope Francis To Filipino Community In Spain: The Church ‘Is A Warm And Welcoming Home’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-filipino-community-in-spain-the-church-is-a-warm-and-welcoming-home-4035): Pope Francis welcomed members of a Filipino community living in Spain to the Vatican on Monday, reminding them that they have a home in every country where the Catholic Church is present.
- [Vatican News: 71st Miracle Recognized At Lourdes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-71st-miracle-recognized-at-lourdes-4033-2): Notre Dame reopens with first Mass after its fire; Pope Francis urges Christmas ceasefires; Indian bishops call for Christian safety; Lourdes confirms its 71st miracle.
- [Vatican News: 71st Miracle Recognized At Lourdes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-71st-miracle-recognized-at-lourdes-4033): Notre Dame reopens with first Mass after its fire; Pope Francis urges Christmas ceasefires; Indian bishops call for Christian safety; Lourdes confirms its 71st miracle.
- [Pope Francis: St. Lucy Is An Example Of Female Leadership In The Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-st-lucy-is-an-example-of-female-leadership-in-the-church-4031-2): On the feast day of St. Lucy, Dec. 13, Pope Francis said that “we need women’s work and their word in a Church that reaches out that it may be leaven and light in the culture and in our lives together.”
- [Pope Francis: St. Lucy Is An Example Of Female Leadership In The Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-st-lucy-is-an-example-of-female-leadership-in-the-church-4031): On the feast day of St. Lucy, Dec. 13, Pope Francis said that “we need women’s work and their word in a Church that reaches out that it may be leaven and light in the culture and in our lives together.”
- [Bethlehem Artist Defends Presence Of Palestinian Keffiyeh In Nativity Scene After Backlash](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bethlehem-artist-defends-presence-of-palestinian-keffiyeh-in-nativity-scene-after-backlash-4029): A Nativity scene from Bethlehem artisans sparked controversy for featuring a Palestinian keffiyeh on baby Jesus, but the organizer says it was a last-minute choice to symbolize Palestinians.
- [Pope Francis Calls On Vatican Christmas Concert Artists To Promote Peace, Reconciliation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-on-vatican-christmas-concert-artists-to-promote-peace-reconciliation-4025-2): Pope Francis called on musicians and artists to serve as “angels of peace” during his address to participants of the 2024 Vatican Christmas Concert on Saturday.
- [Pope Francis Calls On Vatican Christmas Concert Artists To Promote Peace, Reconciliation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-on-vatican-christmas-concert-artists-to-promote-peace-reconciliation-4025): Pope Francis called on musicians and artists to serve as “angels of peace” during his address to participants of the 2024 Vatican Christmas Concert on Saturday.
- [Pope Francis Praises Faith Of Catholics In French Corsica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praises-faith-of-catholics-in-french-corsica-4023-2): Pope Francis received a warm welcome on the Mediterranean island of Corsica for a one day visit to the city of Ajaccio, the capital of the French island region.
- [Pope Francis Praises Faith Of Catholics In French Corsica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praises-faith-of-catholics-in-french-corsica-4023): Pope Francis received a warm welcome on the Mediterranean island of Corsica for a one day visit to the city of Ajaccio, the capital of the French island region.
- [AI & The Vatican: Advancing Research & Unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ai-and-the-vatican-advancing-research-and-unity-4021-2): The Pontifical Oriental Institute combines ancient wisdom with cutting-edge AI technology, preserving texts and fostering global access to knowledge and reconciliation.           
- [AI & The Vatican: Advancing Research & Unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ai-and-the-vatican-advancing-research-and-unity-4021): The Pontifical Oriental Institute combines ancient wisdom with cutting-edge AI technology, preserving texts and fostering global access to knowledge and reconciliation.           
- [Towards a Synodal Future: Insights From Cardinal Grech](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/towards-a-synodal-future-insights-from-cardinal-grech-4019-2): In an exclusive interview, Cardinal Mario Grech shares insights on the Synod on Synodality, highlighting its focus on mission, communion, and the Church’s identity as the holy people of God.
- [Towards a Synodal Future: Insights From Cardinal Grech](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/towards-a-synodal-future-insights-from-cardinal-grech-4019): In an exclusive interview, Cardinal Mario Grech shares insights on the Synod on Synodality, highlighting its focus on mission, communion, and the Church’s identity as the holy people of God.
- [The Jubilee's Most Unique Door](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilees-most-unique-door-4017-2): On December 26, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at Rome’s Rebibbia Prison, a profound symbol of hope for inmates and prison staff worldwide.
- [The Jubilee's Most Unique Door](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilees-most-unique-door-4017): On December 26, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at Rome’s Rebibbia Prison, a profound symbol of hope for inmates and prison staff worldwide.
- [21 New Cardinals: Pope Francis' Vision For The Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/21-new-cardinals-pope-francis-vision-for-the-church-4015-2): Pope Francis creates 21 new cardinals, calling them to be "hinges" of the Church, fostering unity, healing, and service worldwide.
- [21 New Cardinals: Pope Francis' Vision For The Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/21-new-cardinals-pope-francis-vision-for-the-church-4015): Pope Francis creates 21 new cardinals, calling them to be "hinges" of the Church, fostering unity, healing, and service worldwide.
- [The Spiritual Rebirth Of Notre Dame Cathedral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/spiritual-rebirth-of-notre-dame-cathedral-4013-2): After five years of restoration, Notre Dame Cathedral stands renewed, symbolizing hope and faith for Catholics worldwide.
- [The Spiritual Rebirth Of Notre Dame Cathedral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/spiritual-rebirth-of-notre-dame-cathedral-4013): After five years of restoration, Notre Dame Cathedral stands renewed, symbolizing hope and faith for Catholics worldwide.
- [5 things to know about popular piety and Pope Francis’ trip to Corsica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-things-to-know-about-popular-piety-and-pope-francis-trip-to-corsica-4011): On Dec. 15, Pope Francis will visit Corsica to speak on popular piety in the Mediterranean, emphasizing its role in evangelization and community faith. 
- [Pope Francis: Throughout your life, listen to Our Lady of Guadalupe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-throughout-your-life-listen-to-our-lady-of-guadalupe-4009): During Mass on Dec. 12, Pope Francis emphasized the comforting words of Our Lady of Guadalupe: “Am I not here, I who am your mother?” 
- [Pope Francis meets Palestinian leader Abbas amid Gaza crisis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-palestinian-leader-abbas-amid-gaza-crisis-4007): During a 30-minute meeting at the Vatican, Pope Francis and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas emphasized dialogue and diplomacy as the path to peace in the Holy Land.
- [Pope Francis releases World Day of Peace message, renews call to end death penalty](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-releases-world-day-of-peace-message-renews-call-to-end-death-penalty-4005): In his message for the 58th World Day of Peace, Pope Francis calls for personal, cultural, and structural transformation to build a lasting peace.
- [Cardinal Grech: Why the Synod Marks a Turning Point for the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-grech-why-the-synod-marks-a-turning-point-for-the-church-4003): In an exclusive interview with EWTN, Cardinal Mario Grech shares post-Synod insights, emphasizing the need for spiritual conversion over structural reform, Pope Francis’ groundbreaking approach, and the dynamic involvement of the People of God.
- [Organizers And supporters Reluctant To Discuss Planned LGBT Jubilee Day In Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/organizers-and-supporters-reluctant-to-discuss-planned-lgbt-jubilee-day-in-rome-4001): An Italian association of LGBT Christians has said it has received official Vatican approval to make a pilgrimage to next year’s jubilee in Rome.
- [Pope Francis Is A Proponent Of ​​Popular Piety, Expert Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-is-a-proponent-of-popular-piety-expert-says-3999): On Dec. 15, the pope will visit the city of Ajaccio, the capital of the French island, to close a conference on popular religiosity in the Mediterranean
- [Explainer: What Do Dicastery For The Doctrine Of The Faith Consultants Do?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/explainer-what-do-dicastery-for-the-doctrine-of-the-faith-consultants-do-3995): The DDF, the Vatican body responsible for questions of doctrinal orthodoxy in the Catholic Church, has a group of outside consultants. What is their role?
- [Pope Francis: Gentleness, Respect Are More Effective Than ‘The Strength Of Arguments’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-gentleness-respect-are-more-effective-than-the-strength-of-arguments-3993): Pope Francis told thousands of pilgrims attending his general audience on Wednesday that “the strength of arguments” is not enough to convince people about Jesus Christ and his Church.
- [Why Cardinals Get Roman Churches: Understanding Pope Francis’ Use Of Titular Parishes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-cardinals-get-roman-churches-understanding-pope-francis-use-of-titular-parishes-3991): On Dec. 7, Pope Francis created 21 new cardinals, giving them a scarlet zucchetto, biretta, a cardinalatial ring, and a Roman church.
- [World’s Youngest Cardinal Is Just 44 Years Old](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/worlds-youngest-cardinal-is-just-44-years-old-3989): Among the new cardinals created by Pope Francis on Dec. 7, 44-year-old Cardinal Mykola Bychok, CSSR, stands out as the youngest cardinal. He leads the Eparchy of Sts. Peter and Paul for Ukrainian Catholics in Oceania.
- [Nancy Pelosi Criticizes Pope Francis’ China Deal In Interview](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/nancy-pelosi-criticizes-pope-francis-china-deal-in-interview-3987): Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi criticized Pope Francis for the Vatican’s deal with China regarding bishop appointments during an interview with the National Catholic Reporter published on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
- [Vatican: Former Choir Director, Manager Convicted of Embezzlement, Abuse of Office](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-former-choir-director-manager-convicted-of-embezzlement-abuse-of-office-3985): A pair of former Vatican officials has been found guilty of embezzlement and abuse of office.
- [Vaticano Updates: Pope Francis Plans to Visit Turkey](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticano-updates-pope-francis-plans-to-visit-turkey-3983): Pope Francis has invited Orthodox leaders to jointly celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea in 2025.
- [What Pope Francis’ Synod Decision Says About His Governing Style](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-pope-francis-synod-decision-says-about-his-governing-style-3981): ANALYSIS: The Holy Father was following a familiar mode of operating when he accepted the Synod on Synodality’s final document and then took action to underscore that it is now part of the Church’s ordinary magisterium.
- [Pope Francis: Theology Can Be A ‘Guide On The Journey’ Through A Midlife Crisis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-theology-can-be-a-guide-on-the-journey-through-a-midlife-crisis-3979): Pope Francis on Monday spoke of his desire for theology courses to be “accessible to all."
- [Vatican Could Reportedly Restrict Latin Mass for Chartres Pilgrimage, French Media Claims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-could-reportedly-restrict-latin-mass-for-chartres-pilgrimage-french-media-claims-3977): The Vatican Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments is reportedly looking into enforcing restrictions on the Latin Mass at the annual Chartres pilgrimage, according to a French media outlet.
- [New cardinals emphasize Church unity, evangelization ahead of consistory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-cardinals-emphasize-church-unity-evangelization-ahead-of-consistory-3975): Several cardinal who received their red hats from Pope Francis this weekend emphasized the importance of serving the Church’s universal mission while addressing contemporary challenges facing their local Churches.
- [What Does It Mean That Almost half of the New Cardinals Are From Religious Orders?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-does-it-mean-that-almost-half-of-the-new-cardinals-are-from-religious-orders-3973): Out of the 21 cardinals who were created Dec. 7 in Pope Francis’ 10th consistory at the Vatican, 10 new cardinals — almost half — are members of religious congregations or institutes.
- [Cardinal Pizzaballa: Pope Francis Calls Holy Family Church in Gaza Every Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-pizzaballa-pope-francis-calls-holy-family-church-in-gaza-every-day-3971): Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, said on Friday that Pope Francis is known by the children of Holy Family Church in Gaza as “the grandfather.”
- [Pope Francis: Notre Dame Reopening Shows ‘Sadness and Mourning Give Way to Joy’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-notre-dame-reopening-shows-sadness-and-mourning-give-way-to-joy-3969): As the iconic Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris reopened its doors five years after a devastating fire, Pope Francis on Saturday called the church’s restoration a “prophetic sign” of the Church’s renewal in France.
- [Notre Dame Cathedral ‘Back in the Light’ After Glorious Reopening](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/notre-dame-cathedral-back-in-the-light-after-glorious-reopening-3967): The doors of the newly restored Notre-Dame of Paris Cathedral were officially reopened to the public during a ceremony Saturday evening just over five years after a blaze ravaged the iconic structure’s roof, frame, and spire.
- [Pope Francis Links Mary’s Humility to Modern Church at Mass with New Cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-links-marys-humility-to-modern-church-at-mass-with-new-cardinals-3965): Pope Francis celebrated Mass with the College of Cardinals on Sunday in St. Peter’s Basilica, concluding a historic week that welcomed 21 new cardinals.
- [World Leaders Must Broker Christmas Peace, Pope Francis Urges During Angelus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-leaders-must-broker-christmas-peace-pope-francis-urges-during-angelus-3963): Pope Francis issued a heartfelt plea for peace during the Sunday Angelus on the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, urging international leaders to broker ceasefires in conflict zones by Christmas.
- [PHOTOS: Pope Francis Marks Immaculate Conception in Rome with Prayer, Surprise Art Visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-francis-marks-immaculate-conception-in-rome-with-prayer-surprise-art-visit-3961): Pope Francis celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday with visits to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the Spanish Steps, and a cherished painting.
- [Analysis: What Pope Francis’ new cardinals reveal about future conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/analysis-what-pope-francis-new-cardinals-reveal-about-future-conclave-3959): The number of cardinal electors is the most critical data point to emerge from this weekend’s consistory. Of the 140 cardinal electors, 110 have been created by Pope Francis, 24 by Benedict XVI, and six by St. John Paul II.
- [The Sacred Home of Mary in Loreto](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sacred-home-of-mary-in-loreto-3957): The Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy House, perched on the hilltop town of Loreto in Central Italy, is one of the most famous and precious Marian Shrines in the world.
- [Our Lady of the Revelation: The Message of Tre Fontane](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/our-lady-of-the-revelation-the-message-of-tre-fontane-3955): The Roman sanctuary of Tre Fontane, a place of prayer and conversion, today stands as a symbol of hope in a world devastated by wars and suffering.
- [In the Footsteps of the English Martyrs](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-the-footsteps-of-the-english-martyrs-3953): Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Venerable English College has been forming men to the priesthood since the English Reformation, an extremely dangerous time for Catholics.
- [Never Forget Auschwitz Horrors, Pope Francis Says Ahead of 80th Anniversary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/never-forget-auschwitz-horrors-pope-francis-says-ahead-of-80th-anniversary-4337): Ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Pope Francis emphasized that the horrors of Auschwitz “must never be forgotten or denied."
- [Word of God Sunday: Scripture Expert Explains Why the Bible is ‘Modern,’ How to Preach Well](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/word-of-god-sunday-scripture-expert-explains-why-the-bible-is-modern-how-to-preach-well-4335): A Scripture expert who is now the official preacher of Pope Francis has explained what makes the Bible “modern” and why knowledge of the word of God is important for evangelization.
- [Why Cardinal Czerny and Sculptor Timothy Schmalz Brought ‘Angels Unawares’ to the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-cardinal-czerny-and-sculptor-timothy-schmalz-brought-angels-unawares-to-the-vatican-4333): Canadians Cardinal Michael Czerny and sculptor Timothy P. Schmalz on Thursday in Rome spoke about evangelization through art as part of festivities linked to the Jan. 24–26 Jubilee of the World of Communications.
- [Pope Francis sends delegation to Syria to support reconstruction](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sends-delegation-to-syria-to-support-reconstruction-4331): Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, sent by Pope Francis, is visiting Syria until Jan. 29 to deliver the pope’s blessing to Catholics and support the country’s reconstruction.
- [Vatican issues guide on richness of Eastern Catholic Churches](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-issues-guide-on-richness-of-eastern-catholic-churches-4329): The Dicastery for the Eastern Churches has prepared a pastoral guide for the 2025 Jubilee of the Eastern Churches, to be celebrated May 12–14, in order to make known the richness of the Christian traditions of the Eastern world.
- [Pope Francis taps travel agent Cardinal Koovakad to lead Interreligious Dialogue dicastery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-taps-travel-agent-cardinal-koovakad-to-lead-interreligious-dialogue-dicastery-4327): Pope Francis has appointed his personal travel agent and new cardinal, George Jacob Koovakad, to lead the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, following the death last year of Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot.
- [The Philippines’ Newest Cardinal Shares His Conclave Criteria](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/philippines-newest-cardinal-shares-his-conclave-criteria-4325): Next Pope: deeply spiritual, pastoral, rooted in Scripture and apostolic tradition, embodying Jesus' radical compassion and the vibrancy of a local Church.
- [New Chinese Bishop Ordained Under Vatican-China Agreement](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-chinese-bishop-ordained-under-vatican-china-agreement-4323): The Vatican announced this week that Pope Francis has erected a new diocese in China and appointed Father Anthony Ji Weizhong as its first bishop.
- [Pope Francis Approves Transfer of Chinese Bishop to Diocese of Fuzhou](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-approves-transfer-of-chinese-bishop-to-diocese-of-fuzhou-4321): The Vatican announced Thursday that Pope Francis had approved the transfer of Bishop Joseph Cai Bingrui from the Diocese of Xiamen to the Diocese of Fuzhou, both in the southeast Chinese province of Fujian.
- [Pope Francis to World Economic Forum: AI Must Serve Human Dignity, Not Violate it](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-world-economic-forum-ai-must-serve-human-dignity-ot-violate-it-4319): Pope Francis on Thursday released his message to global leaders attending the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, this week, telling attendees that artificial intelligence (AI) must ultimately serve humanity and the common good.
- [Sodality of Christian Life Reports It Made Reparations to 83 Victims of Abuse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sodality-of-christian-life-reports-it-made-reparations-to-83-victims-of-abuse-4317): The Sodality of Christian Life, dissolved by Pope Francis, reported providing reparations to 83 abuse victims through out-of-court settlements between May 2016 and Dec. 2024.
- [Pope Francis At General Audience: Jesus Gives Us The ‘Grace of Not Fearing’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-general-audience-jesus-gives-us-the-grace-of-not-fearing-4315): Pope Francis on Wednesday continued his yearlong jubilee catechesis series on “Jesus Christ Our Hope,” emphasizing that those who trust in God have no reason to fear.
- [Persecution of Christians Worse Than Ever Before](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/persecution-of-christians-worse-than-ever-before-4313): Nigeria remains at the epicenter of this crisis. Fides reports that 13 Catholic missionaries were murdered worldwide last year, with Africa facing the worst violence.
- [Cardinal Schönborn Retires as Vienna Archbishop on 80th Birthday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-schoenborn-retires-as-vienna-archbishop-on-80th-birthday-4311): Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, OP, concluded his term as archbishop of Vienna, Austria, on Wednesday, his 80th birthday, when Pope Francis accepted his resignation.
- [Cardinal Sarah Publishes New Book ‘Does God Exist?’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-sarah-publishes-new-book-does-god-exist-4309): “Does God Exist?: The Cry of Man Asking for Salvation” is the title of a new interview book by Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect emeritus of the Congregation — now Dicastery — for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
- [Pope Francis Appoints Austin, Texas, Bishop Joe Vásquez as Archbishop of Galveston-Houston](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-austin-texas-bishop-joe-vasquez-as-archbishop-of-galveston-houston-4307): Pope Francis named Austin Bishop Joe Vásquez to replace 75-year-old Cardinal Daniel DiNardo as head of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
- [Italian Nun Raffaella Petrini to Head Vatican Governorate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-nun-raffaella-petrini-to-head-vatican-governorate-4305): In less than a month and a half, Pope Francis will install Franciscan nun Raffaella Petrini as head of the General Secretariat of the Government of the Vatican City State.
- [Pope Francis Emphasizes ‘Ecumenical Vocation’ of All Christians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-emphasizes-ecumenical-vocation-of-all-christians-4303): Pope Francis on Monday emphasized the ecumenical vocation shared by Christians during an audience held at the Vatican with Finnish representatives of various Christian denominations.
- [Celebrating Christian Unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/celebrating-christian-unity-4301): Pope's pilgirmage to Nicaea, 800 years of Canticle of the Creatures, Pope calls for global peace in "State of the World," New Papal Preacher, 21 Baptized in Sistine Chapel.
- [The Origins of St. Agnes, Child Saint and Martyr](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/origins-of-st-agnes-child-saint-and-martyr-4299): The life and martyrdom of St. Agnes are shrouded in varied stories. While her burial site, age, and place of death are known, much about her life remains uncertain.
- [Sodality of Christian Life Dissolved by Pope Francis, Apostolate Confirms](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sodality-of-christian-life-dissolved-by-pope-francis-apostolate-confirms-4297): The Sodality of Christian Life confirmed on Monday that Pope Francis has decided to dissolve the society of apostolic life without going into further details about how the process will be carried out.
- [Pope Francis Invokes Blessings on U.S. as Trump Begins Presidency](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-invokes-blessings-on-us-as-trump-begins-presidency-4295): On the occasion of Trump's inauguration as the 47th president of the United States, Pope Francis offers prayers for “wisdom, strength, and protection” in the exercise of his duties and invoking blessings upon the “beloved American people.”
- [Vatican News: Sister Clare Crockett's Beatification Cause Opens](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-sister-clare-crocketts-beatification-cause-opens-4293): Pope Francis releases Hope, his first autobiography; Don Giovanni Merlini is beatified; Sister Clare Crockett’s sainthood cause begins; Biden honors the pope; Jubilee audiences inspire hope in pilgrims.
- [Catholic Leaders Welcome Gaza Ceasefire and Renewed Holy Land Pilgrimages](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-leaders-welcome-gaza-ceasefire-and-renewed-holy-land-pilgrimages-4291): Catholic leaders in the Holy Land expressed cautious optimism this week that pilgrims will be able to return to the region amid a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza, which went into effect on Sunday.
- [Pope Calls Potential U.S. Deportation Plans ‘A Disgrace’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-calls-potential-us-deportation-plans-a-disgrace-4289): Pope Francis criticized potential plans for mass deportations in the United States under President-elect Donald Trump during a wide-ranging Italian television interview on Sunday.
- [Pope Francis Thanks Mediators for Brokering Latest Cease-Fire Deal in Gaza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-thanks-mediators-for-brokering-latest-cease-fire-deal-in-gaza-4287): Pope Francis on Sunday thanked the mediators who brokered the latest cease-fire deal in Gaza which came into effect on Jan. 19.
- [Cardinal Pizzaballa on Truce Between Israel and Hamas: ‘It was Absolutely Necessary’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-pizzaballa-on-truce-between-israel-and-hamas-it-was-absolutely-necessary-4285): Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, believes the ceasefire agreement reached by Israel and Hamas was “absolutely necessary” and called for immediate attention to be given to food, health, and educational needs.
- [Cuba’s Release of Prisoners Motivated by Economics and Politics, Expert Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cubas-release-of-prisoners-motivated-by-economics-and-politics-expert-says-4283): Cuba’s release of 553 prisoners is seen by analysts and opposition as a “swap” to gain U.S. economic benefits, including removal from the terrorism sponsor list.
- [Pope Highlights Swiss Guard’s Jubilee Year Service to Pilgrims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-highlights-swiss-guards-jubilee-year-service-to-pilgrims-4281): As millions of pilgrims are expected for the jubilee year in Rome, Pope Francis praised the patient service of the Swiss Guard and support for their families on Saturday.
- [Italian Farmers Come to the Vatican for Blessing of Animals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-farmers-come-to-the-vatican-for-blessing-of-animals-4279): Italian farmers, who are among this year’s pilgrims of hope for the 2025 Jubilee, brought their animals to the Vatican on Friday to be blessed by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti on the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot.
- [Franciscan Expert On Artificial Intelligence Addresses Its Ethical Challenges](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/franciscan-expert-on-artificial-intelligence-addresses-its-ethical-challenges-4275): Franciscan friar Paolo Benanti, an expert in artificial intelligence (AI), warned of its ethical risks during a colloquium organized by the Paul VI Foundation in Madrid.
- [1,600 of Rome’s Poor Attend ‘Bernadette of Lourdes’ Premiere](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/1600-of-romes-poor-attend-bernadette-of-lourdes-premiere-4273): A musical that tells the story of St. Bernadette, visionary of Our Lady of Lourdes, made its debut in Rome on Jan. 14. The premiere was reserved for a select group of guests: 1,600 people from low-income families.
- [Inside the Sistine Chapel: A Special Baptism Ceremony with Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inside-the-sistine-chapel-a-special-baptism-ceremony-with-pope-francis-4271): Pope Francis baptized 21 babies in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel on Sunday, continuing a cherished tradition.
- [Pope Francis' Message to Diplomats Condemns Cancel Culture and Defends the Right to Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-message-to-diplomats-condemns-cancel-culture-and-defends-the-right-to-life-4269): Pope Francis opened his annual meeting with Holy See diplomats by calling for unity. A meeting both formal and familial, the Pope urged nations to focus on shared bonds over divisions.
- [How This Friar Became the Pope’s Personal Preacher](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-this-friar-became-the-popes-personal-preacher-4267): After a remarkable 44 years of preaching done by Raniero Cantalamessa, last December Father Roberto Pasolini was appointed as the new Preacher of the Papal Household.
- [The Song That Changed History: Celebrating 800 Years of St. Francis’s Canticle of the Creatures](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/song-that-changed-history-celebrating-800-years-of-st-franciss-canticle-of-the-creatures-4265): In 1225, ailing and nearly blind, St. Francis of Assisi composed the timeless Canticle of the Creatures, celebrating creation's beauty and life's mystery.
- [Christian Unity In The Jubilee Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christian-unity-in-the-jubilee-year-4263): The pursuit of Christian unity has been a central mission of the Church, since the Second Vatican Council. Now, in the Jubilee Year of Hope, this mission takes centre stage in Rome.
- [Vatican Secretary Of State Calls Cuba Prisoner Release ‘A Sign Of Great Hope’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-secretary-of-state-calls-cuba-prisoner-release-a-sign-of-great-hope-4261): The Vatican’s top diplomat has called the gradual release of 553 prisoners in Cuba “a sign of great hope” at the beginning of the Catholic Church’s jubilee year.
- [Vatican: Pope Francis Suffers Bruised Arm From Fall](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-pope-francis-suffers-bruised-arm-from-fall-4259): The Vatican said Thursday that Pope Francis had suffered a “contusion” on his right forearm after falling at his residence that same morning.
- [Israel And Hamas Agree To Ceasefire Deal In Gaza, Includes Hostage Release](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/israel-and-hamas-agree-to-ceasefire-deal-in-gaza-includes-hostage-release-4257): Israel and Hamas forces have agreed to a ceasefire deal that will pause fighting in Gaza and facilitate a hostage exchange, according to several news reports on Wednesday afternoon. 
- [Pope Francis To Give Monthly Bonus To Vatican City Employees With 3 Or More Children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-give-monthly-bonus-to-vatican-city-employees-with-3-or-more-children-4255): At Pope Francis’ request, the Vatican will now pay a monthly bonus of 300 euros (around $309) per family to employees of the city-state who have three or more children, giving credibility to his frequent warnings about countries’ low fertility rates.
- [Rome To Host Ecumenical Vigil During Week Of Prayer For Christian Unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-to-host-ecumenical-vigil-during-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-4253): On Jan. 25, the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, Pope Francis will conclude this week of prayer with vespers in St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica at 5:30 p.m. Rome time.
- [Pope Francis Calls For Global Commitment To Eradicate Child Labor And Exploitation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-for-global-commitment-to-eradicate-child-labor-and-exploitation-4251): Pope Francis on Wednesday called for a global commitment to eradicate child labor, saying injustices committed against “the invisible little ones” are a gross violation against God’s commandments.
- [Cuban Government Announces Release Of 553 Prisoners Through Mediation Of Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cuban-government-announces-release-of-553-prisoners-through-mediation-of-pope-francis-4249): The Cuban government announced the release of 553 prisoners through the mediation of Pope Francis “in the spirit of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025.”
- [A Look At Vatican City’s New Artificial Intelligence Law](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/look-at-vatican-citys-new-artificial-intelligence-law-4247): The Vatican City State’s first decree regulating the use of artificial intelligence quietly came into effect this month prohibiting discriminatory uses of AI.
- [Vatican Cracks Down On Illegal Entry Into Its Territory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-cracks-down-on-illegal-entry-into-its-territory-4245): The Vatican City State has toughened sanctions for those who try to illegally enter its territory in areas where free access is not allowed.
- [Italian Bishop Denies Policy Change On Ordination Of Homosexuals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-bishop-denies-policy-change-on-ordination-of-homosexuals-4243): Bishop Stefano Manetti of Fiesole, Italy, president of the bishops’ commission for the clergy and consecrated life, clarifies the text titled “The Formation of Priests in Italian Churches: Guidelines and Rules for Seminaries.”
- [Celebrating The Jubilee Where The Church Began](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/celebrating-the-jubilee-where-the-church-began-4241): While few Holy Land Christians will be able to travel to Rome for the special yearlong celebration, they will celebrate the jubilee where the Church began.
- [Historic Italian Naval Ship Chosen To Be A Jubilee Church In 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/historic-italian-naval-ship-chosen-to-be-a-jubilee-church-in-2025-4239): The Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian naval ship named after the 15th-century explorer that inspired the name “America,” has been designated a 2025 Jubilee church.
- [Sister Clare Crockett’s Beatification Cause Opens In Spain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sister-clare-crocketts-beatification-cause-opens-in-spain-4237): The beatification cause of Sister Clare Crockett, an inspirational young Irish religious sister who died in 2016, formally opened Sunday.
- [Pope Francis Sends Prayers, Condolences As Los Angeles Battles Wildfires](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sends-prayers-condolences-as-los-angeles-battles-wildfires-4235): Pope Francis expressed his condolences Saturday to Los Angeles communities affected by devastating wildfires that have destroyed homes and churches, including the historic Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
- [PHOTOS: New Jubilee Tour Of Vatican Gardens At Castel Gandolfo Highlights Beauty Of Creation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-new-jubilee-tour-of-vatican-gardens-at-castel-gandolfo-highlights-beauty-of-creation-4233): A new tour of the Vatican Gardens at the pope’s summer palace in Castel Gandolfo is opening in the spring for jubilee pilgrims.
- [Argentine Businessman Enrique Shaw Moves Closer To Beatification](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/argentine-businessman-enrique-shaw-moves-closer-to-beatification-4231): The cause for canonization of Argentine businessman Enrique Shaw took another step forward this week as the alleged miracle attributed to his intercession passed the medical stage.
- [Pope Francis Welcomes Jubilee Pilgrims: ‘Begin Again With Hope’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-welcomes-jubilee-pilgrims-begin-again-with-hope-4229): Pope Francis kicked off the first Saturday jubilee audience of 2025 by urging pilgrims to embrace hope as a divine strength that enables new beginnings, drawing inspiration from St. John the Baptist.
- [India’s Syro-Malabar Church Reshuffles Leadership Amid Liturgical Row](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/indias-syro-malabar-church-reshuffles-leadership-amid-liturgical-row-4227): The Syro-Malabar Church announced a significant leadership change on Saturday as Archbishop Joseph Pamplany was appointed vicar of the major archbishop for the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly.
- [Journalists To Gather In Rome For Jubilee Of The World Of Communications](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/journalists-to-gather-in-rome-for-jubilee-of-the-world-of-communications-4225): At the end of this month, Rome will host the first jubilee event of the holy year to take place following the opening of the Holy Doors: the Jubilee of the World of Communications.
- [Pope Francis: Baptism A ‘New Birthday,’ Faith The ‘Greatest Gift’ For Children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-baptism-a-new-birthday-faith-the-greatest-gift-for-children-4223): Pope Francis on Sunday celebrated the feast of the Baptism of the Lord by baptizing 21 babies in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and praying the Angelus with pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.
- [The Elephant That Captivated The Pope And Lived In The Vatican gardens](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/elephant-that-captivated-the-pope-and-lived-in-the-vatican-gardens-4221): At the Jan. 8 audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis and attendees enjoyed a circus show with acrobatics and two animatronic elephants stealing the spotlight.
- [Jewish Leaders Ask Pope Francis To Stop ‘Making Incendiary Comments’ About Gaza War](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jewish-leaders-ask-pope-francis-to-stop-making-incendiary-comments-about-gaza-war-4219): The COP urged Pope Francis, a peace advocate, to avoid “incendiary comments” about the Israel-Hamas war, stressing his calls for peace and civilian protection.
- [Hope Does Not Disappoint](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hope-does-not-disappoint-4217): Amid darkness and strife, Holy Year 2025 shines as a beacon of hope. Pope Francis calls it the Jubilee of Hope: "Hope does not disappoint" (SPES NON CONFUNDIT).
- [The Vatican & The Eastern Churches](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-and-the-eastern-churches-4215): In an exclusive interview, Andreas Thonhauser of EWTN's Vatican Bureau spoke with Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, about the challenges and values of Middle Eastern Christians.
- [The Holy Door In St. Paul](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-door-in-st-paul-4213): At the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, Cardinal James Harvey opened the fifth and final Holy Door for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee of Hope.
- [Holy Mass for Pope Benedict XVI in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-mass-for-pope-benedict-xvi-in-rome-4211): On the morning of December 31st, Cardinal Kurt Koch celebrated a pontifical Mass at Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s tomb, marking the second anniversary of the pope’s passing.
- [Analysis: Pope’s Peace Diplomacy In Era Of Multiple Wars](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/analysis-popes-peace-diplomacy-in-era-of-multiple-wars-4209): Papal diplomacy spans decades, from peace efforts to AI ethics. Pope Francis links war to justice and the environment, tackling challenges like China and Ukraine.
- [Pope Francis Warns Of Polarization, Cites Trump Attack In Address To Diplomats](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-warns-of-polarization-cites-trump-attack-in-address-to-diplomats-4207): Pope Francis urged ambassadors to pursue a “diplomacy of hope” in the 2025 Jubilee, decrying polarization, which he linked to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
- [Vatican To Host Historic Jordan Exhibition On Christianity’s Origins](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-host-historic-jordan-exhibition-on-christianitys-origins-4205): The Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced this week the opening of a historical exhibit in Vatican City titled “Jordan: Dawn of Christianity.”
- [All Holy Doors Are Now Open!](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/all-holy-doors-are-now-open-4203): All five Holy Doors for the 2025 Jubilee are open! Pope Francis marked this milestone with historic gestures, including the first Holy Door in a Roman prison. Join us in honoring Pope Benedict XVI and celebrating sacred music in Rome.
- [Vatican News: The Vatican's First-Ever Female Prefect](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-the-vaticans-first-ever-female-prefect-4201): Historic female Vatican prefect, Epiphany message on God's love, Jordan baptism church, anti-bullying pledge, and Jubilee 2025 pilgrim surge—key updates from Pope Francis.
- [The Transformative Power of Sacred Music in Rome’s Historic Basilicas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/transformative-power-of-sacred-music-in-romes-historic-basilicas-4199): From ancient Gregorian chant to Renaissance polyphony, sacred music has always held a privileged place in the Church's life, emphasizing beauty, holiness, and transcendence.
- [Pope Francis: Christians Have A Duty To Prevent, Condemn Child Exploitation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-christians-have-a-duty-to-prevent-condemn-child-exploitation-4197): Pope Francis used his first general audience of the year to address the scourge of exploitation and violence against children, urging Christians worldwide not to remain indifferent to their pain and suffering.
- [Here’s What To Know About The First Female Vatican Prefect In The Catholic Church’s History](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/heres-what-to-know-about-the-first-female-vatican-prefect-in-the-catholic-churchs-history-4195): Pope Francis has marked another milestone in his pontificate by appointing, for the first time in the history of the Catholic Church, a woman to head a Vatican dicastery.
- [Pope’s Preacher Speaks On His Humanity, Return To Faith, And Being A Bible ‘Expert’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-preacher-speaks-on-his-humanity-return-to-faith-and-being-a-bible-expert-4193): Franciscan Capuchin Father Roberto Pasolini is very comfortable with public speaking — it’s basically his job as a Scripture expert called on to give talks and lead retreats around Italy.
- [More Than 500,000 People Pass Through St. Peter’s Holy Door After Christmas Opening](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/more-than-500000-people-pass-through-st-peters-holy-door-after-christmas-opening-4191): More than half a million people have passed through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, two weeks after its Christmas Eve opening.
- [Pope Accepts Resignation Of Bishop Investigated For Ordinations With Pre-Vatican II Rite](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-accepts-resignation-of-bishop-investigated-for-ordinations-with-pre-vatican-ii-rite-4189): Pope Francis accepted Tuesday the early resignation of French Bishop Dominique Rey of Fréjus-Toulon following years of Vatican scrutiny over the ordination of clerics using pre-Vatican II liturgical books and other concerns.
- [Analysis: Understanding The Vatican’s Novel Leadership Structure Of A Pro-Prefect And A Nun](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/analysis-understanding-the-vaticans-novel-leadership-structure-of-a-pro-prefect-and-a-nun-4187): Pope Francis on Monday created an unprecedented leadership structure at the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life by appointing both a nun as prefect and a cardinal as pro-prefect.
- [Pope Francis On Epiphany: The Star Of The Magi Symbolizes The Love Of God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-on-epiphany-the-star-of-the-magi-symbolizes-the-love-of-god-4185): In his homily at Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 6, the pope said the Magi “were satisfied by a different kind of light, symbolized by the star, which illumines and warms others by allowing itself to burn brightly and be consumed.”
- [Pope Francis Names Polish Priest As New Bishop For Western Australia Diocese](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-polish-priest-as-new-bishop-for-western-australia-diocese-4183): Pope Francis has appointed Father George Kolodziej, SDS, as the new bishop of a vast diocese in Western Australia, the Vatican announced Monday.
- [Pope Francis Appoints First-Ever Woman To Head Vatican Dicastery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-first-ever-woman-to-head-vatican-dicastery-4181): Pope Francis has named for the first time a woman, Sister Simona Brambilla, to head a dicastery of the Roman Curia, continuing to add to the number of women in leadership roles at the Vatican, a hallmark of his pontificate.
- [What’s Next For AI In 2025? Catholic Experts Weigh In](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/whats-next-for-ai-in-2025-catholic-experts-weigh-in-4179): While humanity continues to debate its uses, merits, dangers, opportunities, and ethics, the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) continues apace, making it difficult for anyone to guess just how it might shape the world in 2025.
- [Pope Francis Names Cardinal Robert McElroy To Lead Washington, D.C. Archdiocese](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-names-cardinal-robert-mcelroy-to-lead-washington-dc-archdiocese-4177): Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy, bishop of San Diego, to lead the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., the Vatican announced Monday.
- [American Cardinal Opens Final Jubilee Holy Door In Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/american-cardinal-opens-final-jubilee-holy-door-in-rome-4175): American Cardinal James Harvey opened the holy door at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls on Sunday, completing the opening of all five holy doors in Rome for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee of Hope.
- [Pope Attends Episcopal Ordination of Rome’s New Auxiliary Bishop](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-attends-episcopal-ordination-of-romes-new-auxiliary-bishop-4173): Pope Francis attended the episcopal ordination of Rome’s new auxiliary bishop and vicegerent at the Basilica of St. John Lateran Thursday afternoon.
- [Pope Francis Encourages Blind Young People To Be Pilgrims Of Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-encourages-blind-young-people-to-be-pilgrims-of-hope-4171): Pope Francis on Friday welcomed a group of children and young people from the Italian Union of Blind and Partially Sighted People in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall, encouraging them to be pilgrims of hope during the 2025 Jubilee Year.
- [Pope Francis To Teaching Sisters: Leave ‘Vinegar Faces’ Behind, Embrace Joy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-teaching-sisters-leave-vinegar-faces-behind-embrace-joy-4169): Pointing to the perils of pastoral pessimism, Pope Francis urged a congregation of teaching sisters on Saturday to cultivate joy in their ministry, warning them that stern countenances drive people away from the faith.
- [Bullying In Schools ‘Prepares For War, Not Peace,’ Pope Francis Tells Catholic Educators](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bullying-in-schools-prepares-for-war-not-peace-pope-francis-tells-catholic-educators-4167): Pope Francis warned that bullying in schools prepares students for war rather than peace in a powerful appeal to Catholic educators gathered at the Vatican on Saturday.
- [2 Great Icons For The Great Jubilee: St. John Paul II And Blessed Stefan Wyszyński](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/2-great-icons-for-the-great-jubilee-st-john-paul-ii-and-blessed-stefan-wyszynski-4165): COMMENTARY: John Paul was the Church’s teacher of jubilees, drawing upon his experience in Poland.
- [Jubilee 2025: New Year’s Resolutions And Resources](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-2025-new-years-resolutions-and-resources-4163): COMMENTARY: Here are some suggestions for how we can make this jubilee year a time of spiritual renewal in the Catholic Church.
- [Pope Francis ‘Deeply Saddened’ By New Orleans Attack, Offers Prayers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-deeply-saddened-by-new-orleans-attack-offers-prayers-4161): Pope Francis offered his condolences after 15 people were killed in New Orleans when a U.S. Army veteran drove a pickup truck with an Islamic State flag into a crowd celebrating the New Year.
- [How Can The Jubilee Of Hope Strengthen Your Faith? Here’s What You Need To Know](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-can-the-jubilee-of-hope-strengthen-your-faith-heres-what-you-need-to-know-4151): With the beginning of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, there are many questions the faithful may ask.
- [Vatican Sets Funeral For Cardinal Amato As Pope Francis Praises ‘Faithful Servant’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-sets-funeral-for-cardinal-amato-as-pope-francis-praises-faithful-servant-4149): Cardinal Angelo Amato, the former prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints who oversaw numerous significant canonizations including that of Mother Teresa, died Dec. 31. He was 86.
- [PHOTOS: Holy Door Opens At Rome’s Marian Marvel As New Cardinal Highlights Hope At St. Mary Major](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-holy-door-opens-at-romes-marian-marvel-as-new-cardinal-highlights-hope-at-st-mary-major-4147): The pealing of a precious ancient bell marked a momentous beginning to the 2025 Jubilee Year at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, where Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas opened the Holy Door on Jan. 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
- [Why The Church Begins The Year Celebrating Mary, The Mother Of God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-the-church-begins-the-year-celebrating-mary-the-mother-of-god-4145): The liturgical celebration on Jan. 1 has changed over time. What does the Church celebrate?
- [Making A Pilgrimage To Rome For The Jubilee? Here’s What You Should Know](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/making-a-pilgrimage-to-rome-for-the-jubilee-heres-what-you-should-know-4143): One of the most iconic is the Romea Strata, a historic road that has guided travelers from Central and Eastern Europe to Rome.
- [Pope Francis Preaches Peace, Protection Of Life In New Year’s Homily](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-preaches-peace-protection-of-life-in-new-years-homily-4141): Pope Francis began 2025 with a plea for peace and the protection of human life, calling for “a firm commitment to promote respect for the dignity of human life, from conception to natural death” in his New Year’s Day homily.
- [In New Year’s Angelus, Pope Ties Debt Forgiveness To Peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-new-years-angelus-pope-ties-debt-forgiveness-to-peace-4139): Pope Francis marked the Angelus prayer on the first day of 2025 by calling on Christian nations to set an example through debt relief for the world’s poorest countries and renewing his passionate plea for peace in global conflict zones.
- [Here are Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/here-are-pope-francis-prayer-intentions-for-2025-4137): The pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network has released the Holy Father’s list of prayer intentions for the year 2025.
- [Cardinal Koch remembers Benedict XVI and his legacy on second anniversary of death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-koch-remembers-benedict-xvi-and-his-legacy-on-second-anniversary-of-death-4135): Cardinal Kurt Koch celebrated a pontifical Mass at the tomb of Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, marking the second anniversary of the pope emeritus’ death. 
- [Pope Francis: Last day of 2024 a time to reflect on the ‘universal vocation’ of Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-last-day-of-2024-a-time-to-reflect-on-the-universal-vocation-of-rome-4133): Pope Francis celebrated first vespers for the vigil of the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, in St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday, saying the last day of 2024 is a time to reflect and give thanks for the “universal vocation” of Rome.
- [13 Catholic missionaries and pastoral workers reportedly killed worldwide in 2024](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/13-catholic-missionaries-and-pastoral-workers-reportedly-killed-worldwide-in-2024-4131): Thirteen missionaries and pastoral workers were killed in service to the Catholic Church in 2024, according to a new report published on Monday.
- [In Vatican Meetings, Catholic Land Movement Proclaims Faith, Family, And Farming](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-vatican-meetings-catholic-land-movement-proclaims-faith-family-and-farming-4129): Rediscover faith and family through the Catholic Land Movement! Learn how this growing initiative is helping Catholic families return to the land, build community, and glorify God in rural homesteads.
- [Vatican Shares Ailing Pope Francis’ Weekly Catechesis: ‘Jesus Christ Our Hope’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-shares-ailing-pope-francis-weekly-catechesis-jesus-christ-our-hope-4543): As Pope Francis receives treatment for pneumonia at Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican released his jubilee catechesis on “Jesus Christ our hope” Wednesday.
- [Students Use ‘Hands, Head, and Heart’ To Learn Dying Trades at Vatican Art School](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/students-use-hands-head-and-heart-to-learn-dying-trades-at-vatican-art-school-4541): Recent high school and college graduates are studying some of the world’s historic arts and trades at a new school run by St. Peter’s Basilica.
- [Key Cardinals Reconfirmed: Who Leads the College of Cardinals?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/decisive-cardinal-in-case-of-a-conclave-reconfirmed-4539): The dean of cardinals organizes the conclave but can only vote if under 80. Pope Francis reconfirmed two deans, both are over 80: Cardinal Re (91) and Cardinal Sandri (81).
- [Pope Francis Appoints Sr. Raffaella Petrini as New Vatican Governor—Historic Leadership Move](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sister-raffaella-petrini-as-president-of-pontifical-commission-4537): Pope Francis has appointed Sister Raffaella Petrini as president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and president of the Governorate of Vatican City State.
- [The Forgotten Season of Septuagesima Explained: Unveiling the Ancient Pre-Lenten Tradition](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/forgotten-season-of-septuagesima-explained-unveiling-the-ancient-pre-lenten-tradition-4535): Lent prepares us with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for Easter’s joy. The Church once observed Septuagesima, a liturgical time to ready Catholics for Lent’s intensity.
- [Cardinal Parolin: Europe Must Rediscover Itself to Face Major Challenges](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-europe-must-rediscover-itself-to-face-major-challenges-4533): Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said that Europe must “rediscover itself” in order to be able to face the “major challenges” of culture, commerce, and migration.
- [Synod on Synodality Study Groups Discuss Progress at Vatican Meeting](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-study-groups-discuss-progress-at-vatican-meeting-4531): Leaders of the 10 study groups formed out of the 2021–2024 Synod on Synodality met on Tuesday morning to discuss open questions, methodology, challenges, and the delivery of reports, according to a communication from the synod office.
- [Meet 7 ‘Generation X’ Catholics On Their Way To Sainthood](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-7-generation-x-catholics-on-their-way-to-sainthood-4529): Seven members of Generation X — those born between 1965 and 1980 — who, despite their short lives, left a profound legacy of faith and are an example of holiness for new generations.
- [At Vatican Evening Event, Historic St. Peter’s Bell ‘Speaks’ Through New Sound Installation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-vatican-evening-event-historic-st-peters-bell-speaks-through-new-sound-installation-4527): For the Jubilee of Hope, an American artist has created an installation mapping the “soundscape” of one of the historic bells of St. Peter’s Basilica, premiering the work on the night of Feb. 16.
- [Pope Receives Prisoners’ Prayers For Recovery While Hospitalized In Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-receives-prisoners-prayers-for-recovery-while-hospitalized-in-rome-4525): Pope Francis received heartfelt letters from inmates at Milan’s San Vittore prison after his hospitalization forced the cancellation of a planned meeting where the prisoners were to perform in a special concert.
- [A New Generation Of Saints? 6 Millennials On The Road To Canonization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-generation-of-saints-6-millennials-on-the-road-to-canonization-4523): Six young people who lived with deep faith and committed their lives to the Church that Jesus founded are on their way to being proclaimed saints, with most of them currently on the path to beatification.
- [Ecumenical Initiative Calls For Unity To Celebrate Easter Together](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ecumenical-initiative-calls-for-unity-to-celebrate-easter-together-4521): Here are the difficulties in changing the date of Easter to celebrate together with the Orthodox.
- [Sister Raffaella Petrini Appointed President of Vatican Governorate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sister-raffaella-petrini-appointed-president-of-vatican-governorate-4519): Pope Francis has appointed Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE, as president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and president of the Governorate of Vatican City State, the Vatican announced Saturday.
- [Pope Francis’ Message To Artists: Be Witnesses To ‘Revolutionary Vision Of The Beatitudes’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-message-to-artists-be-witnesses-to-revolutionary-vision-of-the-beatitudes-4517): Powerful proclamations to painters, poets, and performers highlighted Pope Francis’ message to artists on Sunday, calling them to participate in the “revolutionary vision of the Beatitudes” and transform suffering into hope.
- [A ‘thumbs up’ to the faithful as Pope Francis released from hospital: LIVE UPDATES](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-hospitalized-live-updates-4515): Live Updates:  Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican said.
- [Pope Francis ‘Peaceful’ After First Night In Rome Hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-peaceful-after-first-night-in-rome-hospital-4513): Pope Francis had a “peaceful night” and read several newspapers Saturday morning following his admission to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis, according to the Vatican.
- [The Story of St. Agnes in Agony in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/story-of-st-agnes-in-agony-in-rome-4511): In this episode of Vaticano, we explore one of the remarkable churches featured in the app—Sant’Agnese in Agone, nestled beside the iconic Piazza Navona.
- [Nicky Gumbel on Evangelization in Today's World](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/nicky-gumbel-on-evangelization-in-todays-world-4509): The Alpha Course is an initiative that has spread across Catholic parishes worldwide, transforming lives and strengthening evangelization efforts.
- [International Day of Prayer against Human Trafficking](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/international-day-of-prayer-against-human-trafficking-4507): The feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, survivor and patron saint of human trafficking victims, on February 8th, shines a light on the ongoing crisis of human trafficking.
- [Jubilee of People with Disabilities](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-people-with-disabilities-4503): The Jubilee for People with Disabilities will take place on April 28-29, as part of the Holy Year celebrations.
- [Jubilee of the Armed Forces](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-the-armed-forces-4501): More than 30,000 people flocked to Rome over the weekend for the second major event of the Holy Year: the Jubilee of the armed forces, police and security personnel.
- [UPDATE: Pope Francis hospitalized at Gemelli for bronchitis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-hospitalized-at-gemelli-for-bronchitis-4499): Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican said.
- [1.3 Million Pilgrims Pass Through St. Peter’s Holy Door In Jubilee’s First Month](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/13-million-pilgrims-pass-through-st-peters-holy-door-in-jubilees-first-month-4497): Since Pope Francis marked the beginning of the 2025 Jubilee Year, 1.3 million people have passed through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
- [Vatican To Host Its First Summit On Longevity In March](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-host-its-first-summit-on-longevity-in-march-4495): The first Vatican Summit on Longevity will take place on March 24, bringing together experts and world leaders to explore the most advanced scientific discoveries and reflect on the fundamental ethical values ​​that guide research in this field.
- [Pope Francis At Wednesday Audience: ‘Let Us Do Penance For Peace’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-wednesday-audience-let-us-do-penance-for-peace-4493): Pope Francis held his general audience in the Vatican on Wednesday despite bronchitis affecting his breathing, with the Holy Father urging people to pray and do penance for peace in the world. 
- [Vatican to Project Chinese Artist's Portraits of Inmates on Prison Exterior](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-project-chinese-artists-portraits-of-inmates-on-prison-exterior-4491): A Chinese artist’s paintings of inmates living inside one of Rome’s most well-known prisons will be projected on the prison building’s exterior and displayed in a new exhibit space near the Vatican as part of 2025 Jubilee initiatives.
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis on U.S. Migration Policies: Defending Human Dignity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-on-us-migration-policies-defending-human-dignity-4489): Here’s a look at the Vatican’s latest updates and the Pope’s key messages.
- [Pope Francis to Paris AI Action Summit: ‘Love is worth more than intelligence’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-paris-ai-action-summit-love-is-worth-more-than-intelligence-4487): Pope Francis told leaders at the AI Summit in Paris that technology must serve and protect humanity.       
- [Pope Francis appoints new auxiliary bishop for Archdiocese of Sydney in Australia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appoints-new-auxiliary-bishop-for-archdiocese-of-sydney-in-australia-4485): Pope Francis appointed Father Anthony Gerard Percy as a new auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Sydney
- [Paris Grand Mosque rector proposes to Pope Francis a meeting between Muslims and Christians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/paris-grand-mosque-rector-proposes-to-pope-francis-a-meeting-between-muslims-and-christians-4483): The rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris proposed a Christian-Muslim meeting with Pope Francis in Paris this year to foster dialogue and fraternity.
- [Pope makes surprise festival appearance with peace plea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-makes-surprise-festival-appearance-with-peace-plea-4481): Pope Francis made a surprise appearance via video message at Italy’s premier musical event on Tuesday
- [Pope Francis to U.S. bishops amid mass deportations: Dignity of migrants comes first](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-us-bishops-amid-mass-deportations-dignity-of-migrants-comes-first-4479): Pope Francis addressed the bishops of the United States about the country’s ongoing mass deportation of unauthorized immigrants.
- [St. Teresa of Calcutta added to Church calendar as optional memorial](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-teresa-of-calcutta-added-to-church-calendar-as-optional-memorial-4477): Pope Francis on Tuesday added the Sept. 5 feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta to the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar as an optional memorial.
- [King Charles and Queen Camilla to visit Pope Francis at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/king-charles-and-queen-camilla-to-visit-pope-francis-at-the-vatican-4473): Buckingham Palace announced in a Feb. 7 statement that King Charles and Queen Camilla of England will travel to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis in April.
- [Pope Francis: Defending Indigenous Rights ‘A Matter Of Justice’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-defending-indigenous-rights-a-matter-of-justice-4471): Defending the rights of Indigenous people is a matter of justice and a way to guarantee a sustainable future for everyone, Pope Francis said in a message on Monday.
- [Vatican Official: People ‘Terrorized’ By U.S. Crackdown On Illegal Immigration](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-official-people-terrorized-by-us-crackdown-on-illegal-immigration-4469): A prominent Vatican cardinal said on Monday that people are being “terrorized” by the U.S. government’s “crackdown” on immigration and freeze of Catholic-run aid programs.
- [Cardinal Koch rejects extreme traditionalist, progressive positions on Vatican II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-koch-rejects-extreme-traditionalist-progressive-positions-on-vatican-ii-4467): In his acceptance speech for the honorary doctorate awarded him by the Catholic University of Valencia, Cardinal Kurt Koch rejected the extreme positions of progressives and traditionalists regarding the Second Vatican Council.
- [PHOTOS: Military, police gather with Pope Francis for Armed Forces jubilee Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-military-police-gather-with-pope-francis-for-armed-forces-jubilee-mass-4465): Pope Francis presided over the Jubilee Mass for Armed Forces, Police and Security Personnel on Sunday
- [Vaticano Update: Pope Francis to Write a Papal Document on Children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticano-update-pope-francis-to-write-a-papal-document-on-children-4463): This week’s Vaticano Updates – the most important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican. 
- [Pope Francis’ Astronomer Shares ‘A Jesuit’s Guide To The Stars’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-astronomer-shares-a-jesuits-guide-to-the-stars-4461): Brother Guy Consolmagno, SJ, director of the Vatican Observatory, has studied the sky for 30 years. He just published his 13th book, *A Jesuit’s Guide to the Stars.*
- [Pope Francis: Keep The Hope That It Is Possible To Eradicate Human Trafficking](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-keep-the-hope-that-it-is-possible-to-eradicate-human-trafficking-4459): In his message for the 11th International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, Pope Francis on Friday encouraged the world to not lose hope in the belief that it is possible to eradicate the scourge of modern slavery.
- [Cardinals Re And Sandri Confirmed As Dean And Vice Dean Of College Of Cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-re-and-sandri-confirmed-as-dean-and-vice-dean-of-college-of-cardinals-4457): Pope Francis extended his approval for Cardinal Re as dean and Cardinal Sandri as vice dean of the College of Cardinals, the Holy See Press Office announced.
- [Bishop Álvarez: ‘I Always Believed In My Liberation And What Sustained Me Was Prayer’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-alvarez-i-always-believed-in-my-liberation-and-what-sustained-me-was-prayer-4455): In an exclusive interview, persecuted Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez, bishop of Matagalpa and apostolic administrator of Estelí, shared with EWTN News his experience one year after his release and arrival in Rome.
- [Man Attacks High Altar Of St. Peter’s Basilica At The Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/man-attacks-high-altar-of-st-peters-basilica-at-the-vatican-4453): A man desecrated the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican by climbing on top of it and throwing six candelabras that were on the altar to the ground, according to the Italian news agency ANSA.
- [Bishop Álvarez First Interview Since Exile From Nicaragua](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-alvarez-first-interview-since-exile-from-nicaragua-4451): For the first time since being released, Mons. Rolando Álvarez sits down for a one-on-one interview with EWTN News.
- [The Guardian Angels of the Pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/guardian-angels-of-the-pope-4449): While the Jubilee of the Armed Forces is in full swing, the Vatican Gendarmerie never rests.
- [Nordic Catholics Unite in Historic Pilgrimage to Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/nordic-catholics-unite-in-historic-pilgrimage-to-rome-4447): For the first time ever, five small Nordic Catholic communities have organized a joint pilgrimage to Rome on the occasion of the 2025 Jubilee.
- [Global Summit On Children’s Rights At The Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/global-summit-on-childrens-rights-at-the-vatican-4443): World leaders met at the Vatican for the Children’s Rights Summit. Before it opened, Pope Francis embraced Roman, a Ukrainian child with burns, a moment symbolizing the event.
- [Pope Francis Urges All Catholics To Be ‘Missionaries Of Hope’ Through Prayer And Action](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-all-catholics-to-be-missionaries-of-hope-through-prayer-and-action-4441): Pope Francis urged Catholics to be "missionaries of hope," joining the Church’s evangelizing mission through prayer and action in his 2025 World Mission Day message.
- [Pope Francis Praises Midwives, OB-GYNs Who Welcome Babies With ‘Humanity’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praises-midwives-ob-gyns-who-welcome-babies-with-humanity-4439): Pope Francis on Thursday encouraged midwives and OB-GYNs to carry out their mission not only with professional skill but also with “a great sense of humanity.”
- [Pope Francis To Take Meetings At Home While Sick With Bronchitis, Vatican Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-take-meetings-at-home-while-sick-with-bronchitis-vatican-says-4437): Pope Francis will hold the next few days of meetings in rooms at his Vatican residence while sick with bronchitis, the Vatican said Thursday.
- [Pope Francis Reiterates Desire For ‘Full Unity’ Among Christians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-reiterates-desire-for-full-unity-among-christians-4435): Pope Francis reiterated his desire for “full unity” with other Christian confessions when he received in audience young priests and monks of the Oriental Orthodox churches.
- [Vatican Gives Definitive Approval To Statutes Of Regnum Christi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-gives-definitive-approval-to-statutes-of-regnum-christi-4433): The Vatican has approved the statutes of the Regnum Christi Federation (RCF) “in a definitive manner.”
- [Pope Francis Highlights Hope For Fifth World Day For Grandparents And The Elderly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-highlights-hope-for-fifth-world-day-for-grandparents-and-the-elderly-4431): Pope Francis has chosen “Blessed Are Those Who Have Not Lost Hope” as the theme for the fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated this year on Sunday, July 27.
- [Pope Francis Prays For Victims, Grieving Families Of Tragic School Shooting In Sweden](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-victims-grieving-families-of-tragic-school-shooting-in-sweden-4429): Pope Francis on Wednesday expressed his spiritual closeness with the people of Sweden after at least 11 people were killed by a gunman at an adult school in Örebro on Feb. 4.
- [Pope Francis: Faith In God Is ‘A Force That Sets Love In Motion’ In The World](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-faith-in-god-is-a-force-that-sets-love-in-motion-in-the-world-4427): Pope Francis on Wednesday continued his catechesis on “Jesus Christ Our Hope,” saying love is the force that compels people, including the Blessed Virgin Mary, to share their faith in God with others.
- [St. Agatha, The Early Church Martyr Who Tradition Says Was Visited By St. Peter](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-agatha-the-early-church-martyr-who-tradition-says-was-visited-by-st-peter-4425): Every Feb. 5, the Church remembers St. Agatha of Catania, a young woman who consecrated her virginity to God and died a martyr’s death during the persecution of the Roman Emperor Decius in the third century.
- [Jesuits To Hold Third World Summit Of Major Superiors In October](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jesuits-to-hold-third-world-summit-of-major-superiors-in-october-4423): Jesuit Superior General Arturo Sosa has called a meeting of major superiors in Rome this October to discuss their mission, poverty, abuse, women's roles, and more.
- [Sodality of Christian Life Dissolution Process Gets Underway](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sodality-of-christian-life-dissolution-process-gets-underway-4421): The Sodality of Christian Life reported that Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu Farnós, an official of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), has been named to carry out the process of dissolving the society of apostolic life.
- [Pope Francis: Carlo Acutis Shows Young People ‘The Fullness Of Life’ In Christ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-carlo-acutis-shows-young-people-the-fullness-of-life-in-christ-4419): Pope Francis said Monday that Blessed Carlo Acutis shows young people that “the fullness of life” in today’s world is found in following Jesus.
- [Pope Francis To Write Papal Document On Theme Of Children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-write-papal-document-on-theme-of-children-4417): Pope Francis received a long round of applause at a Vatican summit on Monday after announcing he intends to make children the theme of a new papal document.
- [Filipino Cardinal Urges Catholics To Report Clerical Abuse To Church And Civil Authorities](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/filipino-cardinal-urges-catholics-to-report-clerical-abuse-to-church-and-civil-authorities-4415): After a U.S abuse watchdog slammed the Philippines’ bishops for not taking action against clergy accused of sexual abuse, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David urged Filipino Catholics to report priests accused of misconduct to both Church and civil authorities.
- [Pope Francis, International Leaders Discuss Children’s Rights at Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-international-leaders-discuss-childrens-rights-at-vatican-4413): Pope Francis and leaders from around the world are meeting at the Vatican this week to discuss the rights of children, including the smallest and most defenseless children — the unborn.
- [Cause For Beatification Of Quadriplegic Who Brought Many Sick People To Christ Advances](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cause-for-beatification-of-quadriplegic-who-brought-many-sick-people-to-christ-advances-4411): The Vatican has validated the diocesan investigation for the beatification cause of the Servant of God Antonino Baglieri, a quadriplegic layman.
- [Pope Francis Tells Ukrainian Youth To Be Patriots, Pursue Peace Through Dialogue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-tells-ukrainian-youth-to-be-patriots-pursue-peace-through-dialogue-4409): Pope Francis urged Ukrainian youth on Saturday to persist in dialogue and patriotism while acknowledging the profound challenges of forgiveness amid ongoing warfare.
- [Pope Francis Calls Consecrated Religious To Be ‘Bearers of Light’ Amid Modern Challenges](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-consecrated-religious-to-be-bearers-of-light-amid-modern-challenges-4407): Pope Francis urged consecrated men and women to become “bearers of light” in today’s world through their faithful witness of the evangelical counsels.
- [Love and Light: Pope Francis Reflects on Christ’s Presentation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/love-and-light-pope-francis-reflects-on-christs-presentation-4405): n Sunday’s Angelus prayer, Pope Francis emphasized how Jesus Christ reveals the ultimate criterion by which all history is judged: love.
- [Vatican Library Exhibition Traces Historic Journeys During Jubilee Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-library-exhibition-traces-historic-journeys-during-jubilee-year-4403): The Vatican Library's new exhibition links historical journeys to modern pilgrimages with rare 19th-century travel documents and contemporary art.
- [In Powerful Jubilee Message, Pope Points To Mary Magdalene’s Transformative Trust](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-powerful-jubilee-message-pope-oints-to-mary-magdalenes-transformative-trust-4401): Pope Francis highlighted Mary Magdalene’s transformative encounter with the risen Christ as a model for personal conversion during a jubilee year audience at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall on Saturday.
- [Pope Francis Shares With Seminarians That His Mom Did Not Want Him To Enter Seminary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-shares-with-seminarians-that-his-mom-did-not-want-him-to-enter-seminary-4399): Pope Francis discussed in a Jan. 30 audience with seminarians and formators from the ecclesiastical province of Valencia in Spain how his mother put up quite a bit of resistance to his entering the seminary.
- [Vatican News: New Vatican Document On AI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-new-vatican-document-on-ai-4397): Vatican news: New document on AI stresses human dignity. Pope marks 80 years since Auschwitz liberation. Survey shows Pope Francis is Italy’s most trusted figure. Delegation sent to Syria.
- [Summer School at Vatican Observatory Offers Unique Opportunity for Young Scientists](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/summer-school-at-vatican-observatory-offers-unique-opportunity-for-young-scientists-4395): The Vatican Observatory’s summer school, known as “Specola,” has already selected students for its next edition.
- [Communicating Hope: Celebrating the Jubilee of Communicators](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/communicating-hope-celebrating-the-jubilee-of-communicators-4393): Hope in Pope Francis' ponticate, the entire Jubilee Year, and the work of communications.
- [Ecumenical Prayer: Journey Towards Jesus in Unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ecumenical-prayer-journey-towards-jesus-in-unity-4391): Last November, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople confirmed ongoing conversations between Church representatives about establishing a common Easter date, potentially beginning in 2025.
- [Caravan for Peace: Silence All Weapons](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/caravan-for-peace-silence-all-weapons-4389): Youth in Rome march for peace, meeting the Pope in St. Peter's Square.
- [Paradisus: Baroque Lightscapes in Sacred Spaces](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/paradisus-baroque-lightscapes-in-sacred-spaces-4387): The blank nave of Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini lights up with the baroque light project of Paradisus during the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year.
- [To Act As A Heart: Sharing Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/to-act-as-a-heart-sharing-hope-4385): Interview with Andrea Tornielli, Editorial Director for the Vatican Dicastery for Communication.
- [Reimagined Templar Knights Provide Assistance to 2025 Jubilee Pilgrims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/reimagined-templar-knights-provide-assistance-to-2025-jubilee-pilgrims-4383): These volunteers, in white tunics with the cross pattée, follow the legacy of Friar Hugone de’ Pagani, first master of the 12th-century Templar Order.
- [Pope Francis Offers Condolences After Death of Albanian Orthodox Archbishop Anastasios](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-offers-condolences-after-death-of-albanian-orthodox-archbishop-anastasios-4381): Pope Francis sent his condolences to the Orthodox Church in Albania on Monday following the recent death of Archbishop Anastasios Yannoulatos, who led that church for nearly 33 years.
- [Expelled Society of St. Pius X Bishop Richard Williamson Dies at 84](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/expelled-society-of-st-pius-x-bishop-richard-williamson-dies-at-84-4379): Bishop Richard Williamson, a former English bishop of the Priestly Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), died on Wednesday at the age of 84 after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage.
- [Visionary Laywoman Who Was Friend of Padre Pio Declared Venerable](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/visionary-laywoman-who-was-friend-of-padre-pio-declared-venerable-4377): The Vatican has issued a decree recognizing the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Luigina Sinapi, declaring her “venerable.” The Italian woman maintained a friendship with St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Italy, better known as Padre Pio.
- [Vatican’s First Envoy to Postwar Syria Sees a Nation With ‘A Desire For Life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-first-envoy-to-postwar-syria-sees-a-nation-with-a-desire-for-life-4375): Gugerotti emphasized that his current visit to Syria is for ecclesiastical purposes only, aiming primarily to assess the conditions of Christians there.
- [Pope Francis at Wednesday audience: Ask for the grace ‘to listen more than we speak’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-at-wednesday-audience-ask-for-the-grace-to-listen-more-than-we-speak-4373): Pope Francis on Wednesday told pilgrims attending his Jan. 29 general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall to imitate St. Joseph
- [American Theologian Promoted By Pope Francis Calls For Focus On Scripture, Evangelization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/american-theologian-promoted-by-pope-francis-calls-for-focus-on-scripture-evangelization-4371): Professor Mary Healy of Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Michigan discussed her Jan. 11 appointment by Pope Francis to the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
- [Editor of Pope Francis’ Autobiography: ‘He Gave Absolute Freedom, Without Red Lines’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/editor-of-pope-francis-autobiography-he-gave-absolute-freedom-without-red-lines-4369): The autobiography is the fruit of a six-year process — until very recently secret — to put the Holy Father’s memoirs into writing.
- [Elon Musk’s Brother Pitches Jubilee Year Drone Show in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/elon-musks-brother-pitches-jubilee-year-drone-show-in-rome-4367): Kimbal Musk, entrepreneur and younger brother of Elon Musk, met with Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri over the weekend to propose a drone-based musical light show for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee.
- [New Vatican Document Says AI Should Lead To ‘A Renewed Appreciation of All That is Human’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-vatican-document-says-ai-should-lead-to-a-renewed-appreciation-of-all-that-is-human-4365): The Vatican on Tuesday released a new “note” addressing the ethical and anthropological implications of artificial intelligence (AI).
- [In the Footsteps of St. John Bosco in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-the-footsteps-of-st-john-bosco-in-rome-4363): Discover the profound legacy of St. John Bosco in Rome through his sacred rooms, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the chapel that witnessed his heartfelt Rome Letter.
- [Vatican News: Family Bonus for Vatican Employees and Pope Francis Blesses New U.S. President Trump](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-family-bonus-for-vatican-employees-and-pope-francis-blesses-new-us-president-trump-4361): Pope Francis welcomed the Gaza ceasefire and blessed Trump’s presidency; Vatican aids large families, mediates Cuban prisoner release, and urges pilgrimages to the Holy Land post-truce.
- [Pope Francis: Suffering Becomes ‘Occasion For Transformative Encounter’ With God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-suffering-becomes-occasion-for-transformative-encounter-with-god-4359): Pope Francis emphasized how suffering can become “an occasion for a transformative encounter” with God, describing three distinct ways the divine draws close to those experiencing illness and hardship.
- [Pope Francis Says He’s More Concerned About Human Intelligence Than AI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-hes-more-concerned-about-human-intelligence-than-ai-4357): Pope Francis said Monday that he is more concerned about the development of human intelligence than artificial intelligence.
- [Prominent Cardinal Denies Allegations of Sexual Abuse That Led to Disciplinary Measures](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/prominent-cardinal-denies-allegations-of-sexual-abuse-that-led-to-disciplinary-measures-4355): Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed Sunday that disciplinary measures were taken in 2019 against Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani, archbishop emeritus of Lima, Peru, due to “accusations [of sexual abuse] against him.”
- [A New Chapter for Norway’s Catholic Church: Bishop Fredrik Hansen Ordained](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-chapter-for-norways-catholic-church-bishop-fredrik-hansen-ordained-4353): The Catholic Church in Norway celebrated the ordination of Bishop Fredrik Hansen in Oslo, marking a hopeful chapter for this vibrant minority Church.
- [Pope Francis’s Favorite Painting: Chagall’s ‘White Crucifixion’ Brings Hope to Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-franciss-favorite-painting-chagalls-white-crucifixion-brings-hope-to-rome-4351): Marc Chagall’s White Crucifixion, Pope Francis’s cherished masterpiece, is now on display in Rome for the Holy Year’s “Jubilee is Culture” initiative.
- [Animals Blessing at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/animals-blessing-at-the-vatican-4349): On the feast of St. Anthony Abbot, farmers and pet owners gathered at St. Peter’s Square for a special blessing of animals, honoring the patron saint of domestic animals.
- [St. Bernadette of Lourdes Musical Comes to Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-bernadette-of-lourdes-musical-comes-to-rome-4347): The inspiring musical Bernadette of Lourdes, recounting the visions and mission of St. Bernadette, premiered in Rome on January 14th for an audience of refugees and the poor.
- [At Vatican Jubilee, Pope Francis Skips Prepared Text For Heart-to-Heart With Journalists](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-vatican-jubilee-pope-francis-skips-prepared-text-for-heart-to-heart-with-journalists-4345): “Communication means stepping outside ourselves a bit to give something of myself to another,” Pope Francis told hundreds of communications professionals Saturday.
- [Pope Sees ‘Providential’ Moment as Catholics, Orthodox Hope to Celebrate Easter 2025 Together](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-sees-providential-moment-as-catholics-orthodox-hope-to-celebrate-easter-2025-together-4343): Pope Francis asked, “Do you believe this?” during Saturday’s ecumenical vespers, urging Catholics and Orthodox to consider uniting Easter dates in this historic year.
- [Vatican’s Blessing Guidelines: Global Responses to Fiducia Supplicans a Year Later](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-blessing-guidelines-global-responses-to-fiducia-supplicans-a-year-later-4341): The close of the jubilee for communicators highlights the impact of Fiducia Supplicans and Vatican communications on diverse historical, cultural, and political contexts worldwide.
- [Pope Marks Word of God Sunday Amid 2025 Jubilee Events: ‘God’s Word Walks With Us’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-marks-word-of-god-sunday-amid-2025-jubilee-events-gods-word-walks-with-us-4339): Pope Francis marked the Sunday of the Word of God by installing 40 Catholics from multiple continents as lectors during a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, including faithful from Iceland to the Philippines.
- [Vatican: Jubilee Canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-jubilee-canonizations-of-carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-4745): The Church will canonize Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati this Jubilee Year. Pope Francis, now hospitalized, urges Lent as a fresh start. Join us in prayer for him.
- [St. Cyril of Jerusalem: a beacon of courage in the face of misunderstanding and opposition](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-cyril-of-jerusalem-a-beacon-of-courage-in-the-face-of-misunderstanding-and-opposition-4743): On March 18, the Catholic Church honors St. Cyril of Jerusalem, a fourth-century bishop and doctor of the Church whose writings are still regarded as masterful expressions of the Christian faith.
- [Dancers Dedicate Tango To Pope Francis At Gemelli Hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dancers-dedicate-tango-to-pope-francis-at-gemelli-hospital-4741): A group of tango enthusiasts, the emblematic dance of Pope Francis’ homeland, gathered in the plaza in front of Gemelli Hospital on Sunday to express their support and closeness to the Holy Father through dance.
- [Rome Marathon Runners Held 42-Second Silence for Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-marathon-runners-held-42-second-silence-for-pope-francis-4739): Over 30,000 runners held 42 seconds of silence for Pope Francis before the start of the Rome Marathon on Sunday morning.
- [Zelenskyy delivers list of POWs in Russia to the Vatican to mediate their release](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/zelenskyy-delivers-list-of-pows-in-russia-to-the-vatican-to-mediate-their-release-4737): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has provided the Vatican with a list of names of Ukrainians detained by the Russian military, requesting diplomatic mediation to secure their release.
- [Vatican announces plans for 2028 Church postsynodal assembly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-plans-for-2028-church-postsynodal-assembly-4735): The Vatican announced Tuesday that Pope Francis has approved a special ecclesial assembly for October 2028 to evaluate how Catholic communities worldwide have implemented the recently concluded Synod on Synodality recommendations.
- [Pope Francis praises God for those who shine ‘light of his infinite love’ in the world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praises-god-for-those-who-shine-light-of-his-infinite-love-in-the-world-4733): Pope Francis on Sunday expressed his gratitude for those who bring God’s love into the world through their dedicated service to those who are sick.
- [Pope Francis prays for victims and families of deadly nightclub fire in Macedonia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-victims-and-families-of-deadly-nightclub-fire-in-macedonia-4731): Pope Francis prays for victims of a nightclub fire which has left at least 59 people dead and an additional 155 people injured in the town of Kočani in North Macedonia.
- [First photo of Pope Francis since entering hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/first-photo-of-pope-francis-since-entering-hospital-4729): The Vatican has released the first photo of Pope Francis since he entered the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14.
- [The Vatican’s School of Arts and Crafts: Forming the Next Generation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-school-of-arts-and-crafts-forming-the-next-generation-4727): School of Arts and Crafts in the Vatican offers a free, six-month training course offered by the Fabbrica di San Pietro.
- [The Ministry of Saints: An Inside Look on the Process of Sainthood and Carlo Acutis’ Upcoming Canonization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ministry-of-saints-an-inside-look-on-the-process-of-sainthood-and-carlo-acutis-upcoming-canonization-4725): In this jubilee year, the Church will welcome some very well-known Catholics into the ranks of the saints. The most prominent is Carlo Acutis, who will be canonized on April 27th during the jubilee for teenagers.
- [Pope Francis and His Saints: From 800 Martyrs to Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-and-his-saints-from-800-martyrs-to-carlo-acutis-4723): The Pope has recognized saints from all walks of life—martyrs, missionaries, families, and religious—who lived with faith, service, and sacrifice.
- [Jubilee of Volunteers Celebrated at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-volunteers-celebrated-at-the-vatican-4721): As the Holy Father continues medical treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Cardinal Michael Czerny read Pope Francis’ message dedicated to the approximately 25,000 men and women participating in the March 8-9 Jubilee of the World of Volunteering.
- [Fifty Years of Italy’s Pro-Life Movement](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fifty-years-of-italys-pro-life-movement-4719): Every year, abortion statistics reveal that the lives of many children are already threatened in the womb. Yet the unborn always have had a powerful ally in the Catholic Church.
- [Vatican News: Pope Speaks about Temptations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-speaks-about-temptations-4717): Vatican: Pope calls for prayers for peace. Vatican supports Ramadan fasting. Defeat isn’t final with God. NASA scientist joins Vatican academy. Forgiveness is stronger than conflict.
- [Pope Francis’ Distinctive Eucharistic Piety](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-distinctive-eucharistic-piety-4715): COMMENTARY: Although he has not celebrated Mass publicly since 2022, the Holy Father has made Eucharistic adoration a main focus.
- [Holy See’s Delegation to the UN to Address Scourge of Internet Pornography](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-sees-delegation-to-the-un-to-address-scourge-of-internet-pornography-4713): The Holy See’s delegation to the United Nations is organizing a March 19 event in conjunction with the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women titled “The Scourge of Pornography in the Digital Age.”
- [Father Marco Rupnik, Accused of Abuse and Returned to Ministry: a Timeline](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/father-marco-rupnik-accused-of-abuse-and-returned-to-ministry-a-timeline-4711): Here’s a timeline of known facts about the Rupnik case, including the knowledge and response of the Jesuits and the Vatican.
- [Vatican Could Be Close to Decision in Rupnik Case, Report Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-could-be-close-to-decision-in-rupnik-case-report-says-4709): A media report says the Vatican’s doctrine office could be close to a decision in the case of the ex-Jesuit Father Marko Rupnik.
- [Pope Francis Marks 12th Anniversary of Pontificate and Nearly 1 Month in the Hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-marks-12th-anniversary-of-pontificate-and-nearly-1-month-in-the-hospital-4707): Pope Francis marked the 12th anniversary of his pontificate on Thursday from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for pneumonia for nearly a month.
- [Cardinal Koch: ‘Suffering of illness’ a great challenge for aging Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-koch-suffering-of-illness-a-great-challenge-for-aging-pope-francis-4705): Cardinal Kurt Koch, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, reflected Tuesday on the great challenge of illness and suffering for Pope Francis as he approaches a month's hospital stay amid a series of health crises.
- [Chaldean Catholic patriarch: ‘Many Muslims contact me to find out how Pope Francis is doing’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chaldean-catholic-patriarch-many-muslims-contact-me-to-find-out-how-pope-francis-is-doing-4703): The Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, said with emotion that most of the Iraqi population has been distressed by Pope Francis' extended hospitalization and that even "Muslims are praying for his recovery."
- [PHOTOS: A timeline of Pope Francis’ 12 years as pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-a-timeline-of-pope-francis-12-years-as-pope-4701): March 13 marks the 12th anniversary of the election of Pope Francis as the 265th successor of St. Peter. Here is a timeline of key events during his papacy.
- [Prison is where ‘I learned to be a priest,’ chaplain says after 23 years of service](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/prison-is-where-i-learned-to-be-a-priest-chaplain-says-after-23-years-of-service-4699): Father Raffaele Grimaldi emphasized during a meeting with journalists near the Vatican that the Holy Father knows “that those who have made mistakes need us to give them a hand so that they can get back on track.”
- [What does the Swiss Guard do while Pope Francis is in the hospital?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-does-the-swiss-guard-do-while-pope-francis-is-in-the-hospital-4697): What do the Swiss Guards do when the Holy Father is outside the Vatican walls, as is the case with Pope Francis in the hospital?
- [‘Support to the end’: Religious sister brings palliative care to unborn babies in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/support-to-the-end-religious-sister-brings-palliative-care-to-unborn-babies-in-ukraine-4695): Byzantine Catholic Sister Holubets, a bioethicist, founded “Perinatal Hospice - Imprint of Life” in Lviv in 2017. She holds degrees in bioethics, psychology, biology, and genetics.
- [Pope Francis urges world not to forget countries in need of God’s ‘gift of peace’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urges-world-not-to-forget-countries-in-need-of-gods-gift-of-peace-4693): As the world continues to pray for him throughout his prolonged hospitalization, the 88-year-old pontiff has asked people to remember to pray for God’s “gift of peace” for those suffering in war-torn countries.
- [Pope Francis: Temptations, falls do not end in failure for those who believe in God’s love](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-temptations-falls-do-not-end-in-failure-for-those-who-believe-in-gods-love-4691): Pope Francis on Sunday said defeats are not definitive for those who believe in Jesus Christ and trust in God’s love and forgiveness.
- [Pope Francis thanks world’s volunteers for the ‘miracle of tenderness’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-thanks-worlds-volunteers-for-the-miracle-of-tenderness-4689): Pope Francis on Sunday thanked volunteers for the closeness and tenderness they show others in need of their care.
- [Vatican expresses solidarity with Muslims during Ramadan fast](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-expresses-solidarity-with-muslims-during-ramadan-fast-4687): The Vatican has expressed its solidarity with Muslims participating in the Ramadan fast, noting that Catholics also fast and do penance during the season of Lent and inviting greater dialogue and friendship between people of the two religions.
- [Praising pro-life efforts, Pope Francis addresses pilgrims from hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/praising-pro-life-efforts-pope-francis-addresses-pilgrims-from-hospital-4685): On Saturday, Pope Francis addressed pilgrims of the Movement for Life in a statement issued from his hospital room, which Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, delivered during a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on March 8.
- [The Church of the Pilgrim: A Hidden Vatican Treasure with Centuries of History](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/church-of-the-pilgrim-a-hidden-vatican-treasure-with-centuries-of-history-4681): Exploring one of the most ancient churches on the Vatican Hill. It was first mentioned—and thus already existed—at the time of the pontificate of Pope St. Leo III at the end of the 8th century!
- [Jubilee of Teenagers: Rome Prepares for the Canonization of Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-teenagers-rome-prepares-for-the-canonization-of-carlo-acutis-4679): Rome is preparing for the late-April Jubilee of Teenagers, culminating in Carlo Acutis' canonization. Thousands of young pilgrims will arrive, and Fr. Alfredo Tedesco, Rome’s Youth Pastoral Director, is ensuring they feel at home.
- [Women in the Vatican: How Female Leadership is Shaping the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/women-in-the-vatican-how-female-leadership-is-shaping-the-church-4677): Women and life within Vatican City and the Church Universal.
- [Alcide De Gasperi: Italy’s Post-War Leader Moves Closer to Beatification](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/alcide-de-gasperi-italys-post-war-leader-moves-closer-to-beatification-4675): On Friday, February 28, the diocesan phase closed for the beatification of Alcide De Gasperi. The ceremony took place at the Lateran Palace in Rome, marking a crucial step in the process of recognizing his virtues.
- [Order of Malta Embraces the Future: Humanitarian Mission and Digital Innovation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/order-of-malta-embraces-the-future-humanitarian-mission-and-digital-innovation-4673): The Order of Malta held a Jubilee for its international leaders in Rome from February 28 to March 2, featuring a conference on humanitarian efforts and global relations.
- [Spiritual Espresso: The Simplicity of Prayer and Drawing Closer to God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/spiritual-express-the-simplicity-of-prayer-and-drawing-closer-to-god-4671): The best practices to start praying—from the Jesus Prayer to St. Paul’s teachings and Divine Mercy.
- [Vatican Shares Pope Francis’ Recorded Message During Rosary In St. Peter’s Square](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-shares-pope-francis-recorded-message-during-rosary-in-st-peters-square-4669): In a prerecorded message, Pope Francis thanked those gathered for the rosary prayer service in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday night.
- [St. Philip Neri and the Fire of the Holy Spirit: A Path to Renewal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-philip-neri-and-the-fire-of-the-holy-spirit-a-path-to-renewal-4667): Andreas Thonhauser and Fr. John Paul Mary, MFVA, discuss renewing faith during the Jubilee, focusing on St. Philip Neri. Watch *Spiritual Espresso* on the EWTN Travel App.
- [4 Ways To Gain A Plenary Indulgence Daily During Lent](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/4-ways-to-gain-a-plenary-indulgence-daily-during-lent-4665): Four ways to potentially gain a plenary indulgence every day can make this Lent a spiritual standout
- [Pope Francis Asks Christians To Start Lent ‘full of hope’ in the footsteps of Jesus Christ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-asks-christians-to-start-lent-full-of-hope-in-the-footsteps-of-jesus-christ-4663): Pope Francis asked Christians on Ash Wednesday to set out in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, full of hope, throughout the season of Lent.
- [Vatican Conference Examines Artificial Intelligence Implications For Democracy, Justice](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-conference-examines-artificial-intelligence-implications-for-democracy-justice-4661): A high-level gathering of judges, legal scholars, and artificial intelligence (AI) experts convened in Vatican City this week to explore the impact of AI on justice, democracy, and human dignity. 
- [Vatican To Hold Lent Retreat in ‘spiritual communion’ with sick Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-hold-lent-retreat-in-spiritual-communion-with-sick-pope-francis-4659): The pope’s annual Lenten retreat will take place in the Vatican next week in “spiritual communion” with Pope Francis as he continues to receive treatment for respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
- [This Is Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention For The Month Of March](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-march-4657): Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of March is for families in crisis.
- [Jubilee Pilgrims Adding Visit to Gemelli Hospital To Pray For Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-pilgrims-adding-visit-to-gemelli-hospital-to-pray-for-pope-francis-4655): As people from different countries continue to arrive in the Eternal City to experience this year’s Jubilee of Hope, the hospital where Pope Francis is staying has also now become a part of their pilgrimage.
- [Pope Francis Warns Of ‘Planetary Crisis’ In Message To Vatican’s Academy For Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-warns-of-planetary-crisis-in-message-to-vaticans-academy-for-life-4653): Pope Francis addressed what he called a “planetary crisis” that is adversely affecting the world in multiple ways in a message Monday to the general assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life.
- [Pope Francis: Faith Of Migrants And Refugees Bears Witness To ‘Hope For The Future’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-faith-of-migrants-and-refugees-bears-witness-to-hope-for-the-future-4651): Pope Francis on Monday announced the theme for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees: “Migrants, Missionaries of Hope.”
- [Vatican Gives Pro-Life Award To Sister Running Perinatal Hospice In Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-gives-pro-life-award-to-sister-running-perinatal-hospice-in-ukraine-4649): The Vatican’s Academy for Life has awarded a Ukrainian religious sister the 2025 “Guardian of Life” award for her work leading a perinatal hospice for parents who receive a life-ending or life-limiting diagnosis for their preborn children.
- [Pope Francis Had Two Episodes Of 'Acute Respiratory Insufficiency,’ Vatican Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-had-two-episodes-of-acute-respiratory-insufficiency-vatican-says-4647): Pope Francis on Monday had two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, according to the latest health update from the Vatican.
- [Discovering Prayer: A Journey of Faith During the Jubilee Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/discovering-prayer-a-journey-of-faith-during-the-jubilee-year-4645): The topic of prayer is explored in depth, discussing personal experiences, struggles, and the profound transformation that comes through a sincere relationship with God.
- [Pope Rests Well, Drinks coffee, And Reads Newspapers As Pneumonia Treatment Progresses](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-rests-well-drinks-coffee-and-reads-newspapers-as-pneumonia-treatment-progresses-4643): Pope Francis spent a restful night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and has begun his daily treatments after waking Monday morning, having breakfast with coffee and reading newspapers as part of his normal routine, according to Vatican sources.
- [From Capirotada To Hot Cross Buns: Lent’s Rich Culinary Traditions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-capirotada-to-hot-cross-buns-lents-rich-culinary-traditions-4641): While Lent is often associated with fasting, many families worldwide prepare homemade delicacies during the 40-day season to reflect on Christ’s journey to the cross.
- [Pope’s Health Remains Stable Following Respiratory Crisis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-health-remains-stable-following-respiratory-crisis-4639): Pope Francis’ clinical condition remains stable after Friday’s bronchospasm episode that caused vomiting and sudden respiratory deterioration, according to a Holy See Press Office statement released Saturday evening.
- [Original Statue Of Our Lady of Fátima Headed To Rome For Jubilee Of Marian Spirituality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/original-statue-of-our-lady-of-fatima-headed-to-rome-for-jubilee-of-marian-spirituality-4637): On the occasion of the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, scheduled for Oct. 11–12, the original statue of Our Lady of Fátima will be taken to Rome.
- [Pope Thanks Faithful For Prayers, Meets With Vatican Officials At Hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-thanks-faithful-for-prayers-meets-with-vatican-officials-at-hospital-4635): Pope Francis expressed heartfelt gratitude on Sunday for the prayers and support he has received during his hospitalization while offering his own prayers for those suffering around the world.
- [Cardinal Vérgez Alzaga Turns 80, Vatican Governance Transitions To Sister Petrini](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-vergez-alzaga-turns-80-vatican-governance-transitions-to-sister-petrini-4633): Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, LC, president of the Vatican City Governorate and Pontifical Commission, turned 80 on March 1, stepping down from his roles.
- [Vatican Advises Against Publishing Names Of Accused Without ‘Legitimate’ Reason](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-advises-against-publishing-names-of-accused-without-legitimate-reason-4631): The Vatican advises against publishing damaging accusations without valid reasons, especially if the accused is deceased and cannot defend their name.
- [Pope Francis Tells Liturgists To Avoid ‘Pageantry Or Prominence’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-tells-liturgists-to-avoid-pageantry-or-prominence-4629): Pope Francis on Friday urged liturgists to accompany bishops and the faithful communities of their dioceses with humility and discretion.
- [Pope Francis Ventilated After ‘Sudden Worsening’ Of Respiratory Condition](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-ventilated-after-sudden-worsening-of-respiratory-condition-4627): Pope Francis began noninvasive ventilation on Friday after experiencing a respiratory crisis that led to a “sudden worsening” of his condition, the Vatican said.
- [The Verdun Altar in an Ancient Monastery: An 800-Year-Old Masterpiece of Evangelization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/verdun-altar-in-an-ancient-monastery-an-800-year-old-masterpiece-of-evangelization-4625): The Verdun Altar in Klosterneuburg has been recounting the Gospel of Jesus Christ for over 800 years.
- [Ending Childhood Hunger: How Mary’s Meals Feeds Millions Through Faith and Service](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ending-childhood-hunger-how-marys-meals-feeds-millions-through-faith-and-service-4623): Magnus MacFarlane Barrow, founder of Mary's Meals, answered a calling from the Virgin Mary of Medjugorje during the Bosnian war, dedicating his life to fighting hunger.
- [Catholicism on the Rise: How Pope Francis is Shaping the Church in Africa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholicism-on-the-rise-how-pope-francis-is-shaping-the-church-in-africa-4621): Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect emeritus of the Congregation of Divine Worship, who was created cardinal by Saint John Paul II and has served under three Popes, explains the significance in Pope Francis’ unique approach to Africa.
- [Pope Francis’ Message to Deacons During the Jubilee: Forgiveness, Service, and Communion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-message-to-deacons-during-the-jubilee-forgiveness-service-and-communion-4619): Prayers filled St. Peter’s Basilica Sunday as Archbishop Rino Fisichella delivered Pope Francis’ homily to over 4,000 permanent deacons gathered for a special Jubilee Mass, while the pontiff remained hospitalized with pneumonia.
- [Global Prayers for Pope Francis: Faithful Unite for His Recovery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/global-prayers-for-pope-francis-faithful-unite-for-his-recovery-4617): Thousands gathered this week in St. Peter’s Square to join the cardinals resident in Rome in their Rosary for Pope Francis.
- [Spanish Bishops: Conditions For Pope Francis To Resign Are Not Met](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/spanish-bishops-conditions-for-pope-francis-to-resign-are-not-met-4615): Bishop Francisco César García Magán, spokesman for the Spanish Bishops’ Conference, believes the conditions for Pope Francis' resignation, despite his 14-day hospitalization, have not been met.
- [Pope’s Letter To Grieving Mother Revealed As Jubilee Audience Is Canceled](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-letter-to-grieving-mother-revealed-as-jubilee-audience-is-canceled-4613): Pope Francis slept well overnight and his condition continues to improve as he undergoes treatment for a complex respiratory infection at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican announced Thursday morning.
- [Pope Francis’ Medical Condition Continues To Improve, Vatican Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-medical-condition-continues-to-improve-vatican-says-4611): Pope Francis showed more signs of recovery on Thursday, but more time is needed to determine his medical prognosis.
- [Explainer: Who’s In Charge Of The Vatican While Pope Francis Is Hospitalized?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/explainer-whos-in-charge-of-the-vatican-while-pope-francis-is-hospitalized-4609): Explainer of who is in charge of the Vatican while Pope Francis is hospitalized.
- [Pope Francis Creates Fundraising Commission To Solicit Vatican Donations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-creates-fundraising-commission-to-solicit-vatican-donations-4607): The Vatican announced Wednesday that Pope Francis created a fundraising commission to seek donations amid ongoing budget challenges.
- [Pope Francis Shines Light On Bible’s Elderly ‘Pilgrims Of Hope’ In Wednesday Catechesis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-shines-light-on-bibles-elderly-pilgrims-of-hope-in-wednesday-catechesis-4605): Pope Francis on Wednesday asked Catholics to have the wisdom to look for the presence of God in our midst like the elderly Simeon and Anna in the New Testament.
- [Pope Francis’ Early-Stage Kidney Insufficiency ‘Subsided’ On Wednesday, Vatican Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-early-stage-kidney-insufficiency-subsided-on-wednesday-vatican-says-4603): Pope Francis’ mild early-stage kidney insufficiency “subsided” on Wednesday, according to the Vatican.     
- [Gaza Priest After Speaking With Pope Francis: ‘We Rejoice To Hear His Voice’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/gaza-priest-after-speaking-with-pope-francis-we-rejoice-to-hear-his-voice-4601): Father Gabriel Romanelli, IVE, pastor of Holy Family Parish, Gaza’s only Catholic parish, spoke with Pope Francis on Tuesday despite the pontiff’s critical hospitalization for bilateral pneumonia.
- [Pope Francis Fills No. 2 Position At Governorate Of Vatican City State](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-fills-no-2-position-at-governorate-of-vatican-city-state-4599): Pope Francis has named two secretaries-general to serve under Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE, giving the Vatican’s first woman president “the power to dispose and confer... specific competencies or particular tasks” on the appointees.
- [Pope Francis Declares Korean War Army Chaplain Emil Kapaun ‘Venerable’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-declares-korean-war-army-chaplain-emil-kapaun-venerable-4597): Renowned Korean War military chaplain and Kansas native Emil Joseph Kapaun was declared “venerable” by Pope Francis on Tuesday.
- [Pope Francis Continues To Be In Serious But Stable Condition, Vatican Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-continues-to-be-in-serious-but-stable-condition-vatican-says-4595): Pope Francis continues to be in a serious but stable condition as he concludes his 12th day in Rome's Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican said.
- [Analysis: Generational Change In The Roman Curia And Body Of Cardinals Is Coming In 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/analysis-generational-change-in-the-roman-curia-and-body-of-cardinals-is-coming-in-2025-4593): The Jan. 25 retirement of Cardinal Oswald Gracias as Bombay's archbishop and the end of Cardinal Christoph Schönborn’s 30-year tenure in Vienna mark a major generational shift in the Roman Curia and worldwide.
- [Daily Holy Hour Held In Hospital Where Pope Francis Is Being Treated](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/daily-holy-hour-held-in-hospital-where-pope-francis-is-being-treated-4591): A daily Holy Hour of Eucharistic adoration is being held just floors below where Pope Francis, 88, is receiving treatment for pneumonia and early-stage kidney failure.
- [This Is Pope Francis’ Message For Lent 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-francis-message-for-lent-2025-4589): In his message for Lent 2025, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of living one’s life as a constant journey of conversion, choosing to walk in peace and hope aside one’s fellow humans.
- [Nuncio In Ukraine: ‘In Such A Horrible War, There’s Nothing Left But Hope’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/nuncio-in-ukraine-in-such-a-horrible-war-theres-nothing-left-but-hope-4587): Speaking at the apostolic nunciature in Kyiv, the representative of the Holy See in Ukraine described a country marked by suffering
- [Ukrainian Embassy Hosts Mass For Peace in Rome on Russia-Ukraine War’s Third Anniversary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ukrainian-embassy-hosts-mass-for-peace-in-rome-on-russia-ukraine-wars-third-anniversary-4585): Feb. 24 marks three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a major escalation of a war that began in 2014, and it was marked with a day of prayer announced and organized by the Ukrainian embassy to the Holy See in Rome, according to Vatican News.
- [Vatican Says Pope Francis Shows ‘Slight Improvement’ on 11th Day in Hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-says-pope-francis-shows-slight-improvement-on-11th-day-in-hospital-4583): Pope Francis’ condition remains serious but has shown “slight improvement” as he continues treatment on his 11th day in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican said Monday evening.
- [Daily Rosary For Pope’s Health In St. Peter’s Square](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/daily-rosary-for-popes-health-to-begin-in-st-peters-square-4581): The Vatican announced last Monday that cardinals will lead a nightly rosary in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’s recovery, with the first prayer service scheduled for 9 p.m. Rome time on Monday evening.
- [Pope Francis ‘Alert and Well Oriented,’ Participates in Mass at Hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-alert-and-well-oriented-participates-in-mass-at-hospital-4579): Pope Francis’ condition “remains critical,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement issued Sunday evening Rome time. However, it said, he experienced “no further respiratory crisis” since Saturday.
- [PHOTOS: Pope Francis Receives Get-Well Cards, Drawings From Schoolchildren in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-francis-receives-get-well-cards-drawings-from-schoolchildren-in-rome-4577): Pope Francis on Sunday was flooded with get-well cards and hand-drawn greetings from schoolchildren in Rome as the Holy Father continues to battle a series of medical emergencies in the city’s Gemelli Hospital.
- [Jubilee Pilgrims, Rome’s Catholics Pray For Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-pilgrims-romes-catholics-pray-for-pope-francis-4575): Local Catholics and jubilee pilgrims in Rome are praying for Pope Francis’ recovery as he marks one week in the hospital for treatment for pneumonia and bronchitis.
- [Pope Francis Is ‘Fragile And Not Out Of Danger,’ Doctors Say](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-is-fragile-and-not-out-of-danger-doctors-say-4573): Pope Francis is “not out of danger” due to his age and fragile health, his medical team told journalists on Friday.
- [From His Rome Hospital Room, Pope Francis Calls For Peace In Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-his-rome-hospital-room-pope-francis-calls-for-peace-in-ukraine-4571): While receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis thanked medical staff and noted the nearing third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- [Hospitalized Pope Urges Deacons to Selfless Service as Thousands Gather for Jubilee Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hospitalized-pope-urges-deacons-to-selfless-service-as-thousands-gather-for-jubilee-mass-4569): Prayers filled St. Peter’s Basilica Sunday as Archbishop Rino Fisichella delivered Pope Francis’ prepared homily to over 4,000 permanent deacons gathered for a special jubilee Mass, while the pontiff remains hospitalized with pneumonia.
- [Pope Francis Remains In Critical Condition At Rome hospital, Receives Blood Transfusion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-remains-in-critical-condition-at-rome-hospital-receives-blood-transfusion-4567): Pope Francis remains in critical condition and “is not out of danger,” the Holy See Press Office announced Saturday evening in Rome.
- [A Jubilee Spiritual Reading List On Christian Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-spiritual-reading-list-on-christian-hope-4565): The 2025 Jubilee Year theme is “Pilgrims of Hope.” Here are books, essays, and encyclicals to inspire a spiritual journey of hope this Lent or throughout the year.
- [British Court Confirms Vatican was Defrauded in London Real Estate eal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/british-court-confirms-vatican-was-defrauded-in-london-real-estate-eal-4563): A UK High Court ruling confirms the Vatican Secretariat of State was deceived by Italian financier Raffaele Mincione in a flawed London property deal.
- [Why the Church Has Celebrated the Chair of St. Peter Feast for 1,600 Years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-the-church-has-celebrated-the-chair-of-st-peter-feast-for-1600-years-4561): Every year on Feb. 22, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of the Chair of St. Peter, a tradition that dates back more than 1,600 years.
- [The Power of Hope in the Jubilee: Catholic Knights and Leaders Reflect on Faith and Virtue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/power-of-hope-in-the-jubilee-catholic-knights-and-leaders-reflect-on-faith-and-virtue-4559): Voices gathered at the church complex of Santa Maria dell’Anima to discuss chivalry and the virtues.
- [Art & Faith: Cardinal Tolentino de Mendonça on the Catholic Church’s Role in Culture](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/art-and-faith-cardinal-tolentino-de-mendonca-on-the-catholic-churchs-role-in-culture-4557): In this exclusive interview, the Cardinal delves into the significance of culture and art in the Church's mission, particularly in regard to the Jubilee for Artists and the World of Culture.
- [Vatican’s Jubilee of Artists: How Art and Faith Shape Culture](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-jubilee-of-artists-how-art-and-faith-shape-culture-4555): The Jubilee of Artists and World of Culture kicked off with an international conference at the Vatican Museums to discuss the transmission of religious and artistic heritage.
- [Pope Francis’ Health ‘Slightly Improved’ After Nearly One Week in Gemelli Hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-health-slightly-improved-after-nearly-one-week-in-gemelli-hospital-4553): Pope Francis’ medical condition has stabilized after nearly one week of medical treatment since being admitted into Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14, the Vatican said.
- [Archbishop Paglia Denounces Alarmism, ‘Morbid Atmosphere’ Surrounding Pope’s Health](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-paglia-denounces-alarmism-morbid-atmosphere-surrounding-popes-health-4551): Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia called speculation about Pope Francis' health and a pre-conclave mood "morbid," though concern for his health is understandable.
- [Friend of Francis: Pope’s Health Situation is ‘Delicate’ But Not Cause for Alarm](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/friend-of-francis-popes-health-situation-is-delicate-but-not-cause-for-alarm-4549): Speaking on Pope Francis’ current health crisis, Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro, a personal friend of the Holy Father, said in an interview on Wednesday that “the situation is delicate, but I [haven’t] seen any cause for alarm.”
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis Receives Prayers from Inmates after Hospitalization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-receives-prayers-from-inmates-after-hospitalization-4547): Pope Francis received prayers from Milan inmates after his hospitalization. Cardinal Bo mourns a slain Myanmar priest. Parolin is hopeful for Gaza peace. African bishops call for fasting for DRC. Rome hosts the Jubilee of Deacons.
- [Doctors Say Pope Francis Shows ‘Slight Improvement’ While In Hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/doctors-say-pope-francis-shows-slight-improvement-while-in-hospital-4545): Pope Francis’ health condition has remained stable as he continues a stay in the hospital, though recent bloodwork showed a “slight improvement,” the Vatican said on Wednesday afternoon.
- [Pope Francis Makes Prayerful Visit To Marian Basilica Before Holy Week](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-makes-prayerful-visit-to-marian-basilica-before-holy-week-4949): Pope Francis made a prayerful pilgrimage to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on Saturday afternoon, continuing the pontiff’s gradual return to public appearances ahead of Holy Week celebrations.
- [Pope Francis Greets Pilgrims At Palm Sunday Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-greets-pilgrims-at-palm-sunday-mass-4947): Marking another in a series of recent surprise public appearances, Pope Francis on Sunday briefly greeted thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square to celebrate Palm Sunday.
- [Vatican Updates Rules For Mass Intentions, Permits Collective Offerings Under Strict Conditions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-updates-rules-for-mass-intentions-permits-collective-offerings-under-strict-conditions-4945): The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Clergy issued a decree updating the Church’s norms governing Mass intentions and stipends, emphasizing both proper spiritual understanding and practical solutions for modern pastoral challenges.
- [Vatican Offers Health Update After Pope Francis’ Surprise Visit To Basilica Without Papal Attire](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-offers-health-update-after-pope-francis-surprise-visit-to-basilica-without-papal-attire-4943): A day after Pope Francis surprised pilgrims by appearing in St. Peter’s Basilica in a wheelchair, wrapped in a blanket and dressed in casual clothes, the Vatican gave a brief update Friday on the 88-year-old pontiff’s recovery.
- [Pope Francis Prays For Victims Of Dominican Republic Nightclub Roof Collapse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-victims-of-dominican-republic-nightclub-roof-collapse-4941): Pope Francis on Thursday offered prayers for the victims of a deadly nightclub collapse in the Dominican Republic that killed at least 200 people.
- [Pope Francis Appears In Public For Second Time During His Convalescence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-appears-in-public-for-second-time-during-his-convalescence-4939): Pope Francis made a surprise second appearance Thursday at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, arriving in a wheelchair around 12:30 p.m. local time.
- [Cardinal Krajewski In Ukraine: ‘People Are Hungry, Living In Poverty In The War Zone’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-krajewski-in-ukraine-people-are-hungry-living-in-poverty-in-the-war-zone-4937): According to the Vatican News website, Krajewski was busy distributing food and other essential goods, purchased thanks to donations received by the papal almoner.
- [Charismatic Catholics Meet In Rome To Celebrate Jubilee Of Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/charismatic-catholics-meet-in-rome-to-celebrate-jubilee-of-hope-4933): As part of the Jubilee of Hope, a World Meeting of Prayer Groups of the Charismatic Renewal has concluded in Rome. The movement seeks to renew Christian life through a living experience of the Holy Spirit.
- [Pope Francis Meets With King Charles And Queen Camilla At The Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-meets-with-king-charles-and-queen-camilla-at-the-vatican-4931): Pope Francis greeted England’s King Charles and Queen Camilla on Wednesday in a brief meeting in which the dignitaries wished each other well at the pope’s private residence.
- [The Other Charles In Rome: ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ Is Buried In St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/other-charles-in-rome-bonnie-prince-charlie-is-buried-in-st-peters-basilica-4929): ​Explore the legacy of 'Bonnie Prince Charlie,' the Catholic Stuart claimant to the British throne, whose monument resides in St. Peter's Basilica.
- [Pope Francis In Wednesday Catechesis: The ‘Logic Of Merit’ Does Not Gain Us Heaven](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-wednesday-catechesis-the-logic-of-merit-does-not-gain-us-heaven-4927): Pope Francis on Wednesday highlighted the need to overcome the “logic of merit” to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ and to trust more in God’s gratuitous love.
- [Vatican’s Financial Watchdog Reports Decrease In Suspicious Activities](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-financial-watchdog-reports-decrease-in-suspicious-activities-4925): The Vatican’s financial authority reported a sharp drop in suspicious activity reports for 2024, citing improved screening—not reduced vigilance—as the reason.
- [Vatican: Holiness in Action: Vatican Reflections on Saints, Mercy, and Global Aid](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-holiness-in-action-vatican-reflections-on-saints-mercy-and-global-aid-4923): Pope Francis approves Carlo Acutis' canonization, Missionaries of Mercy hold a Jubilee, Mother Angelica remembered, and the Church aids in Ukraine, reflecting on St. Dismas' example.
- [In Memoriam of Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-memoriam-pope-francis-4921): In light of the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and the subsequent postponement of the canonization, we have thoughtfully adjusted the evening’s program. During these days of mourning, we wish to honor the extraordinary life and pontificate of Pope Francis. EWTN has accompanied him throughout his papacy—traveling alongside him and sharing his message with the world. We will proceed with the event as scheduled on Monday, April 28th at the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, located atVia Alberto Cadlolo 101, Rome. The evening will now feature a program dedicated to the papacy of Pope Francis and its profound impact […]
- [Pope Francis Shows Slight Improvements During Convalescence, Vatican Says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-shows-slight-improvements-during-convalescence-vatican-says-4919): Pope Francis has shown slight health improvements and continues to work while in convalescence, the Vatican said on Tuesday.
- [Myanmar Cardinal Describes Earthquake As ‘330 Atomic Bombs’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/myanmar-cardinal-describes-earthquake-as-330-atomic-bombs-4917): Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, archbishop of Yangon, described the March 28 earthquake in Myanmar—which killed over 3,500—as if “330 atomic bombs” had struck at once.
- [Hospitaller Nuns: Unassuming Heroines Serving The Sick And Dying](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hospitaller-nuns-unassuming-heroines-serving-the-sick-and-dying-4915): For Sister Idília María Moreira G. Carneiro, superior general of the Hospitaller Sisters, illness is not just a diagnosis or a curse to be avoided at all costs but a privileged place to encounter God.
- [From Washing Feet To A Place To Sleep: How Rome Is Welcoming Jubilee Pilgrims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-washing-feet-to-a-place-to-sleep-how-rome-is-welcoming-jubilee-pilgrims-4913): St. Philip Neri's legacy continues in Rome through the work of the Venerable Archconfraternity of the Most Holy Trinity of the Pilgrims and Convalescents. For the 2025 Jubilee, the confraternity is washing the feet of pilgrims in a centuries old rite.
- [Pope Francis Sending Cardinal Krajewski Back To Ukraine To Deliver 4 More Ambulances](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-sending-cardinal-krajewski-back-to-ukraine-to-deliver-4-more-ambulances-4911): Pope Francis has donated to Ukraine four ambulances that will be deployed in hardest-hit areas in a concrete gesture of his closeness and concern for those suffering the devastating effects of the war there. The vehicles bear the Vatican’s coat of arms.
- [Saint Dismas: The Leap of Faith of the Good Thief and His Encounter with Christ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saint-dismas-the-leap-of-faith-of-the-good-thief-and-his-encounter-with-christ-4909): Saintly Example: The good thief dies at the side of Jesus. In Catholic tradition he is known as Saint Dismas. The church considers him a saint. Jesus himself promised him paradise immediately.
- [The Order of Malta's Enduring Mission: A Conversation on Humanitarian Aid, War, and Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/order-of-maltas-enduring-mission-a-conversation-on-humanitarian-aid-war-and-hope-4907): While the world powers are still trying to decide how to end the current war on European soil, the Church is helping on the ground. The Order of Malta has been dedicated to humanitarian aid for centuries.
- [Teenage Saints: Carlo Acutis and Others Inspiring Young Lives of Holiness and Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/teenage-saints-carlo-acutis-and-others-inspiring-young-lives-of-holiness-and-faith-4905): By approving the canonization of Carlo Acutis, Pope Francis has endorsed a new role model for today's teenagers. Who are other teenage saints?
- [Pope Francis To Slovak pilgrims: ‘Bear Witness Joyfully To Hope That Does Not Disappoint’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-slovak-pilgrims-bear-witness-joyfully-to-hope-that-does-not-disappoint-4903): Pope Francis on Friday shared a message with Slovak pilgrims, including Slovakia’s President Peter Pellegrini, in Rome for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.
- [Vatican, Russia Discuss War In Ukraine After Drone Strike Kills Civilians In Kharkiv](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-russia-discuss-war-in-ukraine-after-drone-strike-kills-civilians-in-kharkiv-4901): Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke by phone Friday to discuss global affairs, the Vatican said.
- [What’s So ‘Wrong’ With The Vatican Flag?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/whats-so-wrong-with-the-vatican-flag-4899): What does the flag of Vatican City look like? What should it look like? When emojis and websites have the wrong flag all over the internet.
- [St. Peter’s Basilica and the Display of Veronica’s Veil on the Fifth Sunday of Lent](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-peters-basilica-and-the-display-of-veronicas-veil-on-the-fifth-sunday-of-lent-4897): On Sunday, April 6, the fifth Sunday of Lent, St. Peter’s Basilica renewed an ancient tradition by displaying “Veronica’s Veil,” the cloth believed to have wiped the face of Christ on His way to Calvary.
- [The Sickbed As A Holy Place: Pope Francis Reflects On His Own Illness At Jubilee Of Sick](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sickbed-as-a-holy-place-pope-francis-reflects-on-his-own-illness-at-jubilee-of-sick-4895): Still recovering from bilateral pneumonia that hospitalized him for nearly 40 days, Pope Francis made a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
- [Vatican News: New Saints Announced, Polish President Visits, Lent Reflections, and Holy Week Updates](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-new-saints-announced-polish-president-visits-lent-reflections-and-holy-week-updates-4893): New saints named, Polish president visits the Vatican, Pope Francis reflects on Lent, and Holy Week details emerge—this week’s top stories from the Vatican.
- [Mother Angelica Remembered in Rome: Memorial Mass Marks Her Enduring Legacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mother-angelica-remembered-in-rome-memorial-mass-marks-her-enduring-legacy-4891): In Rome, a special memorial Mass honored Mother Angelica’s life, legacy, and steadfast faith.
- [Missionaries of Mercy Jubilee: Confession and Healing in Rome’s 24 Hours for the Lord](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/missionaries-of-mercy-jubilee-confession-and-healing-in-romes-24-hours-for-the-lord-4889): In a world longing for forgiveness, the Missionaries of Mercy—established by Pope Francis in 2015—celebrated their Jubilee with multilingual confessions during the 24 Hours for the Lord at Sant’Andrea della Valle.
- [Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick Dies At 94](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/former-cardinal-theodore-mccarrick-dies-at-94-4887): Theodore McCarrick, the disgraced former cardinal found guilty by the Vatican of sexually abusing minors and adults, died April 3 at age 94.
- [Vatican: St. John Paul II and Modern-Day Turkey](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-st-john-paul-ii-and-modern-day-turkey-4885): 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.
- [Pope’s Condition Shows ‘Slight Improvement’ As Medical Care Continues](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-condition-shows-slight-improvement-as-medical-care-continues-4883): Pope Francis continues to show “slight improvement” in his respiratory condition as he receives ongoing medical care at the Vatican, according to the latest update from the Holy See Press Office on Friday.
- [Cardinal Parolin Holds Audience With Estonia’s President At The Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-holds-audience-with-estonias-president-at-the-vatican-4881): Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin met with President Alar Karis of Estonia at the Vatican on Thursday morning to discuss local and regional issues including prospects of ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
- [Vatican Releases Document To Mark 1,700th Anniversary Of First Council Of Nicaea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-releases-document-to-mark-1700th-anniversary-of-first-council-of-nicaea-4879): The Vatican on Thursday released a historical document to recognize the opening of the Council of Nicaea, convened during the pontificate of Pope Sylvester I in 325.
- [China’s New Religious Restrictions Severely Limit Foreign Missionary Activity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chinas-new-religious-restrictions-severely-limit-foreign-missionary-activity-4877): New restrictions from China’s United Front ban foreign clergy from presiding over religious activities for Chinese people without the invitation of the Chinese government, severely limiting foreign missionary activity in the country.
- [More Than 20,000 Pilgrims From 90 countries To Participate In Jubilee Of The Sick](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/more-than-20000-pilgrims-from-90-countries-to-participate-in-jubilee-of-the-sick-4875): More than 20,000 pilgrims from 90 countries will participate in the Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers at the Vatican this weekend.
- [Historic Concert and Mass in Rome Honoring the Memory of Late Pope John Paul II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/historic-concert-and-mass-in-rome-honoring-the-memory-of-late-pope-john-paul-ii-4873): Twenty years after the death of Pope St. John Paul II, thousands of people are in Rome once again to honor the late Pope's memory.
- [After Lourdes’ Decision On Rupnik Art, Fátima Shrine Not Planning To Remove Mosaics](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/after-lourdes-decision-on-rupnik-art-fatima-shrine-not-planning-to-remove-mosaics-4871): The Lourdes shrine announced Monday it is covering mosaics by alleged abuser Fr. Marko Rupnik, while the Fatima shrine said it won’t remove its own Rupnik artwork.
- [Catholics Race Against Time And Obstacles To Help Earthquake Victims In Myanmar](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholics-race-against-time-and-obstacles-to-help-earthquake-victims-in-myanmar-4869): Rescue teams in Myanmar race to find survivors after Friday’s 7.7 quake, battling not just time but extreme heat over 100°F.
- [At Vatican Conference, Catholic And Jewish Scholars Discuss Faith As Foundation For Ethics](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-vatican-conference-catholic-and-jewish-scholars-discuss-faith-as-foundation-for-ethics-4867): The Vatican and the Camille & Sandy Kress Project launched a conference series, Jews and Catholics on Ethics: A Light to the Nations, highlighting faith’s global significance.
- [Pope Francis: ‘God Does Not Pass By Without Looking For Those Who are Lost’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-god-does-not-pass-by-without-looking-for-those-who-are-lost-4865): Pope Francis on Wednesday said Jesus continues to go out in search of those who are lost or without hope in a catechesis titled “Jesus Christ Our Hope.”
- [Pope John Paul II 20 Years Later: ‘He Lives In hearts’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-john-paul-ii-20-years-later-he-lives-in-hearts-4863): Now 20 years since Pope John Paul II’s death on April 2, 2005, one of his closest collaborators says the Polish pontiff lives on in the hearts and memories of the many people who still feel connected to him today.
- [PHOTOS: Caravaggio 2025: Baroque Master’s Works On Display As Part of Jubilee of Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-caravaggio-2025-baroque-masters-works-on-display-as-part-of-jubilee-of-hope-4861): Caravaggio takes center stage in this rare exhibition of his Baroque masterpieces during Rome's Jubilee of Hope.
- [This Is Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention For The Month Of April](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-francis-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-april-4859): Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of April is for the use of new technologies.
- [This Missionary Of Mercy Accompanied A Former Priest Imprisoned For Pedophilia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-missionary-of-mercy-accompanied-a-former-priest-imprisoned-for-pedophilia-4857): When Pope Francis instituted the Missionaries of Mercy in 2016, Argentine priest José Luis Quijano never expected it would renew his priestly zeal after more than 30 years of ministry.
- [Pope Francis Says He Has Experienced ‘Christian Joy’ Amid Ongoing Illness, Recovery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-says-he-has-experienced-christian-joy-amid-ongoing-illness-recovery-4855): Pope Francis shared on Monday that he has experienced the gift of Christian joy during the challenges of his current illness, as the Vatican says the pope’s condition has continued to improve after his monthlong stay in the hospital.
- [Pope Francis Approves Decree To Advance Sainthood Causes Of 5 People](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-approves-decree-to-advance-sainthood-causes-of-5-people-4851): Pope Francis has advanced five people’s paths to sainthood after approving decrees promulgated by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints on March 28.
- [Pope’s Recovery Progresses As Vatican Appoints New Librarian, Polish President Visits](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-recovery-progresses-as-vatican-appoints-new-librarian-polish-president-visits-4849): Pope Francis is gradually recovering from bilateral pneumonia at Casa Santa Marta, while Cardinal Parolin met with Polish President Duda on Friday.
- [‘This Is Life-Changing’: Missionaries Of Mercy Gather In Rome For Jubilee Of Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-life-changing-missionaries-of-mercy-gather-in-rome-for-jubilee-of-hope-4847): Around 500 priests instituted as Missionaries of Mercy gathered in Rome March 28–30 to take part in events for a special jubilee dedicated to their role, part of the wider 2025 Jubilee of Hope.
- [Pope Francis Prays for Myanmar, Thailand After Deadly Earthquake](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-prays-for-myanmar-thailand-after-deadly-earthquake-4845): Pope Francis sent his condolences to Church and civil authorities in Myanmar and Thailand after a powerful earthquake killed more than 150 people and caused widespread devastation in the region.
- [Missionaries Of Mercy Gather In Rome As Pope Francis Praises Their ‘Ministry Of Forgiveness’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/missionaries-of-mercy-gather-in-rome-as-pope-francis-praises-their-ministry-of-forgiveness-4843): As hundreds of Missionaries of Mercy gathered in Rome this weekend, Pope Francis commended their distinctive ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation that continues to flourish worldwide.
- [Pope Francis In Sunday Angelus: Jesus Heals Our Wounds So We Can Love Others](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-sunday-angelus-jesus-heals-our-wounds-so-we-can-love-others-4841): Pope Francis on Sunday encouraged Christians to continue their Lenten journey as a time of healing and faith in Jesus Christ.
- [Jubilee Of Hope: Missionaries Of Mercy Priests Celebrate Mass In Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-hope-missionaries-of-mercy-priests-celebrate-mass-in-rome-4839): The Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Priests instituted as Missionaries of Mercy was celebrated on Sunday at the Basilica of Sant'Andrea della Valle in Rome.
- [Archbishop Credits Cardinal Pell’s Intercession For Miraculous Survival Of Arizona Toddler](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-credits-cardinal-pells-intercession-for-miraculous-survival-of-arizona-toddler-4837): Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney this week credited the apparently miraculous survival of an Arizona toddler to the intercession of Cardinal George Pell.
- [Turkey: The Birthplace of Christian Doctrine – Tracing the First Seven Ecumenical Councils](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/turkey-the-birthplace-of-christian-doctrine-tracing-the-first-seven-ecumenical-councils-4835): Turkey gets 50M visitors yearly, yet few recall its Christian past. Just 0.2% are baptized, but traces remain—four key Ecumenical Councils were held in Istanbul, once Constantinople.
- [Surviving the Andes: Gustavo Zerbino on Faith, Hope, and the Power of Prayer](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/surviving-the-andes-gustavo-zerbino-on-faith-hope-and-the-power-of-prayer-4833): On Oct. 13, 1972, a Uruguayan plane crashed in the Andes. Stranded in -22°F with no food, survivors ate the dead. Only 16 lived, honoring those who never came home.
- [Untold Stories of St. John Paul II: The Pope Who Defied Fear and Changed History](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/untold-stories-of-st-john-paul-ii-the-pope-who-defied-fear-and-changed-history-4831): It has been exactly twenty years since the world held its breath and Pope Saint John Paul II returned to the House of the Father.
- [Living Longer, Living Better: The Vatican’s Vision for Longevity and Health](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/living-longer-living-better-the-vaticans-vision-for-longevity-and-health-4829): At the Holy See Press Office, a press conference set the stage for a transformative dialogue on global health and longevity.
- [Messages of Hope: The Handwritten Letters Sent to Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/messages-of-hope-the-handwritten-letters-sent-to-pope-francis-4827): Pope Francis returned home to the Vatican on Sunday and has been prescribed a two-month resting period at Santa Marta. During his stay at Gemelli, he was receiving postal messages of love and support from all around the world.
- [Vaticano Updates: New Vatican Pro-Life Guidelines, Pope Francis' Actions, and More](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticano-updates-key-vatican-news-on-pro-life-guidelines-pope-francis-actions-and-more-4825): Catch up on this week's top Vatican stories, including new pro-life guidelines, Pope Francis' appeal to protect children, King Charles' postponed visit, and a call to defend Christians in the Holy Land.
- [Young Adults’ Eucharistic Devotion The Inspiration Behind ‘24 Hours For The Lord’ Event](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/young-adults-eucharistic-devotion-the-inspiration-behind-24-hours-for-the-lord-event-4823): Now in its 12th year, the Church’s “24 Hours for the Lord” Lenten initiative is believed to have been inspired by the Eucharistic devotion of a group of young Catholics in Rome.
- [PHOTOS: Mother Angelica’s Life, Legacy Celebrated In Rome’s Church Of Santo Spirito In Sassia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-mother-angelicas-life-legacy-celebrated-in-romes-church-of-santo-spirito-in-sassia-4821): A special memorial Mass was held for Mother Angelica, the foundress of EWTN, in Rome on Thursday to commemorate her life, legacy, and unwavering faith in God.
- [Italian Prosecutors Investigate Illegal Sale Of Apparent Carlo Acutis Relics Online](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-prosecutors-investigate-illegal-sale-of-apparent-carlo-acutis-relics-online-4819): Italian prosecutors are investigating the illegal online sale of alleged relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who will be declared the first millennial saint next month.
- [Vatican Publishes Holy Week Schedule Without Clarifying Whether Pope Francis Will Preside](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-publishes-holy-week-schedule-without-clarifying-whether-pope-francis-will-preside-4817): The Vatican has published the official calendar of liturgical celebrations planned for Holy Week, but it has not clarified whether Pope Francis will preside.
- [Pope Francis’ Pandemic Prayer 5 Years Later: ‘Why Are You Afraid? Have You No Faith?’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-andemic-prayer-5-years-later-why-are-you-afraid-have-you-no-faith-4815): Pope Francis’ historic “Statio Orbis” blessing during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic remains relevant for the Church as it did five years ago.
- [Mother Angelica’s Work Still Brings Inspiration — And Conversion — 9 Years After Her Death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mother-angelicas-work-still-brings-inspiration-and-conversion-9-years-after-her-death-4813): The foundress of EWTN, Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, died nine years ago, but her legacy lives on in the spiritual renewals that have resulted from the fruits of her work.
- [Jesuits Extend Reparations Offer To Victims Of Alleged Rupnik Abuse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jesuits-extend-reparations-offer-to-victims-of-alleged-rupnik-abuse-4811): The Society of Jesus is offering reparations to about 20 women who say they were sexually, psychologically, and spiritually abused by the disgraced ex-Jesuit artist Father Marko Rupnik.
- [Pope Francis: God Desires To Offer His Love And Mercy To Those At The ‘Crossroads’ Of Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-god-desires-to-offer-his-love-and-mercy-to-those-at-the-crossroads-of-life-4809): Pope Francis on Wednesday highlighted the transformative power of God’s merciful love for those who encounter him at the crossroads of life.
- [Pope Francis: When You Protect Children From Abuse ‘You Serve And Honor Christ’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-when-you-protect-children-from-abuse-you-serve-and-honor-christ-4807): Pope Francis urged the Vatican’s commission on abuse prevention to “keep watch while the world sleeps” and listen “with the ear of the heart,” calling prevention a foundation for Gospel-faithful communities.
- [Vatican Releases New Guidelines On Human Dignity, ‘Urgent’ Need To Form Consciences](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-releases-new-guidelines-on-human-dignity-urgent-need-to-form-consciences-4805): The Vatican on Tuesday launched new pastoral care guidelines for the protection and promotion of human life to mark the 30th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s encyclical letter Evangelium Vitae.
- [Pope Francis’ Doctor: ‘We Really Thought We Wouldn’t Make It’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-doctor-we-really-thought-we-wouldnt-make-it-4803): Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who led Pope Francis' medical team during his 38-day stay at Gemelli Hospital, revealed that a critical moment came when they had to choose between continuing treatment or letting him die.
- [General Audience, Angelus Remain Suspended Despite Pope Francis’ Return To Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/general-audience-angelus-remain-suspended-despite-pope-francis-return-to-vatican-4801): The Vatican says Pope Francis’ recovery at St. Martha’s continues as prescribed by doctors. His Wednesday audience and Sunday Angelus remain suspended, with texts released instead. He'll avoid large crowds until late May to prevent further infection.
- [King Charles Postpones Vatican Visit To Give Pope Francis More Recovery Time](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/king-charles-postpones-vatican-visit-to-give-pope-francis-more-recovery-time-4799): King Charles and Queen Camilla postponed their visit to the Vatican at the advice of Pope Francis’ doctors, who say the Holy Father needs more rest time following his recent illness.
- [Meet The Cardinal Who Oversees The Making Of Saints](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-cardinal-who-oversees-the-making-of-saints-4797): Cardinal Marcello Semeraro outlines the journey to canonization.
- [Analysis: Pope Francis’ Next Chapter Will Look Very Different](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-next-chapter-will-look-very-different-4795): ANALYSIS: The Holy Father is accustomed to a busy daily schedule, frequent travel abroad, and a hands-on governing style. Adjusting to a new reality won’t be easy.
- [Children’s Prayers For Pope Francis: ‘We Can Make Him Feel Better’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/childrens-prayers-for-pope-francis-we-can-make-him-feel-better-4793): Children in Rome have welcomed the news of Pope Francis’ return to the Vatican after the pontiff spent nearly 40 days in Gemelli Hospital due to complex respiratory illnesses, including bilateral pneumonia.
- [Archbishop Paglia: Pope Francis Is Showing Us The Frailty Of Old Age](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-paglia-pope-francis-is-showing-us-the-frailty-of-old-age-4791): Pope Francis, in his weakness, is teaching the world about human frailty, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia said Monday at a press conference for a Vatican summit on longevity.
- [8 Things To Know And Share About The Annunciation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/8-things-to-know-about-the-annunciation): The day celebrates the appearance of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to announce the incarnation. Here are eight things to know and to share about the feast day and its significance.
- [Vatican: Holy Lance of St. Longinus, Pope Francis returns to Vatican, 24 Hours for the Lord](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-holy-lance-of-st-longinus-pope-francis-returns-to-vatican-24-hours-for-the-lord-4787): Lenten traditions in Rome and the Vatican showing the lance which pierced the side of Jesus and Pope Francis returns to Casa Santa Marta. Exploring the Church's teaching on annulments.
- [Pope Francis Makes First Public Appearance After Hospitalization and Returns to the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-makes-first-public-appearance-after-hospitalization-and-returns-to-the-vatican-4785): After 38 days in Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Pope Francis was discharged and returned to his residence in the Vatican, the Casa Santa Marta. He will now begin a two-month period of rest during which he will continue to receive drug and respiratory therapy.
- [Experts Champion Catholic Church’s Role To Promote Child Safety In AI Sphere](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/experts-champion-catholic-churchs-role-to-promote-child-safety-in-ai-sphere-4783): The Vatican is partnering with tech leaders, governments, scholars, and NGOs to combat child abuse and exploitation both in person and online, including in AI.
- [Worldwide Catholic Population Hits 1.4 Billion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/worldwide-catholic-population-hits-14-billion-4781): The “2025 Annuario Pontificio” and the “2023 Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae” have been released, providing a detailed analysis of the life of the Catholic Church globally.
- [Pope Francis Makes First Public Appearance In Weeks, Returns To Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-makes-first-public-appearance-in-weeks-returns-to-vatican-4779): Shortly before returning to his home in the Vatican on Sunday, Pope Francis made a brief appearance from a fifth-floor balcony of the Gemelli Clinic in Rome to a crowd of faithful gathered outside the hospital.
- [The Holy Lance of St. Longinus: A Lenten Tradition at St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-lance-of-st-longinus-a-lenten-tradition-at-st-peters-basilica-4777): A unique rite takes place in St. Peter’s Basilica on the Saturday of the First Week of Lent: the exposition of the Holy Lance of St. Longinus.
- [Cardinal Kurt Koch On Christian Unity: Faith, Challenges, And The Future Of Ecumenism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-kurt-koch-on-christian-unity-faith-challenges-and-the-future-of-ecumenism-4775): In an interview with EWTN Vaticano reporter Rudolf Gehrig, Cardinal Koch looks back on his life and offers intimate insights into his personal struggle with God.
- [Healing Broken Families: Pope Francis’ Call For Forgiveness And Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/healing-broken-families-pope-francis-call-for-forgiveness-and-faith-4773): According to Catholic teaching, a marriage cannot be dissolved. In his prayer intention for the month of March 2025, Pope Francis called for prayers for all families in crisis.
- [Vatican News: Pope Francis’ Health, Ukraine’s Plea, and More](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-francis-health-ukraines-plea-and-more-4771): Photo of Pope Francis, Ukraine asks Vatican's Help, 42-second Silence of Pope Francis, Victims of Macedonia, Healing Church Division
- [24 Hours For The Lord: The Global Eucharistic Movement Inspired By Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/24-hours-for-the-lord-the-global-eucharistic-movement-inspired-by-pope-francis-4769): For one day, every year, churches across the world remain open for 24 hours inviting everyone to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament and encounter Jesus through confession.
- [What’s Next For The Synod On Synodality? Pope Francis’ Vision For 2028](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/whats-next-for-the-synod-on-synodality-pope-francis-vision-for-2028-4767): From his hospital bed, Pope Francis approved a special ecclesial assembly for October 2028.
- [Dome Of St. Peter’s Will Debut New Lighting For Easter](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dome-of-st-peters-will-debut-new-lighting-for-easter-4765): The 14,000-ton, five-century-old dome of St. Peter’s Basilica will debut new lighting this coming Easter to further enhance Michelangelo’s magnificent work.
- [Pope Francis: Every Vocation Is Animated By Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-every-vocation-is-animated-by-hope-4763): Writing from Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis emphasized the role of hope in vocational discernment in his message for the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations released by the Vatican on Wednesday.
- [Pope Francis: Fear Of Change Can Be Overcome With Jesus As Our Guide](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-fear-of-change-can-be-overcome-with-jesus-as-our-guide-4761): Pope Francis on Wednesday said doubts and uncertainties are not a reason to fear for those who seek Jesus’ guidance throughout life’s journey.
- [A Vatican Video Game? New Minecraft Edition Has Students Restore Vatican Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-video-game-new-minecraft-edition-has-students-restore-st-peters-basilica-4759): Minecraft, the popular video game known for its blocky, pixelated graphics, has launched a new educational edition that challenges students to explore and restore St. Peter’s Basilica.
- [EXPLAINER: What Is The Catholic Church’s Newly Announced 2028 Ecclesial Assembly?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/explainer-what-is-the-catholic-churchs-newly-announced-2028-ecclesial-assembly-4757): The Vatican announced on Saturday its latest plans for the Synod on Synodality’s ongoing implementation — a multiyear “accompaniment and evaluation process” leading to a Church-wide assembly at the Vatican in October 2028.
- [PHOTOS: Romans Celebrate St. Joseph’s Feast Day, Venerate His Holy Cloak](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-romans-celebrate-st-josephs-feast-day-venerate-his-holy-cloak-4755): Hundreds of people in Rome joined celebrations organized by the Parish Basilica of St. Joseph al Trionfale in Rome to celebrate the March 19 solemnity of St. Joseph.
- [Cardinal Parolin: No Discussion Of Resignation By Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-no-discussion-of-resignation-by-pope-francis-4753): Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin denied that during his three recent visits to Pope Francis, hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14, they had discussed the possibility of the pope’s resignation.
- [‘Go to Joseph’: What Popes From Blessed Pius IX To Pope Francis Have Said About St. Joseph](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/go-to-joseph-what-popes-from-blessed-pius-ix-to-pope-francis-have-said-about-st-joseph-4751): The proclamation of the Year of St. Joseph by Pope Francis in December 2020 coincided with the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the universal Church by Blessed Pius IX on Dec. 8, 1870.
- [Vatican: Avoid Duplicating Good Friday’s Pontifical Collection For The Holy Land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-avoid-duplicating-good-fridays-pontifical-collection-for-the-holy-land-4749): The prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, asked bishops to avoid promoting fundraising events that would duplicate the Pontifical Collection for the Holy Land taken up on Good Friday.
- [King Charles III Plans State Visit To Vatican, Meeting With Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/king-charles-iii-plans-state-visit-to-vatican-meeting-with-pope-francis-4747): King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom will make a state visit to the Holy See next month, with plans to hold an audience with Pope Francis on April 8.
- [Pope Francis tells young people ‘learn how to listen’ in video published after death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-tells-young-people-learn-how-to-listen-in-video-published-after-death-5153): In a video message published after his death, but recorded in January, Pope Francis encouraged young people to work on listening well to others.
- [Divine Mercy Sunday: Pope Francis was an ‘instrument of mercy for humanity,’ Parolin says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/divine-mercy-sunday-pope-francis-was-an-instrument-of-mercy-for-humanity-parolin-says-5151): Cardinal Pietro Parolin presided over the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, urging the Church to follow Pope Francis’ example as “instruments of mercy for humanity.”
- [Carlo Acutis and the four popes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/carlo-acutis-and-the-four-popes-5149): Carlo went on pilgrimage to see John Paul II, offered up his suffering from cancer for Benedict XVI, and was later beatified during the pontificate of Pope Francis. Now, it will be up to the next pope to canonize the Church’s first millennial saint.
- [Second day of mourning for Pope Francis: Full text of homily by Cardinal Parolin](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/second-day-of-mourning-for-pope-francis-full-text-of-homily-by-cardinal-parolin-5147): On April 27, 2025, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, primary celebrant of the second day of mourning, one day after Pope Francis’ funeral, offered the following homily as published by the Vatican on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday.
- [Trump, Zelenskyy discuss hopes for ‘lasting peace’ amid pope’s funeral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/trump-zelenskyy-discuss-hopes-for-lasting-peace-amid-popes-funeral-5145): Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy spoke briefly one-on-one at St. Peter’s Basilica during Pope Francis' funeral about possible peace efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war.
- [PHOTOS: Pope Francis is laid to rest in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-francis-is-laid-to-rest-in-rome-5143): Pope Francis' wooden coffin arrived at St. Mary Major around 1 p.m. Saturday, ending the solemn procession from St. Peter’s and concluding the late pontiff’s funeral.
- [Pope John Paul II declared Divine Mercy Sunday a feast 25 years ago](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-john-paul-ii-declared-divine-mercy-sunday-a-feast-25-years-ago-5141): On April 30, 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized Maria Faustina Kowalska and declared the second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. This year, we celebrate the feast on April 27.
- [Pope Francis buried in beloved Marian basilica after coffin crosses Rome in popemobile](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-buried-in-beloved-marian-basilica-after-coffin-crosses-rome-in-popemobile-5139): Pope Francis was buried Saturday in the Basilica of St. Mary Major after his coffin crossed the center of Rome, marking the pontiff’s final goodbye to the Eternal City.
- [Pope Francis and the Islamic world: A legacy of dialogue and fraternity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-and-the-islamic-world-a-legacy-of-dialogue-and-fraternity-5137): From the start of his 2013 papacy, Pope Francis worked to build bridges with the Islamic world, following Jesus’ example of reaching out to those different from himself.
- [5 of the most memorable prayers of Pope Francis’ pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-of-the-most-memorable-prayers-of-pope-francis-pontificate-5135): Pope Francis’ pontificate spanned 12 years and numerous major global events — including international gatherings, the COVID-19 crisis, and the Synod on Synodality — that saw him delivering prayers often under extraordinary and historical conditions.
- [Pope Francis’ funeral: A global farewell to a humble shepherd](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-funeral-a-global-farewell-to-a-humble-shepherd-5133): More than 200,000 people filled St. Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday as the world said goodbye to the first Latin American pope who led the Catholic Church for the past 12 years. 
- [The time Pope Francis visited a record shop and other personal moments](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/time-pope-francis-visited-a-record-shop-and-other-personal-moments-5129): Like his predecessors, Pope Francis’ pontificate was marked not only by historic events and memorable themes but also by his personality, character, and style.
- [Pope Francis’ historic appointments: 4 women helping to lead the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-historic-appointments-4-women-helping-to-lead-the-vatican-5127): Throughout his papacy, Francis increased women's leadership in the Vatican, with female employees rising from about 850 in 2013 to nearly 1,200 by 2023, according to Vatican News.
- [1,800 Civil Protection volunteers on hand to streamline flow for Francis’ funeral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/1800-civil-protection-volunteers-on-hand-to-streamline-flow-for-francis-funeral-5125): More than 1,800 Italian Civil Protection volunteers are currently deployed around St. Peter’s Basilica and throughout central Rome to coordinate and facilitate the flow of pilgrims paying their final respects to Pope Francis.
- [Pope Francis’ coffin closed in private ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-coffin-closed-in-private-ceremony-in-st-peters-basilica-5123): Pope Francis’ coffin was closed and sealed in St. Peter’s Basilica in a private ceremony on Friday evening after more than 250,000 people paid their final respects to the late pope over three days of public visitation.
- [These are the heads of state and dignitaries to attend Pope Francis’ funeral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/these-are-the-heads-of-state-and-dignitaries-to-attend-pope-francis-funeral-5121): The following leaders from around the world are among the dignitaries who have announced they are to attend Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday, April 26, at the Vatican.
- [Evening pilgrims bid farewell to Pope Francis ahead of Saturday funeral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/evening-pilgrims-bid-farewell-to-pope-francis-ahead-of-saturday-funeral-5119): Among the more than 250,000 people who made their way to the Vatican this week were the nocturnal pilgrims wanting to catch a final glimpse of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica before his Saturday funeral.  
- [What to know about Pope Francis’ Saturday morning funeral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-to-know-about-pope-francis-saturday-morning-funeral-5117): The funeral for Pope Francis, pontiff from March 13, 2013, until his death on April 21, will be held on Saturday morning in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
- [First pilgrims begin to line up 12 hours ahead of Pope Francis’ funeral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/first-pilgrims-begin-to-line-up-12-hours-ahead-of-pope-francis-funeral-5115): At 9:45 p.m. in Rome, 12 hours before Pope Francis’ funeral, the first of thousands of pilgrims were already lining the streets to glimpse the late pontiff as his body made its way to his final resting place at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
- [Live Funeral Mass of Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-funeral-mass-of-pope-francis-5111): Join us in prayer for the Funeral Mass of Pope Francis from St. Peter's Basilica.
- [Pope Francis’ coffin to be sealed Friday evening ahead of Saturday funeral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-coffin-to-be-sealed-friday-evening-ahead-of-saturday-funeral-5109): Pope Francis’ coffin will be sealed in a liturgical rite this evening ahead of his solemn funeral, set to take place the next morning on Saturday, April 26.
- [Which Popes Are Not Buried In The Vatican?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/which-popes-are-not-buried-in-the-vatican-5107): Among Peter's 265 successors, 30 have been buried outside of the Vatican. Pope Francis will also be buried outside the Vatican, in St. Mary Major's Basilica.
- [The Papacy of Francis and the Presence of Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papacy-of-francis-and-the-presence-of-benedict-xvi-5105): For many it was a surprise when former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped out onto the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica on March 13, 2013. His clothes had changed… as had his name.
- [Pope Francis' Final Public Appearances: A Spiritual Farewell to the Faithful](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-final-public-appearances-a-spiritual-farewell-to-the-faithful-5103): After more than five weeks in the hospital battling double pneumonia, doctors advised Pope Francis to take two months of rest. However, the Holy Father chose to be among the faithful until his final days. 
- [God-incidences That Are Making Catholics Reflect on Pope Francis’ Legacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/god-incidences-that-are-making-catholics-reflect-on-pope-francis-legacy-5101): Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025—Easter Monday, also called Monday of the Angel. His death, filled with symbolic meaning, reflects a life deeply united with Christ. Here are some "God-incidences" that offer a profound spiritual message.
- [Pope Francis’ Ardent Love for St. Mary Major, His Final Resting Place](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-ardent-love-for-st-mary-major-his-final-resting-place-5099): COMMENTARY: Of all the great basilicas of Rome, the one dedicated to the Blessed Mother was his favorite.
- [How Pope Francis spread devotion to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-pope-francis-spread-devotion-to-our-lady-undoer-of-knots-5097): Of the many devotions Pope Francis promoted during his pontificate, perhaps none is better known than his devotion to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots (also referred to as Our Lady, Untier of Knots), whose feast day is observed Sept. 28.
- [Pope Francis’ love for prisoners remained until the end](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-love-for-prisoners-remained-until-the-end-5095): Prisoners always held a special place in Pope Francis’ heart, and he demonstrated his love for them throughout his pontificate, until the end.
- [Opus Dei postpones adoption of new statutes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/opus-dei-postpones-adoption-of-new-statutes-5093): The Catholic personal prelature Opus Dei has significantly reduced the scope of its two-week general congress that began this week due to the death of Pope Francis two days before the assembly’s scheduled start date.
- [Here are the cardinals offering Masses for the 9 days of mourning for Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/here-are-the-cardinals-offering-masses-for-the-9-days-of-mourning-for-pope-francis-5091): Following the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican has announced which cardinals will offer the traditional “Novendialies” Masses — nine days of mourning marked by solemn Masses offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased pope.
- [Top ecumenical initiatives of Pope Francis: a retrospective](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/top-ecumenical-initiatives-of-pope-francis-a-retrospective-5089): Like his post-Vatican II predecessors, Pope Francis prioritized outreach to non-Catholics, fostering dialogue and Christian unity throughout his 12-year pontificate, marked by several historic ecumenical moments.
- [Jesuit superior Father Sosa: Pope Francis did not seek popularity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jesuit-superior-father-sosa-pope-francis-did-not-seek-popularity-5087): Father Arturo Sosa, SJ, superior general of the Society of Jesus, reflected on the first Jesuit pope in a press conference on Thursday, saying Francis “did not seek to please everyone” or to measure himself by a popularity index.
- [Cardinal Becciu claims conclave vote despite loss of privileges](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-becciu-claims-conclave-vote-despite-loss-of-privileges-5085): Cardinal Angelo Becciu is reportedly seeking to participate in the upcoming conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor despite having been stripped of his cardinalatial privileges in 2020 and later convicted of financial crimes.
- [Who are the many popes not buried in the Vatican?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-are-the-many-popes-not-buried-in-the-vatican-5083): Pope Francis will be buried at St. Mary Major's: Who are the popes buried outside Vatican Walls?
- [Massimiliano Strappetti: The last man Pope Francis saw and thanked before his death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/massimiliano-strappetti-the-last-man-pope-francis-saw-and-thanked-before-his-death-5081): Having cared for the aging Pope Francis as his personal nurse since 2022, Italian nurse Massimiliano Strappetti was among the few people who saw the Holy Father moments before his death on Easter Monday.
- [PHOTOS: Pope Francis is brought to St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-francis-is-brought-to-st-peters-basilica-5079): Pope Francis was brought in solemn procession to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning, where the late pontiff will lie in state for three days for mourners to pay their final respects and say goodbye.
- [Handing out ice cream, visiting the poor: Charity of Pope Francis on his patron saint’s day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/handing-out-ice-cream-visiting-the-poor-charity-of-pope-francis-on-his-patron-saints-day-5077): Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, marked his patron saint’s feast every year on April 23 with acts of charity. The day was a Vatican holiday in his honor.
- [Catholics bid final farewell as Pope Francis lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholics-bid-final-farewell-as-pope-francis-lies-in-state-at-st-peters-basilica-5075): Thousands of Catholics said their last goodbyes and paid their respects to Pope Francis on Wednesday as the late pope lay in state in St. Peter’s Basilica.
- [Grief, sorrow in endless lines to bid farewell to Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/grief-sorrow-in-endless-lines-to-bid-farewell-to-pope-francis-5073): In the endless lines of pilgrims wishing to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, whose coffin now lies open in St. Peter’s Basilica, feelings of grief and sadness are the order of the day.
- [Cardinals converge in Rome as second General Congregation gathers 103 prelates](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-converge-in-rome-as-second-general-congregation-gathers-103-prelates-5071): The College of Cardinals saw a significant increase in attendance at Wednesday's General Congregation, with 103 cardinals now present in Rome — nearly double the approximately 60 who participated in Tuesday's initial gathering.
- [The last time the world saw Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/last-time-the-world-saw-pope-francis-5069): Pope Francis greeted the faithful around the world for the last time from St. Peter’s Basilica on the most important day for Christians: Easter, the heart and foundation of the Catholic faith that proclaims Christ’s triumph over sin and death.
- [Two days before his death, Pope Francis made final call to pastor of Gaza parish](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/two-days-before-his-death-pope-francis-made-final-call-to-pastor-of-gaza-parish-5067): “He said he was praying for us, blessed us, and thanked us for our prayers,” said Father Gabriel Romanelli, summarizing Pope Francis’ call on April 19, just before the Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica.
- [EXPLAINER: What happens during the Vatican’s 9 days of mourning for the pope?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/explainer-what-happens-during-the-vaticans-9-days-of-mourning-for-the-pope-5065): With the death of Pope Francis on Monday, the Catholic Church has entered a mourning period, which will include nine days of Masses offered for the repose of his soul known as the “Novendiales.” 
- [General congregation begins: Cardinals suspend beatifications, swear to secrecy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/general-congregation-begins-cardinals-suspend-beatifications-swear-to-secrecy-5063): At the first general congregation of cardinals in Rome on Tuesday, the estimated 60 cardinals in attendance chose the date of Pope Francis’ funeral and suspended beatification celebrations.
- [Pope Francis moved to St. Peter’s Basilica for final goodbye](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-moved-to-st-peters-basilica-for-final-goodbye-5061): Pope Francis’ coffin was carried Wednesday morning in solemn procession to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the late pontiff will lie in state for three days for mourners to pay their final respects and say goodbye.
- [EXPLAINER: ‘Sede vacante’ and ‘interregnum’ — what do they mean?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/explainer-sede-vacante-and-interregnum-what-do-they-mean-5059): As of this moment, the chair of St. Peter is vacant — and you may have seen the phrases “sede vacante” and “interregnum” being used to describe the present period. Here’s a breakdown of what those phrases mean.
- [Pope Francis’ grandfatherly advice](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-grandfatherly-advice-5057): Words of Francis: Many saw Pope Francis as a grandfatherly figure, especially when he shared bits of practical wisdom on how to get along with one another.
- [Cardinal Goh: Pope Francis was dedicated to leading Church’s ‘new evangelization’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-goh-pope-francis-was-dedicated-to-leading-churchs-new-evangelization-5055): Cardinal William Goh celebrated a memorial Mass for Pope Francis in Singapore on Tuesday, saying the late Holy Father had a “heart for everyone” and was dedicated to leading the Church toward a “new evangelization” through mercy and love.
- [From "sede vacante" to "conclave:" Key terms to know at the start of a papal transition](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-sede-vacante-to-conclave-key-terms-to-know-at-the-start-of-a-papal-transition-5053): The start of a papal interregnum brings many terms that may not be familiar to many people, including many Catholics. Here are some of the key words and phrases that will be used throughout the interregnum, especially the conclave to elect the new pope.
- [The final hours of Pope Francis: ‘Thank you for bringing me back to the Square’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/final-hours-of-pope-francis-thank-you-for-bringing-me-back-to-the-square-5051): Pope Francis’ last public act was a blessing of the entire world on Easter Sunday, delivered from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica — the same place where he was introduced as pope 12 years ago.
- [Vatican releases first photos of Pope Francis after his death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-releases-first-photos-of-pope-francis-after-his-death-5049): The Vatican on Tuesday released the first photos of Pope Francis after his death, showing him dressed in red vestments and lying in a simple wooden coffin inside the chapel of the Santa Marta guesthouse.
- [Pope Francis in his own words: 12 key quotes that defined his 12-year pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-in-his-own-words-12-key-quotes-that-defined-his-12-year-pontificate-5047): The Words of Pope Francis: A collection of quotes that reflect Pope Francis’ vision for a more compassionate and Christ-centered world.
- [Pope Francis to be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica following Saturday funeral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-be-buried-at-st-mary-major-basilica-following-saturday-funeral-5045): Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, led by Cardinal Re. He will be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica.
- [FULL TEXT: Here is Pope Francis’ testament](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-here-is-pope-francis-testament-5043): The Vatican has released Pope Francis’ testament following his death on Easter Monday, April 21, at age 88 in Casa Santa Marta. He led the Church for just over 12 years.
- [Vatican releases Pope Francis’ cause of death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-releases-pope-francis-cause-of-death-5041): The Holy See on Monday evening released the death certificate detailing the cause of death of Pope Francis, who died in his Vatican apartment at 7:35 a.m. in Rome on April 21, the day after Easter.
- [World leaders mourn Pope Francis, praise his legacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-leaders-mourn-pope-francis-praise-his-legacy-5039): World leaders from around the globe released statements of mourning and remembrance on Monday in response to the death of Pope Francis, who passed away Monday morning at age 88.
- [PHOTOS: Thousands gather for rosary in St. Peter’s Square after death of Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-thousands-gather-for-rosary-in-st-peters-square-after-death-of-pope-francis-5037): PHOTOS: The Vatican on Monday evening hosted a praying of the rosary in St. Peter’s Square following the death of Pope Francis earlier in the day.
- [Pope Francis’ death: Vatican holds first step in papal funeral rites](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-death-vatican-holds-first-step-in-papal-funeral-rites-5035): Following Pope Francis’ death at age 88 on Easter Monday, the Vatican carried out the first stage in the papal funeral rites, called “the rite of the ascertainment of death and deposition in the coffin.”
- [Who is Cardinal Farrell, the camerlengo and a key figure in the papal transition?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-is-cardinal-farrell-the-camerlengo-and-a-key-figure-in-the-papal-transition-5033): Following the death of Pope Francis, an Irish-American cardinal is playing a leading role in overseeing Vatican affairs until the election of a new pope.
- [Vatican announces changes to this week’s Jubilee of Teenagers in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-changes-to-this-weeks-jubilee-of-teenagers-in-rome-5031): The Vatican has announced that despite the death of Pope Francis, the Jubilee of Teenagers is still scheduled to take place in Rome beginning this Friday, April 25, through Sunday, April 27.
- [EXPLAINER: What happens to Pope Francis’ remains after death?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cna-explains-what-happens-to-pope-francis-remains-after-death-5029): The Catholic Church has many historical customs and traditions related to the handling of a pope’s mortal remains between the time of his death and his burial.
- [‘A pope of mercy’: Priests from around the world mourn Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-of-mercy-priests-from-around-the-world-mourn-pope-francis-in-st-peters-square-5027): Priests from around the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis at the Vatican on Monday while reflecting on the late pontiff’s life and historic papacy.
- [Pope Francis: The pope of the peripheries who shook up the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-the-pope-of-the-peripheries-who-shook-up-the-church-5025): Pope Francis’ death today ends a historic 12-year papacy. The first Latin American and Jesuit pope, he leaves a legacy of reaching society’s margins and challenging a rigid, self-referential Church.
- [Pope Francis has died. What happens next?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-has-died-what-happens-next-5023): Pope Francis’s death marks the start of the “sede vacante,” when the See of Peter is vacant. This period is rich in centuries-old symbols, traditions, and protocols reflecting the essence of the papacy.
- [Vatican postpones Carlo Acutis canonization following Pope Francis’ death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-postpones-carlo-acutis-canonization-following-pope-francis-death-5021): The Vatican announced Monday that the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis has been postponed following the death of Pope Francis.
- [Statement from Michael P. Warsaw, President and CEO of EWTN, on the Death of Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/statement-from-michael-p-warsaw-president-and-ceo-of-ewtn-on-the-death-of-pope-francis-5019): Statement from Michael P. Warsaw, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of EWTN Global Catholic Network on the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis.
- [BREAKING: Pope Francis dies at 88, ending historic pontificate marked by mercy and reform](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-pope-francis-dies-at-88-ending-historic-pontificate-marked-by-mercy-and-reform-5017): Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years.
- [A Lenten Pilgrimage Across the Bridge of Angels: Good Friday Reflections from Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lenten-pilgrimage-across-the-bridge-of-angels-good-friday-reflections-from-rome-5015): Walk the Bridge of Angels in Rome with EWTN’s Fr. Baggot & Andreas Thonhauser—discover how symbols of Christ’s Passion become signs of hope this Good Friday.
- [Vatican: Commemoration of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-commemoration-of-the-lords-passion-on-good-friday-5013): Follow live at 5 PM Rome time, the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion from St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.
- [Holy Week Pilgrims In Rome Take Up Ancient Seven Churches Walks](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-week-pilgrims-in-rome-take-up-ancient-seven-churches-walks-5011): Jubilee of Hope pilgrims are undertaking two ancient church pilgrimages this week to prayerfully prepare for Easter: St. Philip Neri’s Seven Churches Pilgrimage and the Holy Thursday Seven Churches walk.
- [Security, Technological Enhancements Made To St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/security-technological-enhancements-made-to-st-peters-basilica-5009): With the aim of improving the experience of pilgrims traveling to Rome to participate in the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, the Fabric of St. Peter has led various restoration and innovation projects.
- [Explainer: Why Eastern And Western Easter Dates Differ — And Why 2025 Is Different](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/explainer-why-eastern-and-western-easter-dates-differ-and-why-2025-is-different-5007): While Easter dates usually differ between Eastern and Western Christians, this year both Easter celebrations land on the same day — a coincidence that could be an opportunity for progress in ecumenical dialogue.
- [Pope Francis Makes Surprise Visit To Regina Coeli Prison On Holy Thursday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-makes-surprise-visit-to-regina-coeli-prison-on-holy-thursday-5005): Despite ongoing health concerns, Pope Francis made a surprise Holy Thursday visit to Rome’s Regina Coeli prison, continuing his Triduum tradition with prisoners while recovering from pneumonia.
- [Washing Of Feet At Vatican Highlights Holy Thursday Call To Reject World That ‘Betrays’ For Profit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/washing-of-feet-at-vatican-highlights-holy-thursday-call-to-reject-world-that-betrays-for-profit-5003): At the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti reflected on Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, urging the Church to be a Eucharistic people who serve with love, not for power or profit.
- [Celebrating Saint Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/celebrating-saint-carlo-acutis-4921): EWTN Vatican, With great joy, we invite you to an evening with EWTN celebrating the life of St. Carlo Acutis, taking place on April 28th at the distinguished Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, located at Via Alberto Cadlolo 101. This special gathering will feature exclusive excerpts from our newly updated documentary on St. Carlo’s remarkable journey, along with an engaging panel discussion featuring experts and those who knew him personally. It promises to be an evening of inspiration, reflection, and fellowship. As seating is limited, we encourage you to RSVP at your earliest convenience by contacting Boglarka Sztancs (bsztancs@ewtn.com). Please find […]
- [The Mystery of the Stigmata: Signs of Christ’s Passion in the Lives of Saints](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mystery-of-the-stigmata-signs-of-christs-passion-in-the-lives-of-saints-5001): Over the centuries, there have been extraordinary accounts of people who have shown the marks of Jesus' crucifixion on their bodies, with wounds appearing on their hands, feet, and side. These marks are known to the world as “stigmata.”
- [Uncovering the Tomb of Jesus: The Truth Behind the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/uncovering-the-tomb-of-jesus-the-truth-behind-the-holy-sepulchre-in-jerusalem-4999): Easter is the most sacred moment of the liturgical year — and it draws our hearts to the place where it all began: the Lord’s Tomb in Jerusalem.
- [1700 Years Later: The Council of Nicaea and the Creed That United the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/1700-years-later-the-council-of-nicaea-and-the-creed-that-united-the-church-4997): Discover with EWTN: The Council of Nicaea took place here exactly 1700 years ago. It was also the birthplace of the Nicene Creed.
- [Easter in the Vatican: How Holy Week Is Celebrated in the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/easter-in-the-vatican-how-holy-week-is-celebrated-in-the-vatican-4995): Behind-the-scenes: How the Vatican prepares for Holy Week and the Holy Triduum.
- [Trinitarians, Guardians Of Persecuted Christians: ‘We Were Born To Go To The Dungeons’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/trinitarians-guardians-of-persecuted-christians-we-were-born-to-go-to-the-dungeons-4991): The Trinitarian order was founded at the end of the 12th century to free persecuted Christians. Today, it continues to quietly and humbly assist those persecuted for their faith.
- [More Than 1,800 Priests Celebrate Holy Thursday Chrism Mass At Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/more-than-1800-priests-celebrate-holy-thursday-chrism-mass-at-vatican-4989): On Holy Thursday, more than 1,880 priests, bishops and cardinals renewed the promises made at their ordinations during the Chrism Mass inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
- [Pope Francis: God’s Merciful Love Goes Out In Search Of All Those Who Are Lost](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-gods-merciful-love-goes-out-in-search-of-all-those-who-are-lost-4987): Pope Francis on Wednesday said the Gospel is a “message of hope” founded on the belief that God is a merciful father and not a slave master.
- [Pope Francis welcomes Gemelli Medical Teams To The Vatican, Thanks Them For Their Care](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-welcomes-gemelli-medical-teams-to-the-vatican-thanks-them-for-their-care-4985): Pope Francis on Wednesday morning met with medical teams who cared for him at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and thanked them for their work and prayers for his health and recovery.
- [Ecumenical Expert: ‘No Theological Reasons To Celebrate Easter On Different Dates’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ecumenical-expert-no-theological-reasons-to-celebrate-easter-on-different-dates-4983): Father Frans Bouwen, a leading Catholic in ecumenical dialogue, says there’s “no real theological reason” for Christians to celebrate Easter on different dates.
- [Sodality Of Christian Life Signs Its Official Dissolution Decree](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sodality-of-christian-life-signs-its-official-dissolution-decree-4981): The Vatican announced Tuesday that the suppression of the Sodality of Christian Life and all the institutions founded by Luis Fernando Figari has been formalized as a result of an investigation ordered by Pope Francis.
- [Vatican unveils new Timothy Schmalz statue ‘Be Welcoming’ in St. Peter’s Square](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-unveils-new-timothy-schmalz-statue-be-welcoming-in-st-peters-square-4979): A new Vatican-commissioned sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmalz titled “Be Welcoming” was installed in St. Peter’s Square on Tuesday in the hopes of inspiring people to open their hearts to the poor.
- [Vatican Says Cardinals To Celebrate Holy Week Liturgies As Pope Francis’ Health Improves](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-says-cardinals-to-celebrate-holy-week-liturgies-as-pope-francis-health-improves-4977): For Holy Week, Pope Francis has delegated three cardinals to celebrate the Vatican’s Holy Thursday and Good Friday liturgies as the state of the pontiff’s health continues to steadily improve, the director of the Holy See Press Office said Tuesday.
- [Jubilee of the Sick: Pope Francis, Pilgrimages, and Stories of Faith in Rome and Beyond](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-the-sick-pope-francis-pilgrimages-and-stories-of-faith-in-rome-and-beyond-4975): Pope Francis appears at the Jubilee of the Sick; pilgrims share joy in suffering, sacred music echoes in Rome, and ancient and modern pilgrimages inspire faith today.
- [Report Reveals Escalation Of Violence Against Christians In The Holy Land](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/report-reveals-escalation-of-violence-against-christians-in-the-holy-land-4973): The annual report by the Rossing Center, a Jerusalem-based organization dedicated to interfaith coexistence, documented 111 cases of harassment and violence against the Christian community in Israel and East Jerusalem in 2024.
- [Pope Francis Declares Sagrada Familia Basilica Architect Antoni Gaudí ‘Venerable’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-declares-sagrada-familia-basilica-architect-antoni-gaudi-venerable-4971): Pope Francis on Monday declared Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí “venerable,” bringing the designer of Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia basilica one step closer to sainthood.
- [“Caminos Lebanon”: A Pilgrimage with Saints Through Lebanon’s Sacred Trails](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/caminos-lebanon-a-pilgrimage-with-saints-through-lebanons-sacred-trails-4969): Amid war and wonder, Lebanese youth revive the Seven Churches pilgrimage through Caminos Lebanon—sacred trails of faith, hope, and healing for Jubilee 2025.
- [A Trinitarian Mission: How The Order Continues Its Crusade To Free Persecuted Christians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/trinitarian-mission-how-the-order-continues-its-crusade-to-free-persecuted-christians-4967): From Crusades to crisis zones, Trinitarians defend persecuted Christians with aid, shelter, and hope — a living legacy of redemption and freedom for the forgotten faithful.
- [Sacred Music in Rome: The National Shrine’s Choir Brings Beauty and Faith to the Jubilee Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sacred-music-in-rome-the-national-shrines-choir-brings-beauty-and-faith-to-the-jubilee-year-4965): The D.C. Basilica Choir brings sacred music to Rome for Jubilee 2025, inspiring hearts through beauty, liturgy, and a living tradition that leads souls closer to God.
- [From Ukraine To Nicaea: Key Vatican News On Aid, Peace, And Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-ukraine-to-nicaea-key-vatican-news-on-aid-peace-and-faith-4963): From ambulances for Ukraine to the unveiling of Veronica’s Veil—discover the Vatican’s latest actions in aid, diplomacy, and preserving sacred tradition.
- [Our Lady of Revelation in Rome: How Bruno Cornacchiola’s Encounter with Mary Changed His Life Forever](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/our-lady-of-revelation-in-rome-how-bruno-cornacchiolas-encounter-with-mary-changed-his-life-forever-4961): A man plotting to kill the Pope sees the Virgin Mary instead. Discover the shocking true story of Bruno Cornacchiola’s conversion at Tre Fontane in Rome.
- [From Suffering To Joy: A Catholic Mother’s Witness At The Jubilee Of The Sick With Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-suffering-to-joy-a-catholic-mothers-witness-at-the-jubilee-of-the-sick-with-pope-francis-4959): Two pilgrims for the Jubilee of the Sick traveled all the way from Krakow, Jolanta Kuc and her daughter Ola brought all the colors of the rainbow with them, to show that life with Leigh Syndrome can be beautiful.
- [Peace in Lebanon: Order of Malta and the Embassy of Germany to the Holy See](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/navigating-faith-and-global-headlines-during-holy-week-a-catholic-lens-on-todays-news-4957): Lebanon is one of the most fragile countries in the Middle East. Years of destruction caused by war, the influx of refugees from Syria, a devastating financial crisis, and widespread humanitarian suffering have made reconstruction a difficult task.
- [Venice Biennale: The Holy See Pavilion Is A Work Of Restoration Inspired By Laudato Si’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/venice-biennale-the-holy-see-pavilion-is-a-work-of-restoration-inspired-by-laudato-si-4955): The Holy See will return to the Venice Architecture Biennale, May 10-Nov. 23, showcasing the restoration of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, concerts, and solidarity initiatives, including a soup kitchen.
- [Pope Francis Calls On University Students To Proclaim Christ’s Gospel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-calls-on-university-students-to-proclaim-christs-gospel-4953): Pope Francis encouraged university students linked to Opus Dei to share “the Gospel of Jesus Christ, dead and risen” with everyone during this jubilee year in a message to participants of an international congress in Rome.
- [Vatican Announces Theme For 2025 World Day Of Prayer For The Care Of Creation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-theme-for-2025-world-day-of-prayer-for-the-care-of-creation-4951): The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has announced the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 2025 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, held annually on Sept. 1: “Seeds of Peace and Hope.”
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV meeting the last three pontiffs](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-meeting-the-last-three-pontiffs-5357): Pope Leo XIV met three of his predecessors during his years as an Augustinian, prior, and cardinal. Here are photos from those encounters.
- [Americans in St. Peter’s Square celebrate historic election of Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/americans-in-st-peters-square-celebrate-historic-election-of-pope-leo-xiv-5355): Americans gathered in St. Peter’s Square on May 8 to celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. The 69-year-old Augustinian friar, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, was elected after just two days of conclave.
- [German cardinal on American pope: ‘I didn’t expect it’ but sees hope for synodality clarity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/german-cardinal-on-american-pope-i-didnt-expect-it-but-sees-hope-for-synodality-clarity-5353): Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki has candidly confessed he “didn’t expect” the election of Pope Leo XIV, praising the new pontiff’s “warmth and humanity” while expressing hope for theological clarity concerning synodality.
- [Caritas, Catholic Relief Services see mission ‘continuity and renewal’ with Pope Leo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/caritas-catholic-relief-services-see-mission-continuity-and-renewal-with-pope-leo-5351): The election of Leo XIV was enthusiastically received by Caritas Internationalis, which expressed its support for the new pontiff and reaffirmed its readiness to walk alongside the new pope.
- [Cardinal Bustillo: Pope Leo XIV will be ‘bold and solid’ leader for Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-bustillo-pope-leo-xiv-will-be-bold-and-solid-leader-for-church-5349): Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo praised Pope Leo XIV as a “solid, discreet, and good worker,” expressing confidence in his bold leadership following the May 8 conclave that elected him as the 267th pope.
- [Pope Leo XIV shares vision for papacy in age of artificial intelligence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-shares-vision-for-papacy-in-age-of-artificial-intelligence-5347): Pope Leo XIV delivered his first official address to the College of Cardinals on Saturday, outlining his priorities in the age of AI while stressing continuity with past popes and commitment to Catholic social teaching.
- [Cardinal Filoni: Leo XIV's papal name points to 'clear vision of the Church'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-filoni-leo-xivs-papal-name-points-to-clear-vision-of-the-church-5345): Pope Leo XIV's pontifical name is a reflection of his intent to lead the Catholic Church with a "clear vision" amid a turbulent world, Italian Cardinal Fernando Filoni said Friday.
- [Who are the Augustinians? A look at Pope Leo XIV’s religious order](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-are-the-augustinians-a-look-at-pope-leo-xivs-religious-order-5343): Pope Leo XIV, elected on Thursday, is the first pope from the Order of St. Augustine (OSA), also known as the Augustinians, an ancient religious order with thousands of members worldwide.
- [Powerful symbols: Vatican releases Pope Leo XIV’s official portrait and signature](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/powerful-symbols-vatican-releases-pope-leo-xivs-official-portrait-and-signature-5341): The Vatican unveiled Pope Leo XIV’s official portrait and signature Saturday, revealing the American pontiff’s embrace of traditional papal elements just two days after his historic election.
- [Pope Leo calls on youth to ‘accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord’ in first Regina Caeli](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-calls-on-youth-to-accept-the-invitation-of-the-church-and-christ-the-lord-in-first-regina-caeli-5339): “To young people I say: Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord!” proclaimed Pope Leo XIV to thunderous applause during his first Regina Caeli, as jubilant pilgrims filled St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
- [EWTN’s Michael Warsaw celebrates ‘momentous’ election of first American pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtns-michael-warsaw-celebrates-momentous-election-of-first-american-pope-5337): EWTN Chairman and CEO Michael Warsaw reacted with joy to the election of the first American pontiff.
- [FULL TEXT: Pope Leo XIV’s homily at Mass with the cardinal electors in the Sistine Chapel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-pope-leo-xivs-homily-at-mass-with-the-cardinal-electors-in-the-sistine-chapel-5333): Pope Leo XIV delivered this homily at his first Mass as pope in the Sistine Chapel on May 9, the morning after being elected the 267th successor of St. Peter, addressing the cardinal electors who had chosen him.
- [14 things to know about Pope Leo XIV — the first U.S.-born pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/14-things-to-know-about-pope-leo-xiv-the-first-us-born-pope-5331): On May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV by the College of Cardinals as the 266th successor of St. Peter, making him the 267th pope and the first from the United States. 
- [Pope Leo XIV to pray Regina Caeli, greet journalists in first engagements after election](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-pray-regina-caeli-greet-journalists-in-first-engagements-after-election-5329): Just hours after being elected the Catholic Church’s 267th pontiff, Pope Leo XIV has three appointments on his agenda: a Mass with cardinals, praying the Regina Caeli, and greeting journalists and media who covered the conclave.
- [Who is Pope Leo XIV? A bio of the first American pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-is-pope-leo-xiv-a-bio-of-the-first-american-pope-5327): Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, May 8 — the first pope from the United States.
- [Pope Leo XIV’s first words to the world: ‘Peace be with you all’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-first-words-to-the-world-peace-be-with-you-all-5325): Pope Leo XIV greeted the world for the first time on Thursday with the words “Peace be with you all.”
- [Are the cardinals forever bound to not reveal the results of the conclave balloting?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/are-the-cardinals-forever-bound-to-not-reveal-the-results-of-the-conclave-balloting-5323): The word conclave comes from the Latin “cum clave,” literally “with a key,” which conveys the image of the cardinal electors being locked in the Sistine Chapel until the new pope is elected.
- [Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost elected as 267th pope, takes name Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-robert-francis-prevost-elected-as-267th-pope-takes-name-leo-xiv-5321): Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
- [BREAKING: Habemus papam!  Cardinal Robert Prevost elected as Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-habemus-papam-white-smoke-rises-from-chimney-of-sistine-chapel-5319): White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel today at 6:09 p.m. Rome time, signaling the College of Cardinals has chosen a new pope.
- [No pasta carbonara or hard liquor on cardinals’ conclave menu](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/no-pasta-carbonara-or-hard-liquor-on-cardinals-conclave-menu-5317): Nutritionist Giorgio Calabrese, an Italian doctor who specializes in nutritional science, prepared the menu for the cardinal electors who have kicked off the conclave to elect the next pope.
- [BREAKING: Black smoke rises from Sistine Chapel as Thursday morning voting concludes without a pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-black-smoke-rises-from-sistine-chapel-as-thursday-morning-voting-concludes-without-a-pope-5315): Black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 11:51 am Rome time on Thursday, signaling that the cardinals voting at the conclave have not yet elected a new pope.
- [Papal names: What are the most and least popular?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-names-what-are-the-most-and-least-popular-5313): John, Pius, Leo, and Alexander. These are just a few of the names popes have taken over the centuries. When the white smoke appears and a new pope is chosen, he is asked: “By what name shall you be called?”
- [Papal charity’s pilgrimage to Rome begins on day conclave opens](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-charitys-pilgrimage-to-rome-begins-on-day-conclave-opens-5311): Some of the people who are most desperate for hope — including suffering Christians in Ukraine, the Holy Land, and Africa — will be represented in Rome this week in a pilgrimage for the 2025 Jubilee Year.
- [The Room of Tears: Where new popes go right after their election](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/room-of-tears-where-new-popes-go-right-after-their-election-5309): When Pope Leo XIII was elected in 1878, the story goes that he wept. At age 67, he thought he was too old for the job. (He lived to be the second-oldest pope and died at the age of 93).
- [Why it matters what the new pope will wear when he appears on the balcony](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-it-matters-what-the-new-pope-will-wear-when-he-appears-on-the-balcony-5307): The newly elected pope will leave the Sistine Chapel at the conclusion of the conclave and walk into a small antechamber, known as the “Room of Tears,” to be vested into his papal attire for the first time.
- [Black smoke rises from Sistine Chapel as first conclave vote ends without new pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/black-smoke-rises-from-sistine-chapel-as-first-conclave-vote-ends-without-new-pope-5305): Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney Wednesday evening to the watchful eyes of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square as the first day of conclave voting concluded without a new pontiff.
- [Conclave schedule: What time does the smoke appear?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/conclave-schedule-what-time-does-the-smoke-appear-5303): As the conclave gets underway, all eyes turn to the small chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. From this simple metal tube will emerge the long-awaited white smoke that will announce the election of the new pope.
- [Meet the 5 cardinal electors with the most conclave experience](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-5-cardinal-electors-with-the-most-conclave-experience-5301): With the start of the conclave May 7, there are five cardinal electors who bring a significant amount of experience to the process.
- [BREAKING: Black smoke rises from Sistine Chapel as first conclave vote ends without new pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-black-smoke-rises-from-sistine-chapel-as-first-conclave-vote-ends-without-new-pope-5299): Black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney Wednesday evening to the watchful eyes of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square as the first day of conclave voting concluded without a new pontiff.
- [How a Pope is Chosen: Inside the Secretive and Ancient Ritual of the Conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-a-pope-is-chosen-inside-the-secretive-and-ancient-ritual-of-the-conclave-5297): Discover the secretive yet highly structured process of a papal conclave, from ancient rituals to modern rules, as the cardinals gather to elect the next pope under centuries-old traditions.
- [In an atmosphere of renewal, 23 new Legionaries of Christ priests ordained in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-an-atmosphere-of-renewal-23-new-legionaries-of-christ-priests-ordained-in-rome-5295): Amid the pre-conclave anticipation, the Catholic Church found renewed hope as 23 new Legionaries of Christ were ordained priests on May 3 at Rome’s St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica.
- [Cardinals hear call for ‘unity of the Church’ at Mass ahead of conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-hear-call-for-unity-of-the-church-at-mass-ahead-of-conclave-5293): At the Mass for the election of a new pope, the dean of the College of Cardinals made “a strong call to maintain the unity of the Church” ahead of the conclave on Wednesday.
- [Cardinal Rueda: A conclave is ‘quite different’ from the election of a president](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-rueda-a-conclave-is-quite-different-from-the-election-of-a-president-5291): Colombian Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio pointed out that the atmosphere among the cardinals is “quite different” from what people who associate a papal conclave “with a democratic election of a president” may imagine.
- [FULL TEXT & VIDEO: Cardinal Re’s homily for the Mass for the election of the Supreme Pontiff](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-and-video-cardinal-res-homily-for-the-mass-for-the-election-of-the-supreme-pontiff-5289): Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, delivered this homily at the Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on May 7, 2025, just hours before the conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor.
- [Conclave 2025: A prayer as the cardinals gather to elect the next pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/conclave-2025-a-prayer-as-the-cardinals-gather-to-elect-the-next-pope-5287): As the cardinals gather in conclave beginning today, May 7, the Church and all people of goodwill are invited to pray this prayer given by the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word.
- [MAP: Key Vatican locations to know about as the conclave begins](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/map-key-vatican-locations-to-know-about-as-the-conclave-begins-5285): All eyes have turned to Vatican City as the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor is set to begin May 7.
- [Cardinals witness destruction of Pope Francis’ ring, seal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-witness-destruction-of-pope-francis-ring-seal-5283): The papal fisherman’s ring and lead seal were nulled during the 12th general congregation of the College of Cardinals on Tuesday.
- [The Sistine Chapel: Renaissance gem dazzles clergy and laypeople alike](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sistine-chapel-renaissance-gem-dazzles-clergy-and-laypeople-alike-5281): The Sistine Chapel has witnessed every papal election since 1492 with only five exceptions, and it is preparing to once again host the conclave.
- [PHOTOS: The Sistine Chapel awaits the arrival of cardinal electors to choose the next pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-the-sistine-chapel-awaits-the-arrival-of-cardinal-electors-to-choose-the-next-pope-5279): The Vatican on Tuesday released photos of the Sistine Chapel prepared for the arrival of the cardinal electors who will select the next pope in the conclave set to begin on Wednesday.
- [9 memorable quotes from the Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/9-memorable-quotes-from-the-novendiales-masses-for-pope-francis-5277): On Sunday, the Cardinals ended nine requiem Masses for Pope Francis, linking the apostles’ sorrow after Christ’s death to the Church’s mourning and hope in the Resurrection.
- [These are the challenges identified by the cardinals ahead of the conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/these-are-the-challenges-identified-by-the-cardinals-ahead-of-the-conclave-5275): Before the conclave, the cardinals held 12 general congregations at the Vatican to reflect on the Church’s state and its challenges in today’s world.
- [The history behind ‘habemus papam’ and the white smoke that announces a new pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/history-behind-habemus-papam-and-the-white-smoke-that-announces-a-new-pope-5273): When a new pope is elected, two signs mark the moment: white smoke (“fumata bianca”) from the Sistine Chapel chimney and the “habemus papam” announcement by the cardinal protodeacon from St. Peter’s Basilica’s balcony.
- [East Europe's Cardinals in the Conclave 2025: Who Are They?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/east-europes-cardinals-in-the-conclave-2025-who-are-they-5271): The roughly 18 countries that currently make up the Eastern European bloc are represented by nine electors and eight non-electors — 17 cardinals in total: who are they?
- [Italy's Cardinals in the 2025 Conclave: Who Are They?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italys-cardinals-in-the-2025-conclave-who-are-they-5269): As the conclave set to begin on May 7 approaches, the single largest group of cardinal electors comes from Italy: who are the Italian Cardinals?
- [Western Europe Cardinals in the 2025 Conclave: Who Are They?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/western-europe-cardinals-in-the-2025-conclave-who-are-they-5267): With over 100 cardinal electors present in the Vatican ahead of the Conclave, the Western European block stands out as the only group larger than the Italian contingent.
- [Africa's Cardinals in the 2025 Conclave: Who are They?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/africas-cardinals-in-the-2025-conclave-who-are-they-5265): The College of Cardinals currently includes 29 cardinals from 23 African countries: who are they?
- [Middle East Cardinals in the 2025 Conclave: Who are They?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/middle-east-cardinals-in-the-2025-conclave-who-are-they-5263): As the Church prepares for the next conclave to elect his successor, three key cardinals from the Middle East, all appointed by Francis, will play a pivotal role.
- [Inside the Conclave: Which Cardinals Lead the Ceremonies](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inside-the-conclave-which-cardinals-lead-the-ceremonies-5261): When a pope dies, the governance of the Catholic Church temporarily passes to the College of Cardinals — currently made up of 250 men, aged 45 to 99. Who leads the Conclave?
- [Pope Francis’ last gift to Gaza: A popemobile converted into a mobile clinic](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-last-gift-to-gaza-a-popemobile-converted-into-a-mobile-clinic-5259): Before his death, Pope Francis donated one of his popemobiles to be converted into a mobile clinic to assist the children of Gaza, one of the communities most affected by the war and humanitarian crisis in that region.
- [Before the Conclave: Historic Origins of the Conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/before-the-conclave-historic-origins-of-the-conclave-5257): Explore the origins of the Conclave, the Pope as Bishop of Rome, and the Pro-Life teachings of Pope Francis.
- [Asia-Pacific Cardinals Entering the Conclave: Who are they?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/asia-pacific-cardinals-entering-the-conclave-who-are-they-5255): While Catholics make up just 3% of Asia’s vast population of 4.5 billion, they account for about 11% of the world’s Catholic population. Who are the Cardinals from Asia-Pacific to enter the Conclave?
- [South American Cardinals entering the Conclave 2025: Who are they?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/south-american-cardinals-entering-the-conclave-2025-who-are-they-5253): As the first pope from Latin America, Argentine Pope Francis has cast a bright light on Catholicism in the southern hemisphere and the unique cultural identity of the Church there. Who are the Cardinals going into the Conclave?
- [American Cardinals in the Next Conclave: Who They Are and Why They Matter](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/american-cardinals-in-the-next-conclave-who-they-are-and-why-they-matter-5251): Ten Cardinal-electors are from the United States. Who are they? And how might they influence the upcoming Conclave 2025?
- [This Question Shook John Paul II — Now Another Man Must Answer Christ’s Summons](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-question-shook-john-paul-ii-now-another-man-must-answer-christs-summons-5249): The greatest pre-conclave homily was preached by St. John Paul II in 1978, on the Gospel where Christ asks Peter three times, ‘Do you love me?’ — the same Gospel heard in churches around the world this past Sunday.
- [FULL TEXT: Cardinal Mamberti’s homily for the ninth Novendiales Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-cardinal-mambertis-homily-for-the-ninth-novendiales-mass-5247): On May 4, 2025, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, the former prefect of the prefect of the supreme tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, delivered the following homily during the ninth day of Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis.
- [Pope Francis was ‘faithful to his mission,’ cardinal says at ninth Novendiales Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-was-faithful-to-his-mission-cardinal-says-at-ninth-novendiales-mass-5245): On the ninth and final day of Novendiales, the nine days of mourning for Pope Francis, French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti reflected on the papal mission to love and serve Christ and his Church.
- [How Pope Francis shaped the College of Cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-pope-francis-shaped-the-college-of-cardinals-5243): Of the 133 cardinals with the right to vote in this conclave, 108 were created by Pope Francis and therefore will be participating in the election of a pontiff for the first time.
- [FULL TEXT: Cardinal Artime's homily on the 8th day of Novendiales](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-cardinal-artimes-homily-on-the-8th-day-of-novendiales-5241): On May 3, 2025, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, the former prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, delivered the following homily during the 8th day of Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis.
- [Pope Francis urged 'heart and spirit' for 'the poorest' among us, Cardinal Artime says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-urged-heart-and-spirit-for-the-poorest-among-us-cardinal-artime-says-5239): Pope Francis desired that consecrated Catholic men and women possess "a heart and a spirit pure and free enough" to love and serve the least among us, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime said at the eighth Novendiales Mass on Saturday.
- [At Novendiales Mass, Pope Francis hailed for 'unwavering confidence' in women religious](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-novendiales-mass-pope-francis-hailed-for-unwavering-confidence-in-women-religious-5237): At the eighth Novendiales Mass on Saturday, Pope Francis was hailed as a "humble and compassionate pastor," one who maintained "unwavering confidence in the vocation of women religious."
- [Nicene Creed champion: The life and legacy of St. Athanasius](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/nicene-creed-champion-the-life-and-legacy-of-st-athanasius-5235): St. Athanasius played a key role at the First Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325 and defended the Nicene Creed throughout his life.
- [2025 conclave to be largest in Catholic Church’s history](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/2025-conclave-to-be-largest-in-catholic-churchs-history-5233): The upcoming conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis will be the largest in the history of the Catholic Church, with 133 cardinal electors expected to gather in the Sistine Chapel on May 7, Vatican officials confirmed this week.
- [Francis, the pope who put the Church in green mode](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/francis-the-pope-who-put-the-church-in-green-mode-5231): Laudato Si’: Since its publication in 2015, this text has become a reference for environmental protection and an uncomfortable reminder for many others: The earth is wounded, and humanity with it.
- [Pope Francis’ cardinal picks bring new voices to the conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-cardinal-picks-bring-new-voices-to-the-conclave-5229): The conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor will begin on May 7. (Here’s a detailed explanation of how the process will work.) Over 130 cardinal electors will vote in the conclave, the largest group of cardinal electors ever.
- [Cardinal commemorates martyrdom, persecution of Eastern Catholics faithful to pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-commemorates-martyrdom-persecution-of-eastern-catholics-faithful-to-pope-5227): On the seventh day of the Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti recalled the extreme sacrifice Catholics from the Eastern Catholic Churches have made to remain faithful to the successor of St. Peter, the pope.
- [Cardinal Arinze: ‘We want a pope who is full of fire for the kingdom of Christ’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-arinze-we-want-a-pope-who-is-full-of-fire-for-the-kingdom-of-christ-5225): Cardinal Francis Arinze has said that the Church needs “a pope who is full of fire for the kingdom of Christ.”
- [Pope Francis: Strong Pro-Life Words Against Abortion, Surrogacy, Gender Theory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-strong-pro-life-words-against-abortion-surrogacy-gender-theory-5223): Pope Francis and his pro-life teachings. Strong words in contrast to secular society's throwaway culture.
- [Pope Francis: Bishop of Rome Walking With His People](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-bishop-of-rome-walking-with-his-people-5221): Right from the start, Pope Francis showed his deep commitment to this relationship, making 12 visits to dioceses and parishes in 2013 alone, the year of his election.
- [FULL TEXT: Cardinal Fernández’s homily on the sixth day of Novendiales](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-cardinal-fernandezs-homily-on-the-sixth-day-of-novendiales-5219): On May 1, 2025, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith under Pope Francis, delivered the following homily during the sixth day of Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis.
- [At Novendiales Mass, Cardinal Fernández recalls Pope Francis’ love of work](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-novendiales-mass-cardinal-fernandez-recalls-pope-francis-love-of-work-5217): Not only did Pope Francis value and promote the dignity of labor, he was someone who personally worked extremely hard, finding joy and rest in work itself, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández said at the sixth Novendiales Mass.
- [May has begun, the month dedicated to the Virgin Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/may-has-begun-the-month-dedicated-to-the-virgin-mary-5215): The Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God and spiritual mother of all.
- [2 priests ‘elected’ as Catholic bishops in China after death of Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/2-priests-elected-as-catholic-bishops-in-china-after-death-of-pope-francis-5213): During the papal interregnum, Chinese authorities have moved to assert the Church in China’s autonomy by unilaterally ‘electing’ two bishops, including in a diocese with a Vatican-appointed bishop.
- [Who are the cardinals who will choose the next pope?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-are-the-cardinals-who-will-choose-the-next-pope-5211): There are currently 252 cardinals, 133 of whom are eligible and expected to vote in the conclave. They range in age from 45 to 99. Who are they?
- [The First Conclave: Origins of the Conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/first-conclave-origins-of-the-conclave-5207): Where was the first Conclave? EWTN Vatican explains the origin of the Conclave.
- [These are the cardinals from the U.S. and Canada participating in the conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/these-are-the-cardinals-from-the-us-and-canada-participating-in-the-conclave-5205): Pope Francis during his pontificate appointed 108 of the 135 cardinal electors. There are 14 cardinals representing the United States and Canada  — 10 from the United States and four from Canada.
- [College of Cardinals asks for prayers ahead of May 7 conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/college-of-cardinals-asks-for-prayers-ahead-of-may-7-conclave-5203): The College of Cardinals on Wednesday called on Catholics around the world to pray for them as they prepare to enter the conclave next week to elect the next pope, acknowledging the “enormity of the task ahead” in choosing the next successor of Peter.
- [2 cardinal electors, from Spain and Kenya, will not attend upcoming conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/2-cardinal-electors-from-spain-and-kenya-will-not-attend-upcoming-conclave-5201): The archdioceses of Spanish Cardinal Antonio Cañizares and Kenyan Cardinal John Njue on Wednesday both confirmed the two prelates will not participate in the upcoming papal conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis.
- [Cardinal who chaired Medjugorje commission offers 4 criteria for the conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-who-chaired-medjugorje-commission-offers-4-criteria-for-the-conclave-5199): Italian Cardinal Camillo Ruini, who chaired the international commission investigating the authenticity of Medjugorje, has offered four criteria for the conclave that will elect Pope Francis’ successor.
- [Asian cardinal asks for prayers to discern what kind of pope the Church needs](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/asian-cardinal-asks-for-prayers-to-discern-what-kind-of-pope-the-church-needs-5197): In a pastoral letter published by the Archdiocese of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh called on the faithful to pray for the cardinals involved in electing the successor to St. Peter.
- [Cardinal on fifth day of Novendiales says pope should be servant leader](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-on-fifth-day-of-novendiales-says-pope-should-be-servant-leader-5195): Cardinal Leonardo Sandri on Wednesday recalled one of the traditional titles for the pope, the “servant of the servants of God,” and emphasized the papal roles of service and confirming Catholics in the faith.
- [Cardinals hold sixth general congregation, confirm 2 electors will not be at conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-hold-sixth-general-congregation-confirm-2-electors-will-not-be-at-conclave-5193): The College of Cardinals held their sixth general congregation on Tuesday morning, confirming two cardinal electors will not participate in the upcoming May 7 conclave due to health reasons.
- [Pope Francis to young people: Prepare yourselves for marriage, don’t get divorced](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-to-young-people-prepare-yourselves-for-marriage-dont-get-divorced-5191): In an exhortation to young people published after his death, Pope Francis urged couples to prepare properly for marriage and commit themselves to “love that lasts a lifetime.”
- [8 gestures of austerity and love for the poor by Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/8-gestures-of-austerity-and-love-for-the-poor-by-pope-francis-5189): Since his time as archbishop of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis was already known for his humility, closeness to the poor, and an austere lifestyle that spoke louder than words.
- [Meet the pilgrims from the Jubilee of People with Disabilities](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-pilgrims-from-the-jubilee-of-people-with-disabilities-5187): Thousands of people from more than 90 countries gathered in Rome this week to celebrate the Catholic Church’s Jubilee of People with Disabilities.
- [Evangelization needs ‘unreserved openness’ to others, cardinal says at Novendiales Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/evangelization-needs-unreserved-openness-to-others-cardinal-says-at-novendiales-mass-5185): The way to evangelization is “unreserved openness” to others, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, OFM Conv, said on the fourth day of the Novendiales, the Church’s nine days of mourning for Pope Francis.
- [Full text: Homily of Cardinal Gambetti on fourth day of Novemdiales](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-homily-of-cardinal-gambetti-on-fourth-day-of-novemdiales-5183): Editor’s Note: On April 29, 2025, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti delivered this homily during the fourth Novendiales Mass for Pope Francis. EWTN’s translation from the Italian original.
- [Cardinal Woelki expects longer papal conclave than swift election of Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-woelki-expects-longer-papal-conclave-than-swift-election-of-pope-francis-5181): Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne expects the upcoming papal conclave to last longer than the relatively brief gathering that elected Pope Francis in 2013, the German prelate revealed Tuesday in Rome.
- [Haiti’s first and only cardinal set to vote in upcoming conclave to elect new pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/haitis-first-and-only-cardinal-set-to-vote-in-upcoming-conclave-to-elect-new-pope-5179): Cardinal Chibly Langlois, bishop of Les Cayes, will be the first Haitian prelate in the Church’s history to participate and vote in a papal conclave.
- [EXPLAINER: What is a conclave and how does it work?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/explainer-what-is-a-conclave-and-how-does-it-work-5177): As the world mourns Pope Francis during the nine-day "Novendiales," preparations begin for the tightly regulated conclave to elect the next pope.
- [Pope Francis’ praise for St. Catherine of Siena](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-praise-for-st-catherine-of-siena-5175): On the feast of St. Catherine of Siena in 2021, Pope Francis expressed his hope that the “great female figure of faith” would continue to inspire a more joyful and fervent witness.
- [Full text: Homily of Cardinal Reina on third day of Novendiales](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-homily-of-cardinal-reina-on-third-day-of-novendiales-5173): On April 28, 2025, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general for the Diocese of Rome, delivered the following homily during the third day of Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis.
- [‘Discern and order’: Cardinal calls for continuation of Pope Francis’ reform path](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/discern-and-order-cardinal-calls-for-continuation-of-pope-francis-reform-path-5171): Cardinal Baldassare Reina urged the faithful to “discern and order” the late pontiff’s reform initiatives while acknowledging the sense of loss felt by Rome’s Catholics in his homily on the third day of “Novendiales” Masses for Pope Francis.
- [Kurdish family helped by Pope Francis: ‘He saved us’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/kurdish-family-helped-by-pope-francis-he-saved-us-5169): Among those at the Pope's funeral was a 31-year-old Kurdish woman, who fled Iraq with her husband and four children due to ISIS violence and a lack of basic services and future prospects.
- [Meet the 5 oldest cardinals taking part in the 2025 conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-5-oldest-cardinals-taking-part-in-the-2025-conclave-5167): Cardinals over the age of 80 cannot participate in a conclave. Out of the 134 cardinals under 80 taking part in the upcoming 2025 conclave, 15 are 79 years old — some making it under the cutoff just weeks before their 80th birthday.
- [‘This is Francis:’ A Vatican photographer remembers phone call from the pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-francis-a-vatican-photographer-remembers-phone-call-from-the-pope-5165): Imagine that your cellphone rings and the display says the call is from a “private number.” You expect it to be a telemarketer, but instead when you answer, you hear a man with an Argentine accent say: “This is Francis. I received your letter.”
- [Cardinals discuss Church’s future challenges as Sistine Chapel preparations begin](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-discuss-churchs-future-challenges-as-sistine-chapel-preparations-begin-5163): Ahead of the May 7 conclave, evangelization challenges, interfaith relations, and confronting the ongoing abuse crisis topped the agenda when more than 180 cardinals gathered Monday for their fifth general congregation since Pope Francis’ death.
- [Meet the 5 youngest cardinals taking part in the conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-5-youngest-cardinals-taking-part-in-the-conclave-5161): The five youngest cardinals lead sees in Australia, Mongolia, Portugal, and Canada as well as a dicastery of the Roman Curia. Two of them are Eastern-rite Catholics. Three were made cardinals in the last consistory before the conclave. 
- [EXPLAINER: What is the St. Malachy prophecy, and why are people talking about it?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/explainer-what-is-the-st-malachy-prophecy-and-why-are-people-talking-about-it-5159): The recent death of Pope Francis on April 21 has reignited interest in the centuries-old “Prophecy of the Popes,” also known as the St. Malachy prophecy, which some say indicates that Pope Francis was the last pope the Church will ever have.
- [May 7 papal conclave date finalized as cardinals prepare for election](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-the-conclave-starts-on-may-7-5157): The Vatican announced Monday that the conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor will begin on May 7, as the Church enters the final preparatory phase for choosing its 267th pope.
- [Pope’s final journey: 11 symbolic moments from Francis’ funeral procession](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-final-journey-11-symbolic-moments-from-francis-funeral-procession-5155): The six-kilometer journey that transported Pope Francis’ body from St. Peter’s Basilica to St. Mary Major featured profound symbolism and emotion.
- [‘Never its master’: Why Pope Leo says science must serve humanity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/never-its-master-why-pope-leo-says-science-must-serve-humanity-5563): Pope Leo XIV has praised an international bioethics summit in Rome for advancing an “authentically human” approach to science, urging researchers to pursue truth grounded in the dignity of the human person.
- [Pope Leo XIV ordains 11 new priests for Rome, urges transparent priesthood](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ordains-11-new-priests-for-rome-urges-transparent-priesthood-5561): Pope Leo XIV ordained 11 new priests for the Diocese of Rome on Saturday during a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, urging them to live lives that are “transparent, visible, credible” in service to God’s people.
- [Catholic ‘creative minority’ revitalizing Church in the Netherlands, Dutch cardinal says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-creative-minority-revitalizing-church-in-the-netherlands-dutch-cardinal-says-5559): The Church in the Netherlands is gaining momentum thanks to the “creative minority” of young people rediscovering the Catholic faith, Cardinal Willem Eijk said.
- [Pope Leo XIV to Anabaptists: Live the call to Christian unity with love](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-anabaptists-live-the-call-to-christian-unity-with-love-5557): Pope Leo XIV encouraged the Anabaptist (Mennonite) movement to live with love the call to Christian unity and the mandate to serve others.
- [Leo XIV: Peace is possible by ‘acknowledging, understanding, and surmounting’ disagreements](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-peace-is-possible-by-acknowledging-understanding-and-surmounting-disagreements-5555): Pope Leo XIV on Friday stated that authentic peace “takes shape from the ground up” when the differences and conflicts they entail “are not set aside but acknowledged, understood, and surmounted.”
- [Cardinal Eijk: Pontifical Academy for Life should examine ethics of ‘transgender’ therapy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-eijk-pontifical-academy-for-life-should-examine-ethics-of-transgender-therapy-5553): Cardinal Willem Eijk on Friday said the Pontifical Academy for Life should give more attention to the bioethical issues linked to “gender affirming” therapies and “transgender” treatments.
- [More than 60,000 pilgrims expected for Jubilee of Families, Children, and the Elderly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/more-than-60000-pilgrims-expected-for-jubilee-of-families-children-and-the-elderly-5551): More than 60,000 pilgrims from 120 countries will be in Rome this weekend to participate in the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly taking place from Friday, May 30, to Sunday, June 1.
- [Vatican, Caritas: Global economic reforms needed to alleviate poor nations’ debt crisis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-caritas-global-economic-reforms-needed-to-alleviate-poor-nations-debt-crisis-5549): The Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and Caritas Internationalis joined forces this week to address the impact of an “unjust global system” that makes rich nations wealthier at the expense of poorer nations.
- [Cardinal Sarah to represent Pope Leo XIV at celebrations of apparitions of St. Anne](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-sarah-to-represent-pope-leo-xiv-at-celebrations-of-apparitions-of-st-anne-5547): Pope Leo XIV has appointed Cardinal Robert Sarah as his special envoy for the celebrations taking place in France commemorating the 400th anniversary of the apparitions of St. Anne to the Breton peasant Yvon Nicolazic.
- [World-class cyclists to circle Vatican City, meet Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-class-cyclists-to-circle-vatican-city-meet-pope-leo-xiv-5543): World-class cyclists will greet Pope Leo XIV and circle Vatican City on Sunday before embarking on the final lap of the Giro d’Italia, a multistage bicycle race that concludes in Rome.
- [Pope Leo XIV signals focus on AI with nod to Leo XIII’s social teaching legacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-signals-focus-on-ai-with-nod-to-leo-xiiis-social-teaching-legacy-5541): When the new pope appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s on May 8, his choice of the name Leo signaled the direction he intends to take on pressing moral issues, including artificial intelligence. 
- [Pope Leo XIV decries severe suffering in Gaza and Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-decries-severe-suffering-in-gaza-and-ukraine-5539): At the end of Wednesday’s general audience, Pope Leo XIV turned his attention to the people suffering the devastating consequences of war, especially in Ukraine and Gaza.
- [Pope Leo XIV: Before being believers, we are called to be human](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-before-being-believers-we-are-called-to-be-human-5537): Pope Leo XIV held the second general audience of his pontificate today in which he reflected on the parable of the good Samaritan.
- [Pope Leo XIV to give 500-euro ‘conclave bonus’ to 5,000 Vatican workers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-give-500-euro-conclave-bonus-to-5000-vatican-workers-5535): Pope Leo XIV has reinstated the “conclave bonus” given to Vatican employees for their service during the sede vacante period.
- [Cardinal Napier: Church in Africa must ‘bring people together’ to overcome racial divides](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-napier-church-in-africa-must-bring-people-together-to-overcome-racial-divides-5533): South African Cardinal Wilfrid Napier this week said the Catholic Church can lead in helping overcome decades of apartheid and racial divide that continue to dominate life in his country.
- [A practical guide to obtaining an apostolic blessing from Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/practical-guide-to-obtaining-an-apostolic-blessing-from-pope-leo-xiv-5531): Pope Leo XIV is now granting apostolic blessings to the faithful around the world, a spiritual gesture that can be officially requested through the Vatican’s Apostolic Almoner’s Office.
- [Pope Leo to ‘promote the fundamental role of the family,’ former diocesan colleague says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-to-promote-the-fundamental-role-of-the-family-former-diocesan-colleague-says-5529): The city of Chiclayo in Peru erupted with excitement when the news broke that American missionary Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Martínez, who pastored their diocese from 2015 to 2023, had been elected as the new successor to St. Peter.
- [Leo XIV: Rome Meets Its New Bishop in St. John Lateran](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-meets-its-new-bishop-5527): Pope Leo XIV took a key next step in his papal ministry on the 6th Sunday of Easter by taking possession of the papal basilicas, especially his cathedral, St. John Lateran.
- [Cardinals Urge Spiritual Renewal at Rome Symposium on the Future of the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/future-of-the-church-5525): At the symposium entitled “The Future of the Church - Change or Transform?”, the two cardinals were joined by Professor and priest Fr. Ralph Weimann and Fr. Guido Rodheudt as presenters.
- [Pope Leo XIV Takes Possession of the "Cathedra" of Rome's Cathedral of St. John Lateran](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-and-papal-basilicas-5523): By celebrating his first Mass at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Mother of all Churches, Pope Leo XIV took possession of his seat as Bishop of Rome, from which he governs both the Diocese of Rome and the universal Church.
- [Leo XIV: Authoritative Biography of the First American Pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-portrait-of-the-first-american-pope-5521): Dr. Matthew Bunson, Vice President and Editorial Director, EWTN News, presented in the Vatican the first authoritative biography of Pope Leo XIV.
- [Pope Leo XIV’s Peruvian Goddaughter Shares Testimony](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-peruvian-goddaughter-shares-testimony-5519): “Godfather, we love you! Long live the Pope!” exclaimed Mildred Camacho, recalling how Father Robert Prevost, once a young priest in Chulucanas, Peru, is now Pope Leo XIV.
- [Pope Leo XIV approves first decrees recognizing 3 new venerables](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-approves-first-decrees-recognizing-3-new-venerables-5517): Pope Leo XIV authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the decrees recognizing three new venerables, including two missionaries and an Indian bishop.
- [Pope Leo XIV taps Monsignor Renzo Pegoraro for presidency of Pontifical Academy for Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-taps-monsignor-renzo-pegoraro-for-presidency-of-pontifical-academy-for-life-5515): Pope Leo XIV has appointed as head of the Vatican’s bioethics think tank Monsignor Renzo Pegoraro, the longtime deputy of its outgoing president, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, signaling a desire to continue the course set under Pope Francis.
- [Vatican refreshes official website for first time in nearly 30 years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-refreshes-official-website-for-first-time-in-nearly-30-years-5513): The official website of the Vatican for the first time has been refreshed since it was created in the 1990s, prominently featuring multimedia content and online links to other Vatican offices and ministries.
- [Pope Leo XIV surprises African peace pilgrimage](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-surprises-african-peace-pilgrimage-5511): Pope Leo XIV surprised a pilgrimage of Africans and encouraged them to receive strength from the faith, after a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Monday.
- [Diocese of Charlotte Will Restrict Latin Mass in Line With Pope Francis' Directive](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/diocese-of-charlotte-will-restrict-latin-mass-in-line-with-pope-francis-directive-5509): Starting on July 8, no parish churches will be permitted to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass in the diocese, Bishop Martin said.
- [Pope Leo XIV Might Visit Ukraine When Conditions Allow, Says Archbishop](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-might-visit-ukraine-when-conditions-allow-says-archbishop-5507): In a private audience with Pope Leo XIV on May 16, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, invited the Pope to visit Ukraine to bring comfort to a people worn down by war.
- [Leo XIV Tells Mayor of Rome: ‘Today I Can Say That Through You and With You, I Am Roman’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-tells-mayor-of-rome-today-i-can-say-that-through-you-and-with-you-i-am-roman-5505): Before various civil and military officials, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the spiritual and social dimensions of his episcopal mission, before taking possession of St. John Lateran.
- [Pope Leo XIV Delivers First Homily as Bishop of Rome at the Basilica of St. John Lateran](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-delivers-first-homily-as-bishop-of-rome-at-the-basilica-of-st-john-lateran-5503): Pope Leo XIV delivered his first homily as Bishop of Rome at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, where he took possession of his cathedra (throne) on Sunday.
- [Leo XIV Prays Before Marian Icon ‘Health of the Roman People’ in Basilica of St. Mary Major](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-prays-before-marian-icon-health-of-the-roman-people-in-basilica-of-st-mary-major-5501): After blessing the faithful, he entered the chapel that houses the Marian icon, traditionally attributed to St. Luke, and, kneeling, prayed for a few minutes before placing a bouquet of flowers at the feet of the Blessed Mother’s image.
- [Pope Leo XIV at the Regina Caeli: ‘I ask you to sustain me with your prayer and closeness’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-at-the-regina-caeli-i-ask-you-to-sustain-me-with-your-prayer-and-closeness-5499): In his first Regina Caeli from the window of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo XIV thanked the faithful for the affection they have shown him while also asking them — as his predecessor Francis often did — to pray for him.
- [EU bishops say Pope Leo XIV is ‘ready to listen’ to concerns about war, populism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/eu-bishops-say-pope-leo-xiv-is-ready-to-listen-to-concerns-about-war-populism-5497): The leadership of the European bishops’ conference said Pope Leo XIV did not speak as much as he was “welcoming, available, and ready to listen” to their concerns during a meeting at the Vatican on Friday morning.
- [Cardinal Goh says he expects clarity in teaching from Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-goh-says-he-expects-clarity-in-teaching-from-pope-leo-xiv-5495): Cardinal William Goh, the archbishop of Singapore, said he hopes for greater doctrinal clarity from Pope Leo XIV, addressing also the issue of traditional liturgy.
- [Pope Leo XIV biography launches in the Vatican; book available now from EWTN](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-biography-launches-in-the-vatican-book-available-now-from-ewtn-5493): EWTN officially launched the first authoritative biography of Pope Leo XIV, which is available for purchase now, during an event at the Vatican on May 22.
- [100 Hundred Years Since Canonization of St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Jubilee Year 2025 and the "Little Way"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/100-hundred-years-since-canonization-of-st-therese-of-lisieux-jubilee-year-2025-and-the-little-way-5491): One hundred years after her canonization, the legacy of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux lives on. In 2025, she is remembered not only as a saint, but as a spiritual guide whose “Little Way” continues to inspire.
- [Faith, Innovation, and the Digital Age: Inside the Jubilee of Catholic Entrepreneurs in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/faith-innovation-and-the-digital-age-inside-the-jubilee-of-catholic-entrepreneurs-in-rome-5489): During the Jubilee of Entrepreneurs in Rome, business leaders from the U.S. and Europe gathered to explore how faith and innovation can transform the world.
- [Papal Foundation in Rome: Honoring Pope Francis & Celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-foundation-in-rome-honoring-pope-francis-and-celebrating-the-jubilee-year-of-hope-5487): Papal Foundation embarks on a powerful pilgrimage to Rome during the Jubilee Year of Hope, just weeks after the funeral of Pope Francis.
- [Jubilee of Confraternities: Ancient Brotherhoods Renew Tradition in the Heart of Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-confraternities-ancient-brotherhoods-renew-tradition-in-the-heart-of-rome-5485): The Jubilee of Confraternities in Rome celebrated the ancient brotherhoods of the Eternal City and gathered confraternities from around the world, most notably the Spanish confraternities who process for Semana Santa (Holy Week).
- [Pilgrims Celebrate Jubilee Year as the Church awaited New Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pilgrims-celebrate-jubilee-year-as-the-church-awaited-new-pope-leo-xiv-5483): Following the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church entered Sede Vacante, a time without a Pope. Yet, amidst this unprecedented pause, pilgrims continued to arrive from every corner of the globe to celebrate Jubilee Year events.
- [Cardinal Bagnasco: Pope Leo XIV is inviting Catholics to rediscover centrality of Christ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-bagnasco-pope-leo-xiv-is-inviting-catholics-to-rediscover-centrality-of-christ-5481): Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on faith in the risen Christ is fundamental for the Church, particularly in Europe, Italian Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco said. 
- [Pope Leo XIV appoints nun as secretary of Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-appoints-nun-as-secretary-of-dicastery-for-institutes-of-consecrated-life-5479): Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sister Tiziana Merletti as secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
- [Pope Leo XIV thanks Pontifical Mission Societies for devotion to communion, universality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-thanks-pontifical-mission-societies-for-devotion-to-communion-universality-5477): Pope Leo XIV delivered an address to the Pontifical Mission Societies on Thursday thanking its members for living the Church’s call to evangelize to all nations with a spirit of communion and universality in union with the pope.
- [Our Lady of Good Counsel: All about this devotion and Pope Leo XIV’s connection to it](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/our-lady-of-good-counsel-all-about-this-devotion-and-pope-leo-xivs-connection-to-it-5475): Known by the title “Our Lady of Good Counsel” or “Mother of Good Counsel,” the small image of the Virgin Mary housed in the church at Genazzano has been held dear by the Augustinians for centuries and remains dear to Pope Leo XIV.
- [Pope Leo XIV appoints Auxiliary Bishop Michael Pham as bishop of San Diego](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-appoints-auxiliary-bishop-michael-pham-as-bishop-of-san-diego-5473): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday appointed Bishop Michael Pham as bishop of the Diocese of San Diego. He will rise from the position of auxiliary bishop there and succeed Cardinal Robert McElroy as head of the diocese.
- [Synod undersecretary: Leo XIV ‘doesn’t govern from his office, he goes out to meet people’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-undersecretary-leo-xiv-doesnt-govern-from-his-office-he-goes-out-to-meet-people-5471): The undersecretary of the general secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, the Spanish Augustinian Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín, is among those who have collaborated most closely with Pope Leo XIV.
- [Pope Leo XIV: ‘Salvation does not come about by magic but by grace and faith’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-salvation-does-not-come-about-by-magic-but-by-grace-and-faith-5467): Pope Leo XIV on May 20 visited St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica, one of the papal basilicas located outside Rome, to pray at the tomb of the “apostle to the Gentiles.”
- [Pope Leo XIV to meet cardinals at consistory to approve canonizations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-meet-cardinals-at-consistory-to-approve-canonizations-5465): Pope Leo XIV will hold a meeting of cardinals on June 13 to give the final approval to the canonizations of several beatified men and women.
- [Pope Leo XIV appeals for end to hostilities in Gaza in first general audience](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-appeals-for-end-to-hostilities-in-gaza-in-first-general-audience-5463): Pope Leo XIV in the first general audience of his pontificate on Wednesday appealed for an end to hostilities in Gaza and for the entrance of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
- [Pope Leo XIV’s connection to Spanish Civil War martyrs, Valley of the Fallen](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-connection-to-spanish-civil-war-martyrs-valley-of-the-fallen-5461): Pope Leo XIV carries on his pectoral cross, among others, a relic of an Augustinian martyr bishop, Anselmo Polanco, who was executed during the 1936–1939 Spanish Civil War.
- [Who is the patron saint of Pope Leo XIV’s final vows?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-is-the-patron-saint-of-pope-leo-xivs-final-vows-5459): Many Catholics may wonder who Pope Leo XIV’s favorite saint is. A close Peruvian missionary friend says he knows—revealing the pope’s little-known devotion to a saint he once prayed to on his knees in a chapel near Chiclayo, Peru.
- [‘A close, affectionate, joyful voice’: How a former colleague of Leo XIV describes him](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/close-affectionate-joyful-voice-how-a-former-colleague-of-leo-xiv-describes-him-5457): Monsignor Humberto González is a member of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America (PCAL, by its Spanish acronym), where he served alongside Cardinal Robert Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV — who was president of the organization since 2023.
- [Cardinal Goh: Pope Leo XIV is the ‘right person’ to bring unity, balance to the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-goh-pope-leo-xiv-is-the-right-person-to-bring-unity-balance-to-the-church-5455): Singapore’s Cardinal William Goh believes Pope Leo XIV will build a greater unity within the Church, particularly for Catholic faithful often divided on matters of Church doctrine and morality.
- [Leo XIV names Cardinal Reina chancellor of John Paul II marriage and family institute in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-names-cardinal-reina-chancellor-of-john-paul-ii-marriage-and-family-institute-in-rome-5453): Pope Leo XIV on Monday appointed Cardinal Baldassare Reina as grand chancellor of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Marriage and the Family, succeeding Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, who turned 80 on April 20.
- [Trump invites Pope Leo XIV to the White House](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/trump-invites-pope-leo-xiv-to-the-white-house-5451): White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump invited Pope Leo XIV to the White House. The invitation was made in a letter from Trump that was hand-delivered to the pope by Vice President JD Vance on Monday.
- [How an Augustinian Pope Will Show Us How to Love Christ Together](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-an-augustinian-pope-will-show-us-how-to-love-christ-together-5449): Rooted in the Rule of St. Augustine, Pope Leo XIV brings a communal and missionary spirit to the papacy — shaped by a lifelong formation in Augustinian life.
- [Pope Leo XIV meets with faith leaders at the Vatican, calls for synodality and dialogue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-with-faith-leaders-at-the-vatican-calls-for-synodality-and-dialogue-5447): Pope Leo XIV met with faith leaders at the Vatican on Monday, emphasizing his commitment to continue Pope Francis’ legacy on synodality in relation to ecumenical dialogue with other churches and religions.
- [Fact check: Did Pope Leo give a 36-minute speech praising the leader of Burkina Faso?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fact-check-did-pope-leo-give-a-36-minute-speech-praising-the-leader-of-burkina-faso-5445): A 36-minute video purporting to show Pope Leo XIV reading a statement denouncing colonialism and praising Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the 37-year-old leader of Burkina Faso, has garnered nearly a million views on YouTube as of Monday.
- [From portable throne to electric vehicle: Evolution of papal transportation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-portable-throne-to-electric-vehicle-evolution-of-papal-transportation-5443): From a portable throne carried on the shoulders of attendants to state-of-the-art electric cars, the pope’s means of transportation have evolved considerably over time, reflecting changes in the Church, technology, and the world.
- [Pope Leo XIV meets U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-us-vice-president-jd-vance-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-5441): Pope Leo XIV held a private meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the papal library on Monday morning.
- [A Prayerful Pontiff: The Devotions of Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/prayerful-pontiff-the-devotions-of-pope-leo-xiv-5439): Our new Pope has a Marian heart.
- [FULL TEXT: Pope Leo XIV’s homily at inaugural Mass beginning his Petrine ministry](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-pope-leo-xivs-homily-at-inaugural-mass-beginning-his-petrine-ministry-5437): Pope Leo XIV delivered the following homily at the Mass for the Initiation of the Petrine Ministry in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, May 18, after being elected the 266th successor of St. Peter on May 8.
- [Caravaggio 2025: Rediscovering the Master of Light and Shadow in Rome’s Jubilee Year Exhibition](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/caravaggio-2025-rediscovering-the-master-of-light-and-shadow-in-romes-jubilee-year-exhibition-5435): The master of light, shadow and controversy, Caravaggio, returns to the spotlight this Jubilee Year in a major exhibition of his paintings at the Barberini Palace in Rome.
- [Pope Leo XIV and the Future of the Church: Cardinal Czerny on Work, Migration, and the Spirit of Conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-and-the-future-of-the-church-cardinal-czerny-on-work-migration-and-the-spirit-of-conclave-5433): Following a historic papal transition, Cardinal Michael Czerny joins EWTN’s Montse Alvarado to reflect on the election of Pope Leo XIV.
- [80 Years After WWII: Reexamining the Catholic Church’s Role, Silence, and Heroism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/80-years-after-wwii-reexamining-the-catholic-churchs-role-silence-and-heroism-5431): Considering the Catholic Church's Role during World War II 80 years after the end of the Great War.
- [Pope Leo XIV Begins His Pontificate: A Vision for Peace, Unity, and a New Industrial Age](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-begins-his-pontificate-a-vision-for-peace-unity-and-a-new-industrial-age-5429): The digital revolution is bringing new challenges, especially pressing is the issue of work. Pope Leo XIV by choosing his name is directing the Church to respond to a new Industrial Revolution.
- [FULL TEXT: Pope Leo XIV addresses Centesimus Annus Foundation on Catholic social teaching](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-pope-leo-xiv-addresses-centesimus-annus-foundation-on-catholic-social-teaching-5427): Pope Leo XIV urged members of the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation to embrace Catholic social doctrine as a path beyond polarization on Saturday, May 17, at the Vatican.
- [Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music launches ‘Let’s Sing with the Pope’ video series](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-institute-of-sacred-music-launches-lets-sing-with-the-pope-video-series-5425): The Vatican’s sacred music school is seeking to teach Catholics worldwide how to sing ancient Gregorian chant as a means to help the faithful participate actively in the liturgy, including in papal Masses.
- [PHOTOS: The grand procession of the Jubilee of Confraternities in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-the-grand-procession-of-the-jubilee-of-confraternities-in-rome-5423): Thousands of the faithful took to the streets of Rome on Saturday to take part in elaborate and beautiful processions by members of Catholic confraternities from around the world who gathered in the Eternal City as part of the 2025 Jubilee festivities.
- [A papacy begins: Pope Leo XIV calls for united Church at inaugural Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papacy-begins-pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-united-church-at-inaugural-mass-5421): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday formally began his ministry as head of the 1.4 billion members of the universal Catholic Church, acknowledging divisions among the faithful with a call for fraternal communion and unity at his inaugural Mass.
- [Cardinal Parolin doesn’t rule out Pope Leo XIV going to Nicaea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-doesnt-rule-out-pope-leo-xiv-going-to-nicaea-5419): Cardinal Parolin has not ruled out Pope Leo XIV traveling to Nicaea (modern-day Iznik) for the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council later this month.
- [Pope Leo XIV to diplomats: Peace and justice can be achieved by investing in the family](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-diplomats-peace-and-justice-can-be-achieved-by-investing-in-the-family-5417): Pope Leo XIV on Friday said peaceful societies can be achieved if governments invested in families “founded upon the stable union between a man and a woman” in his first address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.
- [Here’s where you can download the official photo of Pope Leo XIV for free](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/heres-where-you-can-download-the-official-photo-of-pope-leo-xiv-for-free-5415): The Holy See press office released a new photograph of Pope Leo XIV on Friday, available for free download.
- [An athletic pope: Pope Leo XIV worked out regularly at this gym](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/athletic-pope-pope-leo-xiv-worked-out-regularly-at-this-gym-5413): In this central Roman neighborhood, just steps from St. Peter’s Square, the Pope frequented the Omega Fitness Club, which since May 8 — when he was elected pope — has become the most famous gym in Rome.
- [Pope Leo XIV laments that today’s youth have to deal with ‘relativism’ and ‘superficiality’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-laments-that-todays-youth-have-to-deal-with-relativism-and-superficiality-5411): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday lamented that today’s youth must deal with “relativism,” “emotional instability,” and “superficiality,” although he called for transforming these challenges of the contemporary age into “springboards.”
- [Pope Leo XIV can accelerate ‘Leonine revolution’ in the Church, theologian says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-can-accelerate-leonine-revolution-in-the-church-theologian-says-5409): The pontificate of Pope Leo XIV can bring new impetus to the Church’s evangelical mission in the world today, theologian and philosopher George Weigel said this week.
- [All the saints and Church Fathers Pope Leo XIV quoted in his first week](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/all-the-saints-and-church-fathers-pope-leo-xiv-quoted-in-his-first-week-5407): In the first week of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, his preaching and speeches have featured quotations from saints and Church Fathers from St. Ignatius of Antioch to St. Gregory the Great.
- [Future Pope Leo XIV’s doctoral thesis offers clues to his pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/future-pope-leo-xivs-doctoral-thesis-offers-clues-to-his-pontificate-5405): Pope Leo XIV earned a doctorate in canon law from Rome’s Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, where his thesis on Augustinian leadership may offer clues to his papal governance, according to the university’s rector.
- [Pope Leo XIV expected to live in traditional papal apartment unused by Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-expected-to-live-in-traditional-papal-apartment-unused-by-pope-francis-5403): Pope Leo XIV is expected to move into the official papal residence, an apartment on the top floor of the Apostolic Palace.
- [Pope Leo XIV, Ocáriz discuss process of revising Opus Dei’s statutes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ocariz-discuss-process-of-revising-opus-deis-statutes-5401): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday briefly discussed the revision of Opus Dei’s statutes with the apostolate’s prelate, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, a revision that was postponed following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
- [Pope Leo XIV and the Challenge of AI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-and-the-challenge-of-ai-5399): Why is Pope Leo stressing this issue so prominently at the very beginning of his pontificate — and what can we conclude about the approach he intends to take in addressing it?
- [Pope Leo XIV’s Connection to the Pauline Chapel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-connection-to-the-pauline-chapel-5397): It’s worth noting that the Pauline Chapel, one of three in the Apostolic Palace, is pictured in the Holy Father’s official portrait. The personal chapel of the Holy Father is the official place for the pope’s prayers and Masses.
- [Pope Leo XVI Is First Missionary to Become Pope in a Long, Long Time](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xvi-is-first-missionary-to-become-pope-in-a-long-long-time-5395): Is Pope Leo XIV the first missionary to become pope since St. Peter?
- [Pope Leo XIV meets tennis star Sinner at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/love-the-sinner-pope-leo-xiv-meets-tennis-star-at-the-vatican-5391): Pope Leo XIV met Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner at the Vatican on Wednesday.
- [Vatican creates official Instagram account for Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-creates-official-instagram-account-for-pope-leo-xiv-5389): The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV has decided to “maintain an active presence on social media through official papal accounts” on X @Pontifex and Instagram, creating a new one for the latter platform.
- [Pope Leo XIV embraces elements of Francis’ vision; some views still unclear](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-embraces-elements-of-francis-vision-some-views-still-unclear-5387): Before becoming pope, Leo XIV kept a low profile on some reforms supported by his predecessor but remained close to Pope Francis and upheld pro-life values, care for migrants and the environment, and a more synodal Church.
- [Pope Leo XIV urges Eastern Catholics not to abandon war-torn lands](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-urges-eastern-catholics-not-to-abandon-war-torn-lands-5385): Pope Leo XIV urged thousands of Eastern Catholics from around the world, many of whom come from places experiencing violence, not to abandon their ancestral lands and assured them that he will do everything he can to bring peace there.
- [Is Pope Leo XIV Leaving Us Clues About Where He’s Headed?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/is-pope-leo-xiv-leaving-us-clues-about-where-hes-headed-5383): In his first days as Pope, Leo XIV has signaled continuity over rupture, rooted his vision in patristic tradition, and issued a bold call to young people: ‘Do not be afraid.’
- [A priest friend of Pope Leo XIV shares memories of him in Peru](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/priest-friend-of-pope-leo-xiv-shares-memories-of-him-in-peru-5381): Father Hugo Gabriel Sánchez of Chiclayo, Peru, had been planning a trip with his mother for months to visit various Marian shrines in Europe, such as Fátima, Medjugorje, and Lourdes, with of course a final stop in Rome.
- [Pope Leo XIV’s prayer of consecration to Our Lady of Fátima](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-prayer-of-consecration-to-our-lady-of-fatima-5379): Pope Leo XIV, when he was bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, offered a special prayer of consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary before the pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fátima, whose feast day the Catholic Church celebrates on May 13.
- [Synod leaders pledge obedience to Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-leaders-pledge-obedience-to-pope-leo-xiv-5377): The leadership of the Vatican’s synod office has pledged its full availability and support of Pope Leo XIV in a public letter to the new pontiff shared Tuesday to its website and social media pages.
- [9 things to know and share about Fátima](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/9-things-to-know-and-share-about-fatima-5375): May 13 is the optional memorial of Our Lady of Fátima, arguably the most prominent approved apparition of the 20th century. It became famous the world over, particularly for its three-part “secret.”
- [Pope Leo XIV Vows to Strengthen Relations With Jewish People](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-vows-to-strengthen-relations-with-jewish-people-5373): In a May 8 letter to Rabbi Noam Marans, director of interreligious affairs at the American Jewish Committee, the Pope conveyed his wish for continued positive Catholic-Jewish relations.
- [Pope Leo XIV’s Countercultural Past and Clues for the Future](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-countercultural-past-and-clues-for-the-future-5371): How a 2012 interview led to the first controversy of the new pontificate.
- [10 countries Pope Leo XIV visited before becoming pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/10-countries-pope-leo-xiv-visited-before-becoming-pope-5369): Pope Leo XIV traveled to several countries as prior general of the Order of St. Augustine between 2001 and 2013 and also as a member of the Roman Curia since 2019.
- [From Chicago to the Chair of Peter: The Journey of Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-chicago-to-the-chair-of-peter-the-journey-of-pope-leo-xiv-5367): Raised in Chicago, formed as a bishop in Peru, and forged by St. Augustine’s witness, Leo XIV begins his papacy with a quiet strength and global heart.
- [Pope Leo XIV, Zelenskyy hold first phone call about Russia-Ukraine war, Vatican says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-zelenskyy-hold-first-phone-call-about-russia-ukraine-war-vatican-says-5365): Pope Leo XIV and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have spoken on the phone following the pontiff’s plea for lasting peace in the country, the Vatican said Monday.
- [Pope Leo XIV to media: Thank you ‘for your service to the truth’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-media-thank-you-for-your-service-to-the-truth-5363): In his first address to international media on Monday, Pope Leo XIV thanked journalists for their service to the truth and for communicating peace in difficult times.
- [Pope Leo XIV’s first Mass: ‘Jesus is the Christ’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-first-mass-jesus-is-the-christ-5361): In his first Mass as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to “bear witness to our joyful faith in Jesus the Savior” in a world where “a lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life.”
- [U.S. cardinals praise Pope Leo XIV’s missionary heart, international experience](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/us-cardinals-praise-pope-leo-xivs-missionary-heart-international-experience-5359): The United States cardinals who were part of the conclave that on Thursday elected Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, called him “a citizen of the world,” in continuity with Pope Francis but with his own manner of doing things.
- [Jonathan Roumie, Jesus in ‘The Chosen,’ meets Pope Leo XIV: ‘An immeasurable honor’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jonathan-roumie-jesus-in-the-chosen-meets-pope-leo-xiv-an-immeasurable-honor-5769): Jonathan Roumie, the actor who plays Jesus in the series “The Chosen,” greeted Pope Leo XIV at the end of Wednesday’s general audience on June 25 in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
- [Pope Leo XIV tells Order of Malta there is no charity without evangelization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-tells-order-of-malta-there-is-no-charity-without-evangelization-5767): Pope Leo XIV in a message to the Order of Malta underlined the order’s religious character, stressing that without evangelization, the knights’ service to the poor is merely philanthropy.
- [Meet the future of the Church: Seminarians gather in Rome for jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-future-of-the-church-seminarians-gather-in-rome-for-jubilee-5765): More than 2,500 seminarians from 57 countries converged on Rome this week to pray at the tomb of St. Peter, receive a blessing from Pope Leo XIV, and celebrate their vocations in the Jubilee of Seminarians.
- [Pope Leo XIV ‘deeply saddened’ by Islamist attack on a church in Damascus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-deeply-saddened-by-islamist-attack-on-a-church-in-damascus-5763): Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday said he was “deeply saddened” by the terrorist attack on a church in Damascus, Syria, and assured his prayers for those mourning the 25 people who were killed.
- [Pope Leo XIV invites seminarians to bear witness to ‘tenderness’ and ‘mercy’ of Christ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-invites-seminarians-to-bear-witness-to-tenderness-and-mercy-of-christ-5761): On June 24, Pope Leo XIV urged hundreds of seminarians from around the world to bear witness to the “tenderness” and “mercy” of Christ in a “world where ingratitude and the thirst for power often prevail.”
- [Who Was St. John the Baptist? 11 Things to Know and Share](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-was-st-john-the-baptist-11-things-to-know-and-share-5757): What do we know about the mysterious John the Baptist? Here are 11 things to know and share...
- [Pastor Rick Warren on Unity, Evangelization, and the 2000th Birthday of the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pastor-rick-warren-on-unity-evangelization-and-the-2000th-birthday-of-the-church-5755): Why is Pastor Rick Warren speaking at a Catholic conference? In this powerful interview, he shares his vision for unity, evangelization, and the Church’s 2000th birthday in 2033.
- [Vatican secretary for protection of minors: ‘Harming a victim is harming the image of God’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-secretary-for-protection-of-minors-harming-a-victim-is-harming-the-image-of-god-5753): Auxiliary Bishop Luis Manuel Alí Herrera, secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, says abuse victims need more than a single act of reparation—they need “an in-depth process that listens to, welcomes, and accompanies.”
- [‘The Chosen’ cast visits Vatican after filming Crucifixion scenes in Italy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chosen-cast-visits-vatican-after-filming-crucifixion-scenes-in-italy-5751): “The Chosen” actor Jonathan Roumie said Monday coming to the Vatican is a “humbling honor” and a confirmation for him of the TV show’s continued mission of bringing Jesus Christ to the world.
- [Vatican backs report calling for financial reforms to alleviate global debt crisis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-backs-report-calling-for-financial-reforms-to-alleviate-global-debt-crisis-5749): The Vatican has endorsed a report calling for reforms to alleviate the global debt crisis affecting billions of people in developing countries.
- [Jubilee of Seminarians, Bishops, and Priests gets underway in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-seminarians-bishops-and-priests-gets-underway-in-rome-5747): More than 6,000 seminarians, bishops, and priests from five continents are in Rome this week to celebrate their jubilee as part of the Holy Year 2025.
- [Pope Leo XVI Pleads for Peace after Airstrikes in Iran](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xvi-pleads-for-peace-after-airstrikes-in-iran-5745): Vaticano news: Pope Leo XIV announces the canonizations of Frassati and Acutis, appeals for support, addresses Middle East violence, and welcomes Al Pacino.
- [Christ is God’s answer to humanity’s hunger, Pope Leo XIV affirms on Corpus Christi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christ-is-gods-answer-to-humanitys-hunger-pope-leo-xiv-affirms-on-corpus-christi-5743): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called on the faithful to “share the bread”— a sign of the gift of divine salvation — to “multiply hope," as he presided for the first time as pope over Mass for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.
- [Pope Leo XIV declares 174 new martyrs from Nazi camps and Spanish Civil War](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-declares-174-new-martyrs-from-nazi-camps-and-spanish-civil-war-5741): Pope Leo XIV on Friday declared 174 new martyrs, including 50 French Catholics who died in Nazi concentration camps during World War II and more than 100 Spanish priests killed during the Spanish Civil War.
- [Italian government leads participants in Catholic Church’s jubilee this weekend](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-government-leads-participants-in-catholic-churchs-jubilee-this-weekend-5739): Members of Italy’s local and national governments will be the main participants in events for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee of Government Leaders on June 21–22, part of the wider Jubilee of Hope.
- [Pope Leo XIV on AI: ‘All of us are concerned for children and young people’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-on-ai-all-of-us-are-concerned-for-children-and-young-people-5737): Pope Leo XIV has issued a fresh warning about the negative effects that artificial intelligence (AI) can have on the “intellectual and neurological development” of rising generations.
- [Pope tells politicians that AI should serve human beings, not replace them](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-tells-politicians-that-ai-should-serve-human-beings-not-replace-them-5735): Pope Leo urged political leaders from around the world to promote the common good, warning especially of the threat to human dignity from artificial intelligence (AI).
- [Pope Leo XIV after U.S. bombings in Iran: ‘Humanity cries out and pleads for peace’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-after-us-bombings-in-iran-humanity-cries-out-and-pleads-for-peace-5733): Reacting to what he called the “alarming news” of U.S. airstrikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, Pope Leo XIV on Sunday pleaded with the international community “to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss.”
- [From World Youth Day to the Vatican: How the Caritas Cup Is Uniting Young Catholics Through Sport](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-world-youth-day-to-the-vatican-how-the-caritas-cup-is-uniting-young-catholics-through-sport-5731): The Caritas Cup—founded five years ago by four Scottish high school students to help young Catholics grow in faith through athletics—gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of Sport.
- [How a Wheelchair, Fencing, and Faith Led One Man to the Vatican’s Jubilee of Sport](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-a-wheelchair-fencing-and-faith-led-one-man-to-the-vaticans-jubilee-of-sport-5729): EWTN Vatican correspondent Paola Arriaza sits down with Amelio Castro, a refugee and Paralympic wheelchair fencer who collaborates with Athletica Vaticana.
- [Jubilee of Sport Brings Olympians, Youth & the Pope Together in Celebration of Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-sport-brings-olympians-youth-and-the-pope-together-in-celebration-of-faith-5727): The Jubilee Year of Hope is in full swing — and even sport has its own celebration. Athletes from every continent — Olympians, Paralympians, youth, and families — have gathered in Rome to celebrate faith and athleticism.
- [Meet the Athletic Pope: Leo XIV’s Workout Routine and Why It Matters](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-athletic-pope-leo-xivs-workout-routine-and-why-it-matters-5725): The Omega Fitness Club has become the most famous gym in Rome in recent weeks. That’s because one of its more than 1,000 members became Pope Leo XIV on May 8th.
- [New Saints for the Digital and Social Generation: Acutis and Frassati Canonizations Set for 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-saints-for-the-digital-and-social-generation-acutis-and-frassati-canonizations-set-for-2025-5723): At the June 13th Consistory, Pope Leo XIV and the cardinals announced that Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Blessed Carlo Acutis will be canonized together on September 7, 2025. 
- [Sacred or scandalous? Catholic shrines take different approaches to Marko Rupnik’s art](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sacred-or-scandalous-catholic-shrines-take-different-approaches-to-marko-rupniks-art-5721): Advocates for abuse victims say Father Marko Rupnik’s religious art should be removed or covered to prevent further harm, but Church authorities have responded in varied ways.
- [‘The Chosen’ cast headed to Vatican for presentation, audience with Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chosen-cast-headed-to-vatican-for-presentation-audience-with-pope-leo-xiv-5719): On June 23, there will be an exclusive presentation at the Vatican of the fourth episode of the fifth season of “The Chosen,” the successful series based on the life of Jesus Christ and the apostles.
- [Pope Leo XIV speaks with astronomy students about ‘wonder’ of the universe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-speaks-with-astronomy-students-about-wonder-of-the-universe-5717): Pope Leo XIV encouraged young astronomy students at the Vatican this week to “be generous in sharing what you learn and what you experience, as best you can and however you can.”
- [Pope Leo XIV visits Vatican Radio transmitters, proposed solar energy site](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-visits-vatican-radio-transmitters-proposed-solar-energy-site-5715): Pope Leo XIV visited the Vatican’s radio transmitter station in Santa Maria di Galeria, Italy, on Thursday and thanked staff for their dedicated work in communicating the Church’s mission around the world.
- [Pope Leo XIV celebrates the 43rd anniversary of his ordination](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-celebrates-the-43rd-anniversary-of-his-ordination-5713): Pope Leo XIV celebrated the 43rd anniversary of his priestly ordination Thursday
- [Pope Leo XIV praises the beauty and harmony of polyphony](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-praises-the-beauty-and-harmony-of-polyphony-5711): At a Wednesday event hosted by the Domenico Bartolucci Foundation, Pope Leo XIV praised polyphony as a meaningful form for prayer and Christian life, citing Palestrina’s works as an example. 
- [By disarming Iran, Israel’s ambassador to Vatican says his country is preventing World War III](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/by-disarming-iran-israels-ambassador-to-vatican-says-his-country-is-preventing-world-war-iii-5709): In a June 19 interview with EWTN News, Israel’s ambassador to the Holy See, Yaron Sideman, defended his country’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, saying Israel is preventing World War III.
- [Vatican plugs Peter’s Pence donations to help Leo XIV in his mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-plugs-peters-pence-donations-to-help-leo-xiv-in-his-mission-5707): Vatican appeal to the global Catholic Church: “Take part in the steps of Leo XIV with your donation to Peter’s Pence.”
- [‘We must not get used to war’ Pope Leo XIV says in call for peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/we-must-not-get-used-to-war-pope-leo-xiv-says-in-call-for-peace-5705): Pope Leo XIV on June 18 renewed his strong call for peace, urging people to not “get used to war.”
- [Beatified Congolese martyr highlights ‘precious witness of laity, youth’ Pope Leo says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/beatified-congolese-martyr-highlights-precious-witness-of-laity-youth-pope-leo-says-5703): Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, a Congolese martyr beatified in Rome on Sunday, June 15, provides a powerful testament to the invaluable witness of the laity and youth, Pope Leo XIV said.
- [Pope Leo XIV: Jesus can heal the past and transform your history](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-jesus-can-heal-the-past-and-transform-your-history-5701): After a turn in the popemobile to greet thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his general audience on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV continued his catechesis on “Jesus Christ, Our Hope.”
- [Leo XIV: Jesus can heal the past and transform your history](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-jesus-can-heal-the-past-and-transform-your-history-5699): The pope reminded listeners that Jesus is capable of healing and unblocking the past, which at times paralyzes us
- [Leo XIV shares with Italy’s bishops ‘coordinates’ for a Church that embodies the Gospel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-shares-with-italys-bishops-coordinates-for-a-church-that-embodies-the-gospel-5697): On June 17, Pope Leo XIV met with the Italian Bishops’ Conference at the Vatican, sharing four key “coordinates” for a Gospel-centered Church: proclamation, peace, human dignity, and dialogue. 
- [Actor Al Pacino meets with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/actor-al-pacino-meets-with-pope-leo-xiv-at-the-vatican-5695): In an unexpected visit, Hollywood actor Al Pacino was received by Pope Leo XIV on June 17 at the Vatican, according to photos shared on Instagram by Italian film producer Andrea Iervolino.
- [Castel Gandolfo: Pope Leo XIV to resume papal summer vacation tradition in lakeside town](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/castel-gandolfo-pope-leo-xiv-to-resume-papal-summer-vacation-tradition-in-lakeside-town-5693): The town of Castel Gandolfo has said Pope Leo XIV will again partake in the centuries-long tradition of spending a summer vacation at the lakeside papal residence in the Alban Hills south of Rome.
- [Cardinal Burke appeals for restoration of Traditional Latin Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-burke-appeals-for-restoration-of-traditional-latin-mass-5691): Cardinal Raymond Burke said he has asked Pope Leo XIV to remove measures restricting the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) in dioceses.
- [Pope Leo XIV calls for responsibility, dialogue to end escalating Israel-Iran violence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-responsibility-dialogue-to-end-escalating-israel-iran-violence-5689): Pope Leo XIV renewed the Church’s calls for nuclear disarmament and peaceful dialogue one day after Israel launched missile strikes on Iran.
- [Vatican diplomat says U.S. policy in Ukraine has disappointed Baltic allies](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-diplomat-says-us-policy-in-ukraine-has-disappointed-baltic-allies-5687): Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the Vatican’s nuncio to the Baltic states since 2024, said the region has been disappointed with the current U.S. administration’s approach to the conflict in Ukraine.
- [Vatican exposition celebrates friendship between St. Paul VI and Jacques Maritain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-exposition-celebrates-friendship-between-st-paul-vi-and-jacques-maritain-5685): On June 12, the Vatican Museums opened the exhibition Paul VI and Jacques Maritain: The Renewal of Sacred Art Between France and Italy (1945–1973), honoring the friendship between the French philosopher and the pope who concluded Vatican II.
- [How the Church Is Listening to Survivors: The Vatican’s Ongoing Journey of Reparation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-the-church-is-listening-to-survivors-the-vaticans-ongoing-journey-of-reparation-5683): Since 2014, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors has played a crucial role in promoting the safety and well-being of minors and vulnerable individuals within the Church.
- [Global 2033: Preparing for the 2000th Anniversary of Christ’s Resurrection](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/global-2033-preparing-for-the-2000th-anniversary-of-christs-resurrection-5681): During the Jubilee of Hope this year in Rome, many are already talking about the big Jubilee year of 2033 a.d, the year in which our calendar marks the 2000th anniversary of the passing and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- [Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements Unites 70,000 Faithful in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-ecclesial-movements-unites-70000-faithful-in-rome-5679): On the 7th and 8th of June, countless groups of faithful operating within the Church shared their experience of service to religious, spiritual, and social life.
- [How Pope Leo XIV Is Shaping a New Era of Vatican Diplomacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papacy-of-dialogue-and-peace-5677): From his very first words, Pope Leo XIV made it clear—his papacy would be about peace.
- [Pope Leo XIV on Holy Trinity Sunday: God’s ‘dynamic’ love opens humanity to encounter](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-on-holy-trinity-sunday-gods-dynamic-love-opens-humanity-to-encounter-5675): Pope Leo XIV presided over the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday and invited Catholics to enter the “dynamism of God’s inner life” and be open to encounter with others.
- [Blessed Carlo Acutis: the 10 things you should know about this Millennial](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-blessed-carlo-acutis-5673): It’s official! Pope Leo XIV will canonize Blessed Carlo Acutis on Sept. 7 together with Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati as the first new saints of his pontificate.
- [Pope Leo XIV: ‘The gravest form of poverty is not to know God’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-the-gravest-form-of-poverty-is-not-to-know-god-5671): Pope Leo XIV stated that “the gravest poverty is not to know God” and that having him accompany us on the journey of life puts material wealth into perspective, because “we discover the real treasure that we need.”
- [Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati: Here is the miracle that makes possible his canonization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bl-pier-giorgio-frassati-here-is-the-miracle-that-makes-possible-his-canonization-5669): The Vatican has recognized two miracles attributed to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati’s intercession that make possible his canonization on Sept. 7.
- [Pope Leo XIV to canonize 7 saints on Oct. 19](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-canonize-7-saints-on-oct-19-5667): Pope Leo XIV will canonize seven blesseds on Oct. 19, including two Venezuelans: José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros, considered the “doctor of the poor,” and María del Carmen Rendiles Martínez, a nun and founder of the Sister Slaves of Jesus.
- [Young people present to Pope Leo XIV their spiritual renewal project for Europe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/young-people-present-to-pope-leo-xiv-their-spiritual-renewal-project-for-europe-5665): Following the June 11 general audience, Pope Leo XIV spoke with young people who have embarked on a “spiritual revolution” to restore Europe’s soul.
- [Meet the fathers behind the Church’s 4 most recent popes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-the-fathers-behind-the-churchs-4-most-recent-popes-5663): The last four popes of the Catholic Church — John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Francis, and our new pope, Leo XIV — had hardworking fathers who instilled in each of their sons important traits and values.
- [St. Anthony of Padua, Pray For Us!](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-anthony-of-padua-pray-for-us-5661): SAINTS & ART: St. Anthony reached out to everyone and preached Christ and moral renewal.
- [BREAKING: Carlo Acutis to be canonized Sept. 7 with Pier Giorgio Frassati](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/breaking-carlo-acutis-to-be-canonized-sept-7-with-pier-giorgio-frassati-5659): The Vatican announced Friday that Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, two young Catholics beloved for their vibrant faith and witness to holiness, will be canonized together on Sept. 7.
- [Rome’s priests look for leadership from their new bishop, Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/romes-priests-look-for-leadership-from-their-new-bishop-pope-leo-xiv-5657): The priests of Rome met for the first time on Thursday with their new bishop, Pope Leo XIV, to whom they are looking for greater leadership and fatherly care after several years of administrative disruption.
- [Charismatic renewal leader confident Pope Leo XIV will affirm movement’s status in Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/charismatic-renewal-leader-confident-pope-leo-xiv-will-affirm-movements-status-in-church-5655): A leader of the Catholic charismatic renewal said he believes that charismatics will enjoy harmonious relations with Pope Leo XIV following a mixed experience with Pope Francis.
- [Opus Dei presents proposal for new statutes to the Holy See](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/opus-dei-presents-proposal-for-new-statutes-to-the-holy-see-5653): Opus Dei presented its proposed statutes to the Holy See on June 11 following the guidelines from the Vatican in the 2022 motu proprio Ad Charisma Tuendum as announced by the apostolate’s prelate, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz.
- [Vatican Bank recorded a net profit of 32.8 million euros in 2024, up 7% from 2023](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-bank-recorded-a-net-profit-of-328-million-euros-in-2024-up-7-from-2023-5651): The Vatican Bank — a small financial institution with just over 100 employees founded in 1942 — obtained a net profit of 32.8 million euros (about $37.7 million) in 2024, compared with 30.6 million euros (about $35.1 million) in 2023.
- [Pope Leo XIV receives UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-receives-un-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-at-the-vatican-5649): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday received U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres in an audience held in the study of the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican.
- [Christian youths embark on a ‘spiritual revolution’ to restore Europe’s soul](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christian-youths-embark-on-a-spiritual-revolution-to-restore-europes-soul-5647): “Rome ’25-the Way of St. James ’27-Jerusalem ’33” is the name of an initiative led by young people who, through pilgrimages, evangelization, and healing, aim to “restore the soul of Europe.”
- [Pope Leo XIV appoints new Chinese bishop for Archdiocese of Fuzhou](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-appoints-new-chinese-bishop-for-archdiocese-of-fuzhou-5645): Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Fuzhou in China, the Holy See announced on Wednesday.
- [Pope Leo XIV: ‘There is no cry that God does not hear’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-there-is-no-cry-that-god-does-not-hear-5643): Pope Leo XIV reflected on Christian hope — one of the three theological virtues, along with faith and charity — during his general audience on Wednesday.
- [Pope Leo XIV: The Church ‘will always defend the sacred right to believe in God’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-the-church-will-always-defend-the-sacred-right-to-believe-in-god-5641): Pope Leo XIV received papal representatives at the Vatican on Tuesday, reminding them that the Church “will always defend the sacrosanct right to believe in God” and that this life “is not at the mercy of the powers of this world.”
- [How to communicate with hope in today’s Europe?: ‘Only God is the answer’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-to-communicate-with-hope-in-todays-europe-only-god-is-the-answer-5639): How to communicate with hope in today’s Europe? That is the question a group of Church communicators and journalists tackled during a June 3–5 meeting in Prague organized by the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe.
- [Vatican News removes Rupnik art from website](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-removes-rupnik-art-from-website-5637): The Vatican on Monday removed artwork by former Jesuit Father Marko Ivan Rupnik from its official websites.
- [‘Eternity is before us,’ nun says to Pope Leo XIV in Jubilee Speech](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/eternity-is-before-us-nun-says-to-pope-leo-xiv-in-jubilee-speech-5635): Sister Maria Gloria Riva of the Nuns of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament spoke on the importance of working with eternity in mind, a highly unusual case of a layperson publicly addressing the pontiff on spiritual matters.
- [At Vatican camp, young astronomers find science and faith go hand in hand](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-vatican-camp-young-astronomers-find-science-and-faith-go-hand-in-hand-5633): A total of 24 fortunate young people from around the world are participating this year in the Vatican Observatory’s summer camp, an exceptional opportunity to see “that science and faith work together.”
- [Australian sister reflects on graces of jubilee pilgrimage](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/australian-sister-reflects-on-graces-of-jubilee-pilgrimage-5631): Traveling more than 10,000 miles to take part in this weekend’s Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations, and New Communities, Sister Therese Mills, MGL, spoke to CNA of her great joy as she joined tens of thousands of other pilgrims in Rome.
- [Pope Leo XIV on Pentecost Sunday: The Holy Spirit inspires us to ‘break down walls’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-on-pentecost-sunday-the-holy-spirit-inspires-us-to-break-down-walls-5629): Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for the Solemnity of Pentecost in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday with international pilgrims belonging to new Church movements, associations, and communities celebrating this year’s Jubilee Year of Hope in Rome.
- [The birthday of the Church: Here’s what you need to know about Pentecost](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/birthday-of-the-church-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-pentecost-5623): This weekend, the Church celebrates Pentecost, one of the most important feast days of the year, which concludes the Easter season and celebrates the birth of the Church.
- [Pope Leo XIV at Pentecost: The Holy Spirit ‘teaches us to walk together in unity’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-at-pentecost-the-holy-spirit-teaches-us-to-walk-together-in-unity-5621): During his first Pentecost as pope, Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to embrace the Holy Spirit as a source of freedom and grace and to live the Beatitudes in spreading the Gospel.
- [At ecumenical symposium, Pope Leo XIV says Catholic Church open to universal Easter date](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-ecumenical-symposium-pope-leo-xiv-says-catholic-church-open-to-universal-easter-date-5619): Pope Leo XIV on Saturday said the Catholic Church is open to establishing a common date of Easter among all Christian churches, echoing one of the aims of the Council of Nicaea that met 1,700 years ago.
- [Pastor Rick Warren: Christian unity is 'still the unanswered prayer of Jesus'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pastor-rick-warren-christian-unity-is-still-the-unanswered-prayer-of-jesus-5617): Evangelical pastor Rick Warren said the upcoming 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s resurrection highlights Jesus’ “unanswered prayer” for Christian unity, which he believes is key to spreading the Gospel.
- [2 prisoners from Rebibbia prison at pope’s general audience: ‘It was a great gift’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/2-prisoners-from-rebibbia-prison-at-popes-general-audience-it-was-a-great-gift-5615): Two prisoners currently serving sentences in Rome’s Rebibbia prison obtained special permission to participate in Pope Leo XIV’s general audience this past Wednesday.
- [Bishops turn to Pope Leo XIV as European court considers cancellation of baptism records](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishops-turn-to-pope-leo-xiv-as-european-court-considers-cancellation-of-baptism-records-5613): A group of European bishops have turned to Pope Leo XIV and the Holy See for help as the Court of Justice of the European Union reviews a Belgian court case about the cancellation of names from baptismal records.
- [When will Carlo Acutis be canonized? The big announcement Catholics are waiting for](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/when-will-carlo-acutis-be-canonized-the-big-announcement-catholics-are-waiting-for-5611): When will Carlo Acutis be canonized? That is the question Catholics are asking after the ceremony scheduled for April 27 was postponed due to the death of Pope Francis.
- [The Holy Mission of Catholic Grandparents: Passing on the Faith in a Modern World](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-mission-of-catholic-grandparents-passing-on-the-faith-in-a-modern-world-5609): High above the calm waters of Lake Albano, just outside Rome, the picturesque town of Castel Gandolfo played host to a special conference of the Catholic Grandparents’ Association.
- [Where Family Meets Moral Truth: Catholic Cardinal Speaks on Faith, Bioethics & Raising Catholic Children ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/where-family-meets-moral-truth-catholic-cardinal-speaks-on-faith-bioethics-and-raising-catholic-children-5607): Just steps from the Vatican, the 3rd International Bioethics Conference—organized by the Jérôme Lejeune International Chair—gathered experts from around the world to explore science, truth, and the ethical challenges of contemporary medicine.
- [Jubilee of Families: Pope Leo XIV Unites Young & Old in Faith and Celebration ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-families-pope-leo-xiv-unites-young-and-old-in-faith-and-celebration-5605): With the Solemn Mass and an extended tour of St. Peter’s Square in the Popemobile—blessing children and greeting crowds of faithful—Pope Leo concluded the three-day celebration of the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly.
- [Missionaries of Hope: Pope Leo XIV Meets Pontifical Mission Societies in Rome ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/missionaries-of-hope-pope-leo-xiv-meets-pontifical-mission-societies-in-rome-5603): Leaders of the Pontifical Mission Societies recently met in Rome to support Catholic missions in over 120 countries, raising prayer, awareness, and funds for churches where the faith is new or challenged. 
- [Highlights from Pope Leo XIV's Historic First Month as Pontiff](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/highlights-from-pope-leo-xivs-historic-first-month-as-pontiff-5601): Highlights from the first month of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV.
- [5 Things Every Christian Needs to Know About the Holy Spirit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-things-every-christian-needs-to-know-about-the-holy-spirit-5599): Pentecost is the day Christians remember when Jesus, after his ascension into heaven, sent the Holy Spirit to his disciples.
- [Pope Leo, Mathematician: Math-Minded Catholics Claim Pope as One of Their Own](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-mathematician-math-minded-catholics-claim-pope-as-one-of-their-own-5597): The Holy Father is thought to be the first math major to become pope – and math aficionados say it’s about time.
- [Pope Leo’s aim for basilica at Eucharistic miracle site in Peru impeded by legal dispute](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leos-aim-for-basilica-at-eucharistic-miracle-site-in-peru-impeded-by-legal-dispute-5595): As bishop of Chiclayo, Pope Leo XIV aimed to build a basilica at the site of a Eucharistic miracle, but efforts have stalled due to a land dispute and non-Catholic liturgies held there.
- [Pope Leo XIV meets with his diplomatic team](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-with-his-diplomatic-team-5593): In his audience with members of the Vatican Secretariat of State on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV thanked them for their support in the first month of his pontificate.
- [Council of Nicaea: 1,700 years of Christian unity amid division](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/council-of-nicaea-1700-years-of-christian-unity-amid-division-5591): In the summer of A.D. 325, more than 300 bishops gathered in Nicaea — located in modern-day northern Turkey — to promulgate a common Christian creed, settle Christological disputes that arose from the Arian heresy, and promote unity in the Church.
- [Pope Leo XIV has phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-has-phone-call-with-russian-president-vladimir-putin-5589): Pope Leo XIV spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call Wednesday afternoon.
- [8 blesseds scheduled to be elevated to the altars](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/8-blesseds-scheduled-to-be-elevated-to-the-altars-5587): Pope Leo XIV will gather the cardinals at the Vatican on June 13 to give final approval to the canonizations of eight blesseds whose causes were promoted by Pope Francis.
- [Pope Leo XIV meets leaders of Italian American foundation, blesses their cultural mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-leaders-of-italian-american-foundation-blesses-their-cultural-mission-5585): Pope Leo XIV met with the National Italian American Foundation on Wednesday and blessed their work in continuing the spiritual and cultural legacy of their ancestors.
- [Pope Leo XIV at general audience: ‘Our life is worthy’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-at-general-audience-our-life-is-worthy-5583): Pope Leo XIV held the third general audience of his pontificate on Wednesday, telling the faithful that even when we feel useless and inadequate, “the Lord reminds us that our life is worthy.”
- [This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of June](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-leo-xivs-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-june-5581): In his first prayer intention video of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV has asked the faithful to pray that the world might grow in compassion during the month of June.
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV blesses Giro d’Italia cyclists in Vatican City](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-blesses-giro-ditalia-cyclists-in-vatican-city-5579): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday blessed the cyclists of the Giro d’Italia before the last leg of the multistage international race, telling them they are all welcome in the Catholic Church.
- [Vatican News: First Month of Pope Leo XIV's Pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-first-month-of-pope-leo-xivs-pontificate-5577): A look back at the historic first month of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate—from his formal possession of Rome’s basilicas to a major theological symposium and the release of his first biography, all amid the ongoing Jubilee Year.
- [Pope Leo XIV pays tribute to martyred cardinal who saved thousands of Jews](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-pays-tribute-to-martyred-cardinal-who-saved-thousands-of-jews-5575): Pope Leo XIV honored Cardinal in Pectore Iuliu Hossu, Romanian Greek Catholic bishop and “pastor and martyr of the faith” under communism, commemorated Monday at the Vatican for saving thousands of Jews during World War II.
- [Pope Leo XIV to families: Be missionaries of the Gospel who walk with other families](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-families-be-missionaries-of-the-gospel-who-walk-with-other-families-5573): Pope Leo XIV on Monday said Christian families are called to be missionaries of the Gospel to new generations, especially in light of a widespread “privatization” of faith preventing many people from approaching the Church.
- [Restoration, digitization of Vatican Library archives gets underway](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/restoration-digitization-of-vatican-library-archives-gets-underway-5571): The Vatican Library is the custodian of a major part of humanity’s literary heritage.
- [How can 3 French saints spark missionary momentum? Leo’s call for spiritual renewal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-can-3-french-saints-spark-missionary-momentum-leos-call-for-spiritual-renewal-5569): Pope Leo XIV urged French Catholics to embark on a profound spiritual renewal by following the example of three beloved saints as France commemorated the centenary of their canonization.
- [Pope Leo XIV: Marriage ‘not an ideal but the measure of true love between a man and a woman’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-marriage-not-an-ideal-but-the-measure-of-true-love-between-a-man-and-a-woman-5567): Pope Leo XIV declared marriage is “not an ideal but the measure of true love between a man and a woman” during the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly on Sunday.
- [FULL TEXT: Homily of Pope Leo XIV on Jubilee for Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-homily-of-pope-leo-xiv-on-jubilee-for-families-children-grandparents-and-the-elderly-5565): Pope Leo XIV gave the following homily on Sunday, June 1, for the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly on St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.
- [Tribute or travesty? Dolce & Gabbana stages Catholic-vestment-inspired fashion show](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/tribute-or-travesty-dolce-and-gabbana-stages-catholic-vestment-inspired-fashion-show-5975): The Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana put a spotlight on a new design collection inspired by Catholic liturgical garb in a show on the Sant’Angelo Bridge in Rome last week.
- [Pope Leo XIV visits home for elderly in Castel Gandolfo: ‘Age doesn’t matter’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-visits-home-for-elderly-in-castel-gandolfo-age-doesnt-matter-5973): Pope Leo XIV on Monday morning visited St. Martha Home for the Elderly in Castel Gandolfo, the Italian town where he is spending his vacation.
- [Family gives ‘Da Pope’ Chicago Bears T-shirt to Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/family-gives-da-pope-chicago-bears-t-shirt-to-pope-leo-xiv-5971): A Chicago family vacationing in Rome is making headlines after a video of their encounter with Pope Leo XIV on Sunday went viral.
- [St. James the Greater, Pray For Us!](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-james-the-greater-pray-for-us-5969): SAINTS & ART: James and his brother John are called “sons of thunder” for their energetic, bold and forceful nature
- [Pope Leo XIV returns to the Vatican after more than 2 weeks in Castel Gandolfo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-returns-to-the-vatican-after-more-than-2-weeks-in-castel-gandolfo-5967): Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on July 22 around 9 p.m. local time after spending more than two weeks at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.
- [Cardinal Filoni: ‘We remain with the people’ in war‑torn Middle East
](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-filoni-we-remain-with-the-people-in-war%e2%80%91torn-middle-east-5965): A longtime Vatican diplomat now dedicated to aiding Christians in the Holy Land recently offered reflections on the Church’s mission in conflict zones and its roots in the Middle East.
- [Digital missionary priest helps young people ‘move from the screen to the altar’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/digital-missionary-priest-helps-young-people-move-from-the-screen-to-the-altar-5963): In the context of the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers Mexican priest Father Heriberto García Arias offered a reflection on the role of evangelizers on social media and the importance of their presence in the digital environment.
- [Cardinal Pizzaballa: ‘Christ is not absent from Gaza’ amid war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-pizzaballa-christ-is-not-absent-from-gaza-amid-war-5961): Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa spoke on Tuesday about the devastation of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, emphasizing that the Church “will never abandon” the city’s long-suffering people.
- [EWTN launches EWTN Studios and EWTN Digital to expand global reach](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-launches-ewtn-studios-and-ewtn-digital-to-expand-global-reach-5959): EWTN Chairman and CEO Michael P. Warsaw has announced a new organizational structure to further EWTN’s mission in the digital landscape by enhancing its content creation and distribution methods under the leadership of two new presidents.
- [Bishop Barron to address U.S. pilgrims in Rome during Jubilee of Youth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-barron-to-address-us-pilgrims-in-rome-during-jubilee-of-youth-5957): Bishop Robert Barron will deliver a keynote address to more than 3,500 young American pilgrims at a special event in Rome on July 30, part of the global Jubilee of Youth celebrations expected to draw more than 100,000 young people to the Eternal City.
- [Pope Leo XIV marks moon landing anniversary with call to U.S. astronaut Buzz Aldrin](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-marks-moon-landing-anniversary-with-call-to-us-astronaut-buzz-aldrin-5955): Pope Leo XIV marked the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with a video call to U.S. astronaut Buzz Aldrin and a visit to the Vatican Observatory, located on the papal estate of Castel Gandolfo, where he has been staying for two weeks.
- [Pope Leo XIV receives call from Netanyahu after Gaza church attack](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-receives-call-from-netanyahu-after-gaza-church-attack-5953): Pope Leo XIV received a phone call Friday from Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, following yesterday’s Israeli army attack on Holy Family Church in Gaza. 
- [‘Charity doesn’t go on vacation’: Pope Leo XIV sends food to families in Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/charity-doesnt-go-on-vacation-pope-leo-xiv-sends-food-to-families-in-ukraine-5951): Pope Leo XIV once again expressed his closeness to the people of Ukraine by sending packages of food destined to families who have suffered from the Russian army’s recent onslaught of attacks.
- [Pope Leo XIV: Summer is a time to savor prayerful moments with God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-summer-is-a-time-to-savor-prayerful-moments-with-god-5949): Pope Leo XIV encouraged people on Sunday to embrace the summer season as a time to deepen their relationship with God through silence, reflection, and time spent with others.
- [Pope Leo XIV prays by name for Gaza parish strike victims, renews plea for ceasefire](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prays-by-name-for-gaza-parish-strike-victims-renews-plea-for-ceasefire-5947): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday prayed by name for the victims of a deadly Israeli strike on the only Catholic parish in Gaza, decrying the “barbarism of the war” as he renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire.
- [Peace Talks and Personal Encounters: How the Vatican Supports Ukraine's Recovery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/peace-talks-and-personal-encounters-how-the-vatican-supports-ukraines-recovery-5945): From July 10 to 11, the city of Rome hosted the fourth annual Ukraine Recovery Conference, a major international summit bringing together more than 100 delegations and over 2,000 representatives from governments, civil society, and business.
- [Taiwan’s New Ambassador Marks Another Chapter in a Century of Catholic Presence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/taiwans-new-ambassador-marks-another-chapter-in-a-century-of-catholic-presence-5943): On July 3, Taiwan’s newly appointed ambassador to the Holy See, Anthony Ho, presented his diplomatic credentials to Pope Leo XIV in the Apostolic Palace.
- [Leo XIV Celebrates the First Mass “For the Care of Creation”](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-celebrates-the-first-mass-for-the-care-of-creation-5941): Pope Leo XIV presided over the first Mass dedicated to the care of creation at Castel Gandolfo, in the newly established Borgo Laudato Si’.
- [Pope's Leo First Angelus from Castel Gandolfo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-leo-first-angelus-from-castel-gandolfo-5939): The last Pope who met crowds of the faithful in Castel Gandolfo at the Sunday Angelus prayer was Benedict XVI in September 2012, 13 years ago.
- [Vatican news: Pope Leo Responds to Gaza Church Strike](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-leo-responds-to-gaza-church-strike-5937): Pope Leo XIV urges ceasefire after Gaza church bombing. US ecumenical pilgrimage fosters unity. Vatican backs debt relief. Charity Match aids war victims. Rome readies for Jubilee with 1M youth and papal Mass
- [Gaza church attack: Without warnings by priest ‘it would have been a massacre’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/gaza-church-attack-without-warnings-by-priest-it-would-have-been-a-massacre-5935): Father Yusuf Asad, 49, who has been the assistant parochial vicar at Holy Family Church in Gaza for six years, had just celebrated morning Mass when a loud bang sounded. At around 10:20 a.m. local time, a projectile hit the building.
- [Pope Leo XIV meets with U.S. Orthodox-Catholic pilgrim group at Castel Gandolfo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-with-us-orthodox-catholic-pilgrim-group-at-castel-gandolfo-5933): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday met with a U.S. ecumenical group, led by Cardinal Joseph Tobin and Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, encouraging them to “return to the roots of our faith” in their pilgrimage to Italy and Turkey.   
- [Pope urges immediate ceasefire after deadly attack on Catholic parish in Gaza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-urges-immediate-ceasefire-after-deadly-attack-on-catholic-parish-in-gaza-5931): Following a strike against the Holy Family Church, the only Catholic Church in Gaza, which left at least two dead on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV issued an urgent call for an immediate ceasefire.
- [The Holy See at the UN calls for urgent measures to protect families](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-see-at-the-un-calls-for-urgent-measures-to-protect-families-5929): The permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, participated in this week’s ‘High-Level Political Forum’ with two speeches at UN headquarters in New York.
- [Catholic cliffhanger: Future saint was an avid mountain climber](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-cliffhanger-future-saint-was-an-avid-mountain-climber-5927): When alpine climber Edoardo Ricci clips into a harness or prepares for a steep ascent in the Alps, he says a silent prayer to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
- [Pope Leo XIV cheers on charity soccer match for children from war zones](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-cheers-on-charity-soccer-match-for-children-from-war-zones-5925): Pope Leo XIV has encouraged encounter and unity in a message to the players and spectators of a soccer game to support sick and injured children from war zones. 
- [Pope Leo XIV: God’s love is so great that Jesus does not keep even his mother for himself](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-gods-love-is-so-great-that-jesus-does-not-keep-even-his-mother-for-himself-5923): Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass on July 15 in the chapel at the Carabinieri station in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, where he is on vacation. The Carabinieri are the national gendarmerie of Italy, a form of military police.
- [Pope Leo XIV pays visit to Poor Clares who pray for him every day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-pays-visit-to-poor-clares-who-pray-for-him-every-day-5921): Pope Leo XIV made his first “getaway” from Castel Gandolfo to visit the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception of the Poor Clares of Albano, located within the Papal Villas.
- [Where Will Pope Leo Go First? Clues Point to Algeria, Turkey — and the US](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/where-will-pope-leo-go-first-clues-point-to-algeria-turkey-and-the-us-5919): n Pope Leo’s relative youth, the possibilities for travel abound.
- [Prefecture of the Papal Household Poised for Renewal Under Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/prefecture-of-the-papal-household-poised-for-renewal-under-leo-xiv-5917): The post of prefect of the Papal Household has been vacant since the Vatican’s brief announcement in June 2023 that Archbishop Georg Gänswein’s term had ended the previous February.
- [Rome readies for Jubilee of Youth: ‘You will never experience anything like this again’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-readies-for-jubilee-of-youth-you-will-never-experience-anything-like-this-again-5915): With less than a month to go before the Jubilee of Youth begins, the pope’s diocese is making final preparations to welcome tens of thousands of young people from around the world who will participate in this event of great spiritual significance.
- [UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV’s hometown purchases his childhood home](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/update-pope-leo-xivs-hometown-purchases-his-childhood-home-5913): The village of Dolton purchased Pope Leo XIV’s boyhood home for $375,000 on Tuesday, July 8, after the village board unanimously approved its purchase at a special meeting the week before.
- [Sacred Music and the Heart of Christ: An Ecumenical Pilgrimage to Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sacred-music-and-the-heart-of-christ-an-ecumenical-pilgrimage-to-rome-5911): In Rome’s Jubilee Year of Hope, a Catholic-Anglican choir sings in honor of the Sacred Heart at the Jesuits’ mother church — celebrating unity, tradition, and beauty in worship.
- [The Cross and the Youth: How World Youth Day Became a Global Catholic Mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cross-and-the-youth-how-world-youth-day-became-a-global-catholic-mission-5909): World Youth Day began with a Cross and a dream. This global Catholic tradition keeps growing, uniting young hearts in faith, hope, and mission.
- [Pope Benedict XVI’s Spiritual Legacy Lives On at Altötting Forum](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-benedict-xvis-spiritual-legacy-lives-on-at-altoetting-forum-5907): At the Benedict XVI Forum in Altötting, Church leaders and faithful explored the late pope’s timeless teachings on holiness and the path to sanctity through Christ — and Mary.
- [Young Catholics Call Europe Back to Christ with Bold Manifesto](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/young-catholics-call-europe-back-to-christ-with-bold-manifesto-5905): Young Catholics across Europe launch a manifesto challenging spiritual decline and meet Pope Leo XIV to share their vision for renewal and hope.
- [Pope Leo XIV Brings Joy and Peace to Children at Vatican Summer Camp](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-brings-joy-and-peace-to-children-at-vatican-summer-camp-5903): During a moving encounter at the Vatican Summer Camp, Pope Leo XIV encouraged children to build peace through respect, sharing stories from his own childhood and blessing their handmade gifts.
- [Pope Leo Offers Vatican as Neutral Ground for Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-offers-vatican-as-neutral-ground-for-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-5901): Pope Leo XIV offers the Vatican as a neutral ground for Russia-Ukraine negotiations and pledges support for reuniting displaced Ukrainian children.
- [Pope Leo XIV greeted by international crowd at first Angelus from Castel Gandolfo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-greeted-by-international-crowd-at-first-angelus-from-castel-gandolfo-5899): Pope Leo XIV recited the Angelus before a diverse and enthusiastic crowd in Castel Gandolfo on Sunday — the first time in 12 years that a pope has led the Marian prayer from the lakeside town 18 miles southeast of Rome.
- [Leo XIV withdraws papal delegate after agreement avoids schism in Syro-Malabar Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-withdraws-papal-delegate-after-agreement-avoids-schism-in-syro-malabar-church-5897): The specter of schism has hovered in recent years over the Metropolitan Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabar Church in India—one of the 24 Eastern Churches in full communion with the Catholic Church.
- [Pope Leo XIV: AI developers, users share responsibility to promote good of humanity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ai-developers-users-share-responsibility-to-promote-good-of-humanity-5895): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday said developers and users of artificial intelligence (AI) are jointly responsible for ensuring innovations uphold human dignity and the common good.
- [Pope Leo XIV urges hope and care for elderly on World Day for Grandparents](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-urges-hope-and-care-for-elderly-on-world-day-for-grandparents-5893): For the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly established by Pope Francis and celebrated this year on July 27, Pope Leo XIV has issued a message of hope to the elderly.
- [Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass for creation with Latin prayers in Castel Gandolfo gardens](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-celebrates-mass-for-creation-with-latin-prayers-in-castel-gandolfo-gardens-5891): It was a mix of liturgical old and new in the gardens of Castel Gandolfo on Wednesday as Pope Leo XIV inaugurated a special Mass for the Care of Creation — with key portions in the ancient language of Latin.
- [Historic Mass celebrated by papal nuncio at Anglican cathedral in rare event](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/historic-mass-celebrated-by-papal-nuncio-at-anglican-cathedral-in-rare-event-5889): For the first time in modern history, the apostolic nuncio to the United Kingdom has celebrated Mass in England’s most celebrated Anglican cathedral.
- [Pope Leo XIV receives Ukrainian president Zelenskyy at Castel Gandolfo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-receives-ukrainian-president-zelenskyy-at-castel-gandolfo-5887): On Wednesday Pope Leo XIV took time out from his summer vacation in Castel Gandolfo to receive the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- [Vatican approves Marian devotion in Slovakia but doesn’t recognize apparitions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-approves-marian-devotion-in-slovakia-but-doesnt-recognize-apparitions-5885): The Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith granted a “nihil obstat” of Marian devotion surrounding the alleged apparitions of the Virgin Mary on Mount Zvir near the village of Litmanová in northwestern Slovakia.
- [Pope thanks Cardinal Burke, who clashed with Francis, for 50 years of priestly ministry](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-thanks-cardinal-burke-who-clashed-with-francis-for-50-years-of-priestly-ministry-5883): Pope Leo XIV has written a warm and detailed letter to Cardinal Raymond Burke, thanking the American cardinal for 50 years of priestly ministry, in a gesture that marks a shift in tone following years of tension between Burke and Pope Francis.
- [5 ways to sanctify your summer vacation and evangelize](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-ways-to-sanctify-your-summer-vacation-and-evangelize-5881): With the arrival of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, many people take a vacation, a period of rest away from their routine but also a unique opportunity to reconnect with their faith.
- [Vatican announces Pope Leo XIV’s public Mass schedule for August and September](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-pope-leo-xivs-public-mass-schedule-for-august-and-september-5877): The Office for Liturgical Celebrations at the Vatican has announced Pope Leo XIV’s public Mass schedule for August and September, following his current stay through July 20 at Castel Gandolfo, the summer retreat of the pontiffs.
- [Vatican’s synod office postpones reports on controversial issues](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-synod-office-postpones-reports-on-controversial-issues-5875): The Vatican’s synod office has said that final reports from Synod on Synodality study groups — including opinions on women deacons and controversial doctrinal issues such as LGBT inclusion — have been postponed until the end of the year.
- [Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati’s incorrupt body to be in Rome for Jubilee of Youth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/blessed-pier-giorgio-frassatis-incorrupt-body-to-be-in-rome-for-jubilee-of-youth-5873): The coffin holding the incorrupt body of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be in Rome for veneration during the Jubilee of Youth July 26 through Aug. 4.
- [Pope Leo XIV given 2 electric, eco-friendly ‘popemobiles’ for travel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-given-2-electric-eco-friendly-popemobiles-for-travel-5871): Pope Leo XIV has been given two electric vehicles that can be transported by air and will accompany him on his international travels.
- [U.S. embassy in Rome honors first American-born pope as U.S.-Vatican diplomatic milestone](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/us-embassy-in-rome-honors-first-american-born-pope-as-us-vatican-diplomatic-milestone-5869): Beneath a canopy of Roman pines, Americans in Rome celebrated the Fourth of July this year with something more than barbecue and fireworks: the historic election of the first pope born and raised in the United States.
- [Pope Leo XIV appoints new president to lead Vatican’s child safeguarding commission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-appoints-new-president-to-lead-vaticans-child-safeguarding-commission-5867): Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Thibault Verny of Chambéry in France as the new president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
- [Pope Leo XIV: Pilgrimages are ‘vital’ for a Christian’s life of faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-pilgrimages-are-vital-for-a-christians-life-of-faith-5865): Pope Leo XIV on Saturday said pilgrimages play an essential role in the life of faith as they help a Christian to be better united to Jesus Christ and discern God’s purpose for us in life.
- [Pope Leo XIV arrives in Castel Gandolfo for summer vacation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-arrives-in-castel-gandolfo-for-summer-vacation-5863): Pope Leo XIV has been welcomed by wellwishers upon his arrival to his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on Sunday.
- [Pope Leo XIV prays for victims, families of Texas flood disaster](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prays-for-victims-families-of-texas-flood-disaster-5861): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday prayed for the victims and families affected by the recent flood disaster in Texas.
- [Rome Honors Its Apostolic Pillars](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/feast-of-peter-and-paul-floral-carpets-pallium-ceremony-and-pope-leo-xivs-call-to-unity-5859): Feast of Peter and Paul: Floral Carpets, Pallium Ceremony, and Pope Leo XIV’s Call to Unity
- [Vatican News: Pope Leo XIV Encourages Prayer for Discernment and Meets Giorgia Meloni](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-leo-xiv-encourages-prayer-for-discernment-and-meets-giorgia-meloni-5857): This week’s Vaticano Updates – the most important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican.
- [This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of July](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-leo-xivs-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-july-5855): Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of July is for formation in discernment.
- [Pope Leo XIV speaks about war with visiting children from Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-speaks-about-war-with-visiting-children-from-ukraine-5853): Pope Leo XIV visited the Paul VI Hall on Thursday to meet with about 310 children and adolescents participating in the “Estate Ragazzi in Vaticano” (summer camp for kids at the Vatican).
- [Cardinal Fernández says judges selected to hear Rupnik sexual abuse trial](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-fernandez-says-judges-selected-to-hear-rupnik-sexual-abuse-trial-5849): Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, said Thursday that judges have been selected to hear the trial of Father Marko Rupnik, a former Jesuit accused of sexual abuse against women.
- [Vatican hopes new Mass prayers will renew care for God’s creation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-hopes-new-mass-prayers-will-renew-care-for-gods-creation-5847): The Vatican on Thursday presented new Mass prayers and biblical readings to be used to support the Church’s appreciation for God’s creation.
- [Vatican downplays leaked documents on Latin Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-downplays-leaked-documents-on-latin-mass-5845): A Vatican spokesman has played down the significance of recently leaked Vatican documents that appear to cast doubt on Pope Francis’ rationale for restricting the Latin Mass, calling the documents “partial and incomplete.”
- [Pope Leo XIV encourages Ukrainian bishops during meeting at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-encourages-ukrainian-bishops-during-meeting-at-the-vatican-5843): Following last week’s meeting with pilgrims from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday received in audience the bishops who are members of the Ukrainian church’s synod.
- [Young European Catholics release manifesto: ‘The revolution has begun’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/young-european-catholics-release-manifesto-the-revolution-has-begun-5839): A project conceived as a true “spiritual revolution” was presented at the Vatican on July 2, promoted by young Christians from all over Europe who, in their search for meaning, aspire to place Christ at the center of their lives.
- [Pope Leo XIV’s marriage advice? Keep calm and pray the rosary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-marriage-advice-keep-calm-and-pray-the-rosary-5837): Pope Leo XIV recently offered marriage advice to a young American couple days after their wedding, sharing how he was blessed by the example of his own parents who prayed the rosary together every day.
- [Pope Leo XIV: Environment should not be a ‘bargaining chip’ to wield power, exploit poor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-environment-should-not-be-a-bargaining-chip-to-wield-power-exploit-poor-5835): Pope Leo XIV declared that nature should not be a “bargaining chip” in his message announcing the theme “Seeds of Peace and Hope” for the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, set for Sept. 1.
- [The Pope Returns to Castel Gandolfo: Historic Summer Home of the Popes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-returns-to-castel-gandolfo-historic-summer-home-of-the-popes-5833): Pope Leo returns to Castel Gandolfo, the popes’ historic summer home for 400 years. The town buzzes with excitement as the pope prepares for a vacation of work, prayer, and sports at Villa Barberini.
- [Pope Leo XIV Ordains 32 New Priests on Sacred Heart Solemnity, One Priest Tells His Story](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ordains-32-new-priests-on-sacred-heart-solemnity-one-priest-tells-his-story-5831): Pope Leo XIV ordained 32 new priests on the Sacred Heart feast, urging charity and unity. Father Gilbert Tika shares his inspiring journey and mission to serve his community in Ghana.
- [Jubilee of Vocations in Rome: Pope Leo XIV Inspires Seminarians, Priests, and Bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-vocations-in-rome-pope-leo-xiv-inspires-seminarians-priests-and-bishops-5829): Pope Leo XIV inspires seminarians, priests, and bishops at Rome’s Jubilee of Vocations, calling them to live rooted in love, unity, and joyful service to the Church’s mission.
- [The Papal Vestments and Symbols of Pope Leo XIV: Tradition, Relics, and Meaning Explained](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-vestments-and-symbols-of-pope-leo-xiv-tradition-relics-and-meaning-explained-5827): Pope Leo XIV’s first appearance revealed the rich symbolism of papal vestments, from the Room of Tears to the white cassock, relic-filled pectoral cross, pallium, Ferula, and Fisherman’s Ring.
- [Feast of Peter and Paul: Floral Carpets, Pallium Ceremony, and Pope Leo XIV’s Call to Unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/feast-of-peter-and-paul-floral-carpets-pallium-ceremony-and-pope-leo-xivs-call-to-unity-5825): Rome celebrated Saints Peter and Paul with vibrant floral carpets, Pope Leo XIV’s homily on apostolic unity, the pallium ceremony for new archbishops, and renewed ecumenical dialogue.
- [Cardinal Ambongo: Opposition to same-sex blessings not an ‘African exception’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-ambongo-opposition-to-same-sex-blessings-not-an-african-exception-5823): The leader of Africa’s Catholic bishops pushed back Tuesday on the narrative that it was only Africans who objected to a 2023 Vatican declaration permitting blessings for same-sex couples.
- [Leo XIV reminds women religious that ‘being rooted in Christ’ makes unimaginable possible](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-reminds-women-religious-that-being-rooted-in-christ-makes-unimaginable-possible-5821): During an audience on Monday of religious sisters belonging to several orders, Pope Leo XIV told the group that rootedness in Christ allows them to “do things they perhaps never thought they could achieve.”
- [Bishops invite Pope Leo to visit Peru: ‘His presence will renew the hope of our people’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishops-invite-pope-leo-to-visit-peru-his-presence-will-renew-the-hope-of-our-people-5819): The Peruvian bishops have officially invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Peru, assuring him that “his presence will renew the hope of our people.”
- [Mexican bishop: Despite danger, it’s worth the risk to become a priest](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mexican-bishop-despite-danger-its-worth-the-risk-to-become-a-priest-5817): González García, the bishop of Saltillo, Mexico, since 2021, recently made the pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee of Seminarians, Bishops, and Priests held June 23–27.
- [Jonathan Roumie meets the pope: ‘There was just a kindness on his face’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jonathan-roumie-meets-the-pope-there-was-just-a-kindness-on-his-face-5815): When Jonathan Roumie, the actor who plays Jesus in “The Chosen,” heard the news of the election of an American-born pope, he said he wept “because I just never thought I would ever live to see the day.”
- [Vatican exhibits Raphael’s legacy with the reopening of the Hall of Constantine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-exhibits-raphaels-legacy-with-the-reopening-of-the-hall-of-constantine-5813): After a decade of restoration, the Hall of Constantine in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace—home to Raphael’s masterpiece of Constantine’s victory—has been returned to its original splendor. 
- [Pope Leo XIV denounces use of hunger as ‘weapon of war’ in message to UN conference](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-denounces-use-of-hunger-as-weapon-of-war-in-message-to-un-conference-5811): Pope Leo XIV deplored the use of hunger as a “weapon of war” in his message to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which is currently holding its 44th conference session in Rome from June 28 to July 4.
- [Pope Leo XIV seeks to reestablish ‘full visible communion’ with Eastern Orthodox](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-seeks-to-reestablish-full-visible-communion-with-eastern-orthodox-5809): Pope Leo XIV received members of a delegation from the Eastern Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate in a June 28 audience held at the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican in the context of the June 29 celebration of the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.
- [Vatican News: The Chosen Cast Meets Pope Leo XIV as Jubilee Celebrates Clergy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-the-chosen-cast-meets-pope-leo-xiv-as-jubilee-celebrates-clergy-5807): Vatican news: The Chosen cast meets Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square. Meanwhile, the Pope calls clergy to true vocation, demands justice on drug trafficking, and meets the Order of Malta
- [The History and Meaning of Rome’s Corpus Christi Procession: From Bolsena Miracle to Today](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/history-and-meaning-of-romes-corpus-christi-procession-from-bolsena-miracle-to-today-5805): Discover the rich history of Rome’s Corpus Domini procession, tracing back to the 1263 Eucharistic miracle and its vibrant celebration through the Eternal City today.
- [Archbishop Georg Gänswein Speaks on Pope Leo XIV, Pope Francis’ Passing, and Baltic War Realities](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-georg-gaenswein-speaks-on-pope-leo-xiv-pope-francis-passing-and-baltic-war-realities-5803): Archbishop Georg Gänswein shares his journey from serving Popes Benedict and Francis to his mission as nuncio in the Baltics, facing war’s realities and faith’s hope.
- [Inside the Holy See: How the Pope Governs the Catholic Church and the World](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inside-the-holy-see-how-the-pope-governs-the-catholic-church-and-the-world-5801): Think the Vatican is just a tiny country with a big church? Discover the real power of the Holy See—the global spiritual and diplomatic engine of the Catholic Church.
- [Seminarian’s Journey from Children’s Rosary to the Priesthood Inspires Families Worldwide](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/seminarians-journey-from-childrens-rosary-to-the-priesthood-inspires-families-worldwide-5799): What began as one mother’s inspiration to help her parish has become a global prayer movement. The Children’s Rosary now unites families in 45+ countries in daily prayer.
- [Pope Warns World Leaders: Injustice Leads to War—Only Fair Politics Can Bring Peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-warns-world-leaders-injustice-leads-to-waronly-fair-politics-can-bring-peace-5797): Pope Leo XIV tells world leaders that politics is “the highest form of charity” at the Jubilee of Governments, calling for justice, peace, and the dignity of public service.
- [Pope Leo XIV ordains 32 priests on Sacred Heart feast](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ordains-32-priests-on-sacred-heart-feast-5795): On the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, Pope Leo XIV ordained 32 priests, urging them to embody God’s love and follow the Church’s long tradition of priestly holiness.
- [Benedict XVI, Francis, and Leo XIV recommend this book, which warns of a world without God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/benedict-xvi-francis-and-leo-xiv-recommend-this-book-which-warns-of-a-world-without-god-5793): The last three popes — Benedict XVI, Francis, and Leo XIV — have on more than one occasion recommended reading “Lord of the World,” the dystopian science fiction novel written by Robert Hugh Benson in 1907.
- [Pope Leo XIV says the unity of the Church 'is nourished by forgiveness and mutual trust'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-says-the-unity-of-the-church-is-nourished-by-forgiveness-and-mutual-trust-5791): Pope Leo XIV said on Sunday that unity in the Catholic Church “is nourished by forgiveness and mutual trust,” after bestowing the pallium on 54 new metropolitan archbishops on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, patrons of the city of Rome.
- [Pope Leo XIV warns new archbishops against pastoral plans that repeat without renewing](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ope-leo-xiv-warns-new-archbishops-against-pastoral-plans-that-repeat-without-renewing-5789): Pope Leo XIV warned new archbishops on Sunday against following “the same old pastoral plans without experiencing interior renewal and a willingness to respond to new challenges.” 
- [PHOTOS: Rome celebrates its patron saints with a burst of colorful flowers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-rome-celebrates-its-patron-saints-with-a-burst-of-colorful-flowers-5787): The Via della Conciliazione, the grand avenue leading to St. Peter’s Square, was transformed this Sunday into a vibrant tapestry of color laid over the asphalt, with dozens of floral artworks created by master artisans and volunteers from across Italy.
- [Pope Leo XIV urges law enforcement to target drug traffickers, not addicts](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-urges-law-enforcement-to-target-drug-traffickers-not-addicts-5785): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday called on governments and law enforcement agencies to focus their efforts on dismantling criminal organizations that profit from drug trafficking rather than punishing addicts.
- [Pope Leo XIV: Pope Francis’ legacy of synodality is a style, attitude](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-pope-francis-legacy-of-synodality-is-a-style-attitude-5783): Pope Francis’ biggest legacy regarding synodality is “as a style, an attitude that helps us to be Church,” Pope Leo XIV said Thursday in a meeting with synod leaders.
- [Castel Gandolfo prepares to welcome Pope Leo XIV: ‘The heart of the city returns’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/castel-gandolfo-prepares-to-welcome-pope-leo-xiv-the-heart-of-the-city-returns-5781): Castel Gandolfo is preparing to welcome Pope Leo XIV on July 6. The imposing papal villa in this town on the shores of Lake Albano, a fortified 17th-century palace, was converted into a museum for tourists in 2016 by the decision of Pope Francis.
- [Pope Leo XIV on vocations crisis: God continues to call and is faithful to his promises](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-on-vocations-crisis-god-continues-to-call-and-is-faithful-to-his-promises-5779): As part of the Jubilee of Seminarians, Bishops, and Priests, Pope Leo XIV met June 26 in the Auditorium Conciliazione in Rome with the “joyful priests” responsible for vocations ministry and seminary formation.
- [The Chosen Cast Meets the Pope, Visits EWTN: “Rome Breathes the Gospel”](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chosen-cast-meets-the-pope-visits-ewtn-rome-breathes-the-gospel-5777): A delegation of The Chosen cast was welcomed in the EWTN Vatican Bureau in Rome. A meeting full of spirituality, smiles, and testimonies that confirmed the cultural and pastoral value of a now global project.
- [At general audience, Pope Leo XIV laments ‘fatigue of living’ afflicting modern society](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-general-audience-pope-leo-xiv-laments-fatigue-of-living-afflicting-modern-society-5775): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday addressed what he called the “fatigue of living” as one of the ailments afflicting modern society, and he urged the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square to face reality with the grace of Jesus.
- [Pope Leo XIV calls bishops to be ‘firm and decisive’ in dealing with abuse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-calls-bishops-to-be-firm-and-decisive-in-dealing-with-abuse-5773): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday called bishops to be firm and decisive in dealing with scandal and sexual abuse, linking vigilance against abuse to living a chaste life.
- [Pope Leo XIV expresses his closeness to persecuted Christians in the Middle East](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-expresses-his-closeness-to-persecuted-christians-in-the-middle-east-5771): Pope Leo XIV expressed his closeness to persecuted Christians during the Wednesday general audience on June 25, referring to the “heinous terrorist attack” on Sunday by the Islamic State against the Greek Orthodox community in Damascus,
- [Society of St. Pius X pilgrimage added to Vatican’s jubilee year calendar amid tensions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/society-of-st-pius-x-pilgrimage-added-to-vaticans-jubilee-year-calendar-amid-tensions-6177): The Vatican has included a pilgrimage by the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) on its official calendar for the 2025 Jubilee Year, despite the traditionalist Catholic group’s historically fraught relationship with the Holy See.
- [Here are 50 notable remarks by Pope Leo XIV during his first 100 days](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/here-are-50-notable-remarks-by-pope-leo-xiv-during-his-first-100-days-6175): Pope Leo XIV has made numerous memorable remarks during the first 100 days of his pontificate (May 8 to Aug. 16). Here are some of the most notable.
- [From AI to the White Sox: Pope Leo XIV’s first 100 days break new ground](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-ai-to-the-white-sox-pope-leo-xivs-first-100-days-break-new-ground-6173): Since his May 8 election as the first pope born and raised in the United States, the 69-year-old Chicago native has already left his mark on a jubilee year filled with papal liturgies and a surge in pilgrim enthusiasm.
- [A pontiff and his people: Pope Leo XIV welcomes the world in his first 100 days](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontiff-and-his-people-pope-leo-xiv-welcomes-the-world-in-his-first-100-days-6171): Here are some of the best moments of Pope Leo meeting pilgrims, visitors, and dignitaries during his first 100 days.
- [Remembering Mother Angelica’s reflections on Mary’s assumption: ‘It just makes sense’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/remembering-mother-angelicas-reflections-on-marys-assumption-it-just-makes-sense-6169): The feast of the Assumption marks the anniversary of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).
- [EWTN to carry Pope Leo XIV’s first-ever digital visit with America’s Catholic youth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-to-carry-pope-leo-xivs-first-ever-digital-visit-with-americas-catholic-youth-6167): EWTN Global Catholic Network will be the exclusive media partner for Pope Leo XIV’s first digital visit with American Catholic youth at the 2025 National Catholic Youth Conference, providing news coverage, broadcast, and streaming.
- [Here’s How AI is Being Used to Persecute Christians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/heres-how-ai-is-being-used-to-persecute-christians-6166): COMMENTARY: When technology serves power instead of the person, the result is not progress but oppression.
- [Analysis: Meeting the World to Convert the World](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meeting-the-world-to-convert-the-world-6164): COMMENTARY: In proclaiming Jesus Christ as the answer to the question that is every human life, Catholicism is, was, and always will be a culture-reforming counterculture.
- [Pope Leo’s First 100 Days: Less Robert, More Peter](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leos-first-100-days-less-robert-more-peter-6162): COMMENTARY: Since taking office in May, the Holy Father has served the Church more as a stabilizer than a disruptor.
- [EWTN’s ‘Crushed by the Woman’ tackles Protestant questions about Our Lady](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtns-crushed-by-the-woman-tackles-protestant-questions-about-our-lady-6160): EWTN’s “Crushed by the Woman” — set to air on the Aug. 15 solemnity of the Assumption at 5:30 p.m. ET — aims to answer common questions Protestants ask regarding the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- [Vatican publishes regulations on the awarding of public contracts](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-publishes-regulations-on-the-awarding-of-public-contracts-6158): The Vatican issued an update to its public procurement regulations to streamline steps in the Holy See’s contracting processes while maintaining integrity and transparency.
- [The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/assumption-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-6156): Today, Catholics and many other Christians celebrate the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- [Aid to the Church in Need joins religious sisters’ call to pray and fast for world peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/aid-to-the-church-in-need-joins-religious-sisters-call-to-pray-and-fast-for-world-peace-6154): The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) joined the International Union of Superiors General in its call to pray and fast for world peace on Aug. 14, the eve of the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- [Pope Leo XIV returns to Castel Gandolfo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-returns-to-castel-gandolfo-6152): Pope Leo XIV on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 13, returned to Castel Gandolfo, where he had resided during his summer vacation in July.
- [Pope places Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day within Dicastery for the Laity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-places-pontifical-committee-for-world-childrens-day-within-dicastery-for-the-laity-6150): Pope Leo XIV has decided that the Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day should be incorporated within the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life, whose prefect is Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
- [Pope Leo XIV: Evil is real but does not have the last word](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-evil-is-real-but-does-not-have-the-last-word-6148): Pope Leo XIV during his Wednesday general audience on Aug. 13 said the Gospel does not teach people to deny evil but to recognize its reality as an opportunity for conversion.
- [French bishops ask that priest who served time for rape of a minor not be promoted](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/french-bishops-ask-that-priest-who-served-time-for-rape-of-a-minor-not-be-promoted-6146): The French bishops’ conference has issued a statement addressed to the archbishop of Toulouse, Guy de Kerimel, asking him to rescind the promotion of a priest who served time in prison for the rape of a minor boy.
- [Vatican allows New Zealand ban on Scottish congregation after alleged illicit exorcisms](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-allows-new-zealand-ban-on-scottish-congregation-after-alleged-illicit-exorcisms-6144): A religious institute in New Zealand has lost its appeal to the Vatican to continue public ministry in the Diocese of Christchurch
- [Book on the thought of Pope Francis to be distributed in Buenos Aires province schools](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/book-on-the-thought-of-pope-francis-to-be-distributed-in-buenos-aires-province-schools-6142): The government of Buenos Aires province in Argentina will distribute the 168-page book “The Teacher: The Humanism of Pope Francis”.
- [Catholic University Press to publish Pope Leo XIV’s doctoral dissertation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-university-press-to-publish-pope-leo-xivs-doctoral-dissertation-6140): Here’s a roundup of some of the latest Catholic education news:
- [Pope Leo XIV: The Quiet American](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-the-quiet-american-6139): Almost three months since Pope Leo’s election, he has appeared about as rarely in the news as a new pope can.
- [Pope Leo XIV approves measures benefiting families of Vatican employees](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-approves-measures-benefiting-families-of-vatican-employees-6138): Pope Leo XIV has approved a series of measures that benefit Vatican employees, expanding paternity leave, the rights of parents with disabled children, and granting family subsidies.
- [Life of Pope Francis before his pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/life-of-pope-francis-before-his-pontificate-6136): The EWTN Vatican Summer Academy has ended, a deep-dive into the world's most prominent Marian Sanctuary, and a look into Pope Francis's life before his pontificate.
- [2025 EWTN Vatican Summer Academy: Participant Projects](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/2025-ewtn-vatican-summer-academy-participant-projects-6135): From security during the Jubilee to the message of hope that has spanned from Pope Francis and continues in the pontificate of Pope Leo, these are the stories reported by the EWTN Summer Academy Participants.
- [Who was Bergoglio? Life before Pope Francis: An Exclusive EWTN Documentary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-was-bergoglio-life-before-pope-francis-an-exclusive-ewtn-documentary-6133): Colm Flynn journeys to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to meet those who knew Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) best.
- [Pope Leo XIV urges mercy and vigilance in Angelus at St. Peter’s](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-urges-mercy-and-vigilance-in-angelus-at-st-peters-6131): In his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to share not only material possessions but also their skills, time, and compassion for the good of others.
- [St. Augustine’s impact on the first 3 months of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-augustines-impact-on-the-first-3-months-of-pope-leo-xivs-pontificate-6129): August 8th marked three months since Pope Leo XIV first appeared on the central balcony of the Vatican basilica after being elected the successor of St. Peter.
- [Papal lunch with poor scheduled for Aug. 17](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-lunch-with-poor-scheduled-for-aug-17-6127): The Prefecture of the Papal Household announced that Pope Leo XIV will travel to Albano, Italy, on Sunday, Aug. 17, to celebrate Mass with the poor.
- [The Miracle That Gave the Miraculous Medal Its Name](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/miracle-that-gave-the-miraculous-medal-its-name-6125): When the cynical Alphonse Ratisbonne accepted a dare to wear a Miraculous Medal, he didn’t expect to meet the Blessed Mother herself.
- [St. Mary Major: Rome’s Ancient Witness to Marian Devotion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-mary-major-romes-ancient-witness-to-marian-devotion-6123): Perched atop the Esquiline Hill, St. Mary Major stands as one of Rome’s most beloved and historically rich basilicas.
- [St. John Henry Newman’s Elevation as Doctor of the Church Seen as a Gift for Our Times](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-john-henry-newmans-elevation-as-doctor-of-the-church-seen-as-a-gift-for-our-times-6122): As England shows signs of a Catholic revival, Newman’s voice is being recognized as one the modern world needs to hear.
- [1 Million Signs of Youthful Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/1-million-signs-of-youthful-hope-6120): EDITORIAL: They came by the million — not for a concert or protest, but to adore Christ and hear the Pope’s call to greatness. The next generation of Catholic witnesses is already here.
- [Pope Leo XIV: The family is the first place we receive support to overcome life’s trials](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-the-family-is-the-first-place-we-receive-support-to-overcome-lifes-trials-6118): In a video message to the participants of the third congress of the Pan-African Catholic Network for Theology and Pastoral Care, Pope Leo XIV recalled the fundamental role of the family, “the first place where we receive the love and support we need.”
- [120,000 Neocatechumenal Way young people consider call to vocation at Rome gathering](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/120000-neocatechumenal-way-young-people-consider-call-to-vocation-at-rome-gathering-6116): About 120,000 young people from the Neocatechumenal Way participated in a gathering on Aug. 4, the feast day of the Curé of Ars, to consider what their vocation in life might be.
- [EXPLAINER: What is the Shroud of Turin?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cna-explains-what-is-the-shroud-of-turin-6114): The Shroud of Turin is one of the most studied and controversial religious artifacts in the world.
- [Pope Leo XIV: God’s Eucharistic love is not by ‘chance’ but a ‘conscious choice’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-gods-eucharistic-love-is-not-by-chance-but-a-conscious-choice-6112): Pope Leo XIV during his Wednesday catechesis on the jubilee theme “Jesus Christ Our Hope” said the gift of the Eucharist prepared by God reveals that his great love “always precedes us.”
- [St. Mary Major Shines in the Jubilee Year of Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-mary-major-shines-in-the-jubilee-year-of-hope-6110): COMMENTARY: The ancient basilica welcomes a new wave of pilgrims, drawn by a renewed devotion to Our Lady in this special year of grace.
- [My Unforgettable Meeting With Pope Leo XIV — and the Faith of 1 Million Youth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/my-unforgettable-meeting-with-pope-leo-xiv-and-the-faith-of-1-million-youth-6108): No matter how many times you’ve entered the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican in Rome, you’re always filled with a sense of nervous excitement, especially if you’re about to meet the Holy Father.
- [‘I couldn’t believe what I was seeing’: Miracle of the oil of St. Charbel in Naples church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/i-couldnt-believe-what-i-was-seeing-miracle-of-the-oil-of-st-charbel-in-naples-church-6106): St. Ferdinand Church, located in the historic heart of Naples, Italy, was the scene of an event that many are already calling miraculous, attributed to the intercession of St. Charbel, a Lebanese hermit, devotion to whom has transcended borders.
- [Pope Leo XIV, bishops commemorate 80th anniversary of atomic bombing of Japan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-bishops-commemorate-80th-anniversary-of-atomic-bombing-of-japan-6104): In a message on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Pope Leo XIV is calling on the international community to renew its commitment to lasting peace and an end to nuclear weapons.
- [Pope Leo XIV commends work of Knights of Columbus in message to Supreme Convention](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-commends-work-of-knights-of-columbus-in-message-to-supreme-convention-6102): Pope Leo XIV extolled the work of the Knights of Columbus in a prerecorded message for the Catholic fraternal organization’s 143rd Supreme Convention, which is being held in Washington, D.C., Aug. 5–7.
- [Pope Leo XIV to Medjugorje youth festival: The flames of hearts unite and light the way](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-medjugorje-youth-festival-the-flames-of-hearts-unite-and-light-the-way-6100): Pope Leo XIV encouraged the participants of the Medjugorje youth festival to unite the flames of their hearts so that this fire may illuminate their journey and their pilgrimage toward God.
- [In case you missed it: Some of best moments of the Jubilee of Youth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-case-you-missed-it-some-of-best-moments-of-the-jubilee-of-youth-6098): Roughly 1 million young adults from around the world filled the streets of Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, which took place July 28 to Aug. 3, part of the yearlong Jubilee of Hope.
- [Pope Leo XIV visits young Spaniard hospitalized during jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-visits-young-spaniard-hospitalized-during-jubilee-6096): Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to Ignacio Gonzálvez, a 15-year-old Spanish boy who had been urgently admitted to Bambino Gesù Hospital in Rome after collapsing during the Jubilee of Youth.
- [PHOTOS: White rose petals fall from ceiling of Rome basilica to mark fourth-century miracle](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-white-rose-petals-fall-from-ceiling-of-rome-basilica-to-mark-fourth-century-miracle-6094): White rose petals drifted from the gilded ceiling of St. Mary Major Basilica on Tuesday as Romans celebrated the 1,667th anniversary of a fourth-century Marian miracle that inspired the construction of the oldest Marian sanctuary in the West.
- [Pope Leo XIV expresses his ‘profound sorrow’ over death of migrants in shipwreck off Yemen](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-expresses-his-profound-sorrow-over-death-of-migrants-in-shipwreck-off-yemen-6092): In a new gesture of closeness to the victims of irregular migration, Pope Leo XIV expressed his “profound sorrow” for the sinking of a boat off the coast of Yemen in which at least 76 migrants on their way to Saudi Arabia died.
- [Next World Youth Day to be historic first in non-Christian country, bishop says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/next-world-youth-day-to-be-historic-first-in-non-christian-country-bishop-says-6090): The next World Youth Day, scheduled for Aug. 3–8, 2027, will mark a historic milestone for the Catholic Church: the first time the global gathering of Catholic youth will be held in a non-Christian country, South Korea.
- [Pope Leo XIV: ‘Christ’s tears are joined with ours’ on anniversary of Beirut explosion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-christs-tears-are-joined-with-ours-on-anniversary-of-beirut-explosion-6088): With a silent march, moving testimonies, and the symbolic planting of 75 trees in honor of the victims, Lebanon commemorated on Aug. 4 the fifth anniversary of the devastating explosion.
- [This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of August](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-leo-xivs-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-august-6086): Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of August is for mutual coexistence.
- [Archbishop Fisher: Holy relics are not ‘just a quirky Catholic thing’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-fisher-holy-relics-are-not-just-a-quirky-catholic-thing-6084): Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney told a packed basilica of young jubilee pilgrims that holy relics are “not just a quirky Catholic thing.
- [EWTN SUMMER ACADEMY: How to Become a Digital Missionary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-summer-academy-how-to-become-a-digital-missionary-6082): The EWTN Summer Academy took place in Rome for the fourth year in a row. 40 journalists studied, collaborated on scripts, and worked in teams to produce, shoot, and edit videos, all while taking a deeper dive into their faith.
- [Pope Leo and Young People](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-and-young-people-6080): Since being elected in May, young people from around the world have enthusiastically welcomed Pope Leo XIV as their new Holy Father.
- [In the Places of Pier Giorgio Frassati in Turin](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-the-places-of-pier-giorgio-frassati-in-turin-6078): Nestled between the Alps in northern Italy, Torino gave the Church one of the most beloved modern witnesses of Gospel living: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
- [Why St. John Vianney is a model for all priests](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-st-john-vianney-is-a-model-for-all-priests-6076): A century after the patron saint of priests, St. John Vianney, died on Aug. 4, 1859, Pope John XXIII reflected on the life of the saint and what it means to be a holy priest.
- [Secret of a priest influencer: Don’t complicate the message ‘because the Lord is simple’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/secret-of-a-priest-influencer-dont-complicate-the-message-because-the-lord-is-simple-6072): With more than a million followers across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and other platforms, Father Cosimo Schena has become one of the most recognizable faces of the so-called “digital missionary” phenomenon in Italy. 
- [EXPLAINER: What does it mean to be a doctor of the Church?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cna-explains-what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-doctor-of-the-church-6070): The Vatican announced Thursday that St. John Henry Newman will be declared a doctor of the Church.
- [Tor Vergata 2000: A Jubilee to Remember](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/tor-vergata-2000-a-jubilee-to-remember-6068): One of the most iconic moments of the Great Jubilee in 2000, the first of the new millennium, was undoubtedly the World Youth Day in Rome.
- [‘We’re not spiritual tourists’: Young people sign manifesto in Rome for Europe with a soul](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/were-not-spiritual-tourists-young-people-sign-manifesto-in-rome-for-europe-with-a-soul-6066): “We're not tourists in faith—we're pilgrims seeking meaning, carrying doubts, wounds, songs, hope, and one certainty: Christ lives and calls us.” — from the Young Christians of Europe Manifesto.
- [Pope Leo XIV speaks to 1 million youth at jubilee: ‘Stay with us, Lord’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-speaks-to-1-million-youth-at-jubilee-stay-with-us-lord-6064): Pope Leo XIV addressed the largest crowd of his pontificate in Rome’s outskirts on Saturday, telling an estimated 1 million young adults to “study, work, and love according to the example of Jesus” and to pray: “Stay with us, Lord.”
- [Pope Leo XIV prays for Egyptian Jubilee of Youth pilgrim who died in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prays-for-egyptian-jubilee-of-youth-pilgrim-who-died-in-rome-6062): Pope Leo XIV on Saturday offered heartfelt prayers for Pascale Rafic, a Jubilee of Youth pilgrim from Egypt who died in Rome.
- [‘To give them Jesus’: Missionaries of Charity bring powerful witness to Jubilee of Youth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/to-give-them-jesus-missionaries-of-charity-bring-powerful-witness-to-jubilee-of-youth-6060): Just steps from selfie-snapping Gen Z pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, sisters in white saris kneel barefoot in silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
- [‘Epiphany moment’: Catholics recall World Youth Day vigil in Tor Vergata with John Paul II](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/epiphany-moment-catholics-recall-world-youth-day-vigil-in-tor-vergata-with-john-paul-ii-6058): Twenty-five years ago, young pilgrims from around the world gathered at Rome's Tor Vergata for an overnight vigil during the 15th World Youth Day, led by St. John Paul II.
- [2 Syrian girls share ‘moving testimony’ at Jubilee of Youth event](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/2-syrian-girls-share-moving-testimony-at-jubilee-of-youth-event-6056): Stories from the Jubilee of Youth you may have missed.
- [PHOTOS: Thousands of youth pilgrims line up for confession in Circus Maximus in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-thousands-of-youth-pilgrims-line-up-for-confession-in-circus-maximus-in-rome-6054): Thousands of Jubilee of Youth pilgrims headed to the Circus Maximus in Rome on Friday to receive the Church’s sacrament of reconciliation.
- [Vatican news: St. John Henry Newman Named Doctor of the Church and MORE](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-st-john-henry-newman-named-doctor-of-the-church-new-observatory-director-jubilee-events-and-catholic-music-awards-6051): Pope Leo XIV names Newman Doctor of the Church, appoints new Vatican Observatory head, meets youth and influencers, as Rome hosts first Catholic Music Awards.
- [This is How You Get to Tor Vergata in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-how-you-get-to-tor-vergata-in-rome-6049): This is how you get to Tor Vergata in Rome, the location for the Pope's first official meeting with youth since the start of his pontificate, taking place during the Jubilee of Youth.
- [Bishop Barron tells youth in Rome: Listen to God’s voice and accept his mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-barron-tells-youth-in-rome-listen-to-gods-voice-and-accept-his-mission-6047): Bishop Robert Barron in Rome this week urged young people to follow God and reject worldly goods, calling on youth to “find their mission” and pursue the Lord “into the depths.”
- [Pope Leo XIV appoints new director of the Vatican Observatory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-appoints-new-director-of-the-vatican-observatory-6045): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday appointed astronomer Father Richard Anthony D’Souza, SJ, as the new director of the Vatican Observatory.
- [Start of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate brings surge of interest in papal blessings](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/start-of-pope-leo-xivs-pontificate-brings-surge-of-interest-in-papal-blessings-6043): The Vatican has seen a boom in requests for blessings from the new pope, with at least a 30% increase during Leo XIV’s first month reflecting enthusiasm over the start of a new pontificate.
- [Jubilee of Youth: Meet the brave Catholic communicators who are telling their stories](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-youth-meet-the-brave-catholic-communicators-who-are-telling-their-stories-6041): Mikhail Ajjan fled war-torn Syria and the terrors of ISIS with his family when he was 10. Now a university student in Sweden, the 21-year-old Catholic faces a vastly different challenge of living his faith in a secular environment.
- [St. John Henry Newman to be declared 38th doctor of the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-john-henry-newman-to-be-declared-38th-doctor-of-the-church-6039): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday approved the decision to declare St. John Henry Newman the 38th doctor of the universal Church.
- [Why St. Ignatius of Loyola is a saint for difficult times](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-st-ignatius-of-loyola-is-a-saint-for-difficult-times-6037): When Ignatius of Loyola found himself bedridden with a shattered leg, all of his big dreams and plans disappeared.
- [Pope Leo XIV to Jubilee of Youth: ‘Your voices will be heard to the ends of the earth’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-jubilee-of-youth-your-voices-will-be-heard-to-the-ends-of-the-earth-6033): Pope Leo XIV made a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Tuesday evening to greet the thousands of participants at the welcoming Mass for the Jubilee of Youth.
- [Pope Leo XIV addresses youth at packed general audience](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-addresses-youth-at-packed-general-audience-6031): Before a packed St. Peter’s Square filled with young people who had come from all over the world for the Jubilee of Youth, Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday gave his first general audience after his vacation in Castel Gandolfo.
- [Cardinal Kikuchi: Youth fighting selfishness are the hope of the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-kikuchi-youth-fighting-selfishness-are-the-hope-of-the-church-6029): Caritas Internationalis President Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, SVD, praised young Church humanitarians this week as hopeful witnesses who combat the world’s greatest problem—selfishness—through their generous service to the poor.
- [Pope Leo XIV welcomes EWTN Summer Academy journalism students to Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-welcomes-ewtn-summer-academy-journalism-students-to-rome-6027): This week, Pope Leo XIV welcomed journalism students to Rome who have traveled from across the globe to take part in the fourth annual EWTN Summer Academy.
- [First-ever Catholic Music Awards celebrates talented artists at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/first-ever-catholic-music-awards-celebrates-talented-artists-at-the-vatican-6025): Musicians from around the world came together for the first-ever Catholic Music Awards on July 27 at the Auditorium Conciliazione in Rome.
- [Vatican permits exclusively private devotion for alleged apparitions at Italian mountain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-permits-exclusively-private-devotion-for-alleged-apparitions-at-italian-mountain-6023): The Vatican’s doctrinal office has expressed reservations about an alleged Marian apparition site in southern Italy, permitting only private devotion.
- [Cardinal Tagle at influencers jubilee: ‘Love cannot be generated by an algorithm’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-tagle-at-influencers-jubilee-love-cannot-be-generated-by-an-algorithm-6021): Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle urged Catholic content creators gathered in Rome for the first-ever Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers to “be discerning” in how they use their platforms.
- [Evangelizing on social media more than just gaining followers, Leo XIV reminds influencers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/evangelizing-on-social-media-more-than-just-gaining-followers-leo-xiv-reminds-influencers-6019): Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday participated in the Mass celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica on the occasion of the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers
- [Middle Eastern influencers join Church’s first digital missionary jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/middle-eastern-influencers-join-churchs-first-digital-missionary-jubilee-6017): At the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries, Catholic influencers from the Middle East—lands of the Church’s origin, shaped by persecution and resilient hope—offered a powerful witness of faith.
- [Vatican communication office urges 2-state solution as France backs Palestinian statehood](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-communication-office-urges-2-state-solution-as-france-backs-palestinian-statehood-6015): The Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication reiterated its long-standing call for recognition of Palestine statehood amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict after France announced last week it would recognize the region’s statehood.
- [Vatican reports 2024 asset management earnings of 62 million euros](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticans-apsa-reports-e62-million-profit-for-2024-up-e16-million-vs-2023-directing-e46-million-toward-the-holy-sees-deficit-in-one-of-its-strongest-years-yet-6013): The Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA) presented on July 28 its financial statement for the 2024 fiscal year, with net profits of 62.2 million euros ($72.1 million)
- [Actor Jonathan Roumie to Catholic creators: Social media is today’s mission field](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/actor-jonathan-roumie-to-catholic-creators-social-media-is-todays-mission-field-6011): Catholic actor Jonathan Roumie, known for his portrayal of Jesus in the hit series “The Chosen,” sent a video message on Monday to those gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers
- [Cardinal Parolin: Attack on church in Democratic Republic of Congo a ‘dangerous sign’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-attack-on-church-in-democratic-republic-of-congo-a-dangerous-sign-6009): Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Monday expressed his concern over the July 27 attack on a Catholic church in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- [How Pope Leo XIV can influence the Catholic Church’s new social media missionaries](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-pope-leo-xiv-can-influence-the-catholic-churchs-new-social-media-missionaries-6007): The Vatican welcomes more than a thousand social media influencers to Rome this week for an event intended to shape a new generation of Catholic missionaries — those sharing Christ on the internet.
- [The Jubilee of Youth from St. John Paul II to Leo XIV: The ardent spirit of youth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-youth-from-st-john-paul-ii-to-leo-xiv-the-ardent-spirit-of-youth-6005): Twenty-five years have gone by since St. John Paul II transformed the Tor Vergata esplanade in the south of Rome into the beating heart of the young Church for the World Youth Day celebration in 2000.
- [Pope Leo XIV gives priests 3 tips to build a solid Catholic formation on ‘rock’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-gives-priests-3-tips-to-build-a-solid-catholic-formation-on-rock-6003): Pope Leo XIV offered three brief suggestions to two groups of priests he met at the Vatican on Friday morning, saying a “solid and integral formation” is essential for all Catholic faithful but especially for those who give Christian formation.
- [Pope: Catholic migrants save countries that welcome them from ‘spiritual desertification’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-catholic-migrants-save-countries-that-welcome-them-from-spiritual-desertification-6001): Pope Leo XIV in a message released Friday pointed out that Catholic migrants and refugees “can become missionaries of hope today in the countries that welcome them.”
- [Pope Leo XIV Greets Participants in EWTN Summer Academy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-greets-participants-in-ewtn-summer-academy-5997): The pope greeted, among other groups, participants in the EWTN Summer Academy.
- [Pope Leo XIV urges ‘full respect for humanitarian law’ in Gaza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-urges-full-respect-for-humanitarian-law-in-gaza-5995): Pope Leo XIV called for peace negotiations and respect for humanitarian law in Gaza, 10 days after an Israeli strike caused the death of three people at the only Catholic church in the enclave.
- [Vatican News: Pope Leo Appeals for Peace in Gaza and Ukraine and Rome prepares for Jubilee of Youth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-leo-appeals-for-peace-in-gaza-and-ukraine-and-rome-prepares-for-jubilee-of-youth-5993): The most important news from the Holy Father and the Vatican.
- [UPDATE: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati’s incorrupt body to be in Rome for Jubilee of Youth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/update-blessed-pier-giorgio-frassatis-incorrupt-body-to-be-in-rome-for-jubilee-of-youth-5991): The coffin holding the incorrupt body of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be in Rome for veneration during the Jubilee of Youth July 26 through Aug. 4.
- [Sister Clare Crockett: Catholic Youth Given to God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sister-clare-crockett-catholic-youth-given-to-god-5989): The story of Sister Clare Crockett, a young person who found Christ in a monastery in Spain.
- [Jubilee of Youth: Three Iconic Roman Sites to Host Young Pilgrims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-youth-three-iconic-roman-sites-to-host-young-pilgrims-5987): The end of July is expected to bring in a storm of young Catholics from every corner of the world for this year’s Jubilee of Youth. Like World Youth Day, this is an opportunity for an international coming together of future generations.
- [The Popes and Young People: Jubilee of Youth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-and-young-people-jubilee-of-youth-5985): The Jubilee of youth is expected to be the longest and largest Jubilee celebration, lasting 5 days with over 1 million young people in attendance. Come with EWTN to see the preparations being made for this rare and exciting time in history.
- [Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-digital-missionaries-and-catholic-influencers-5983): From TikTok testimonies to hashtagged homilies, technology is changing the process of evangelization. You may have even noticed a new kind of influencer popping up on your feed: the digital missionary. 
- [Meet future saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati at the Jubilee of Youth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-future-saints-carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-at-the-jubilee-of-youth-5981): Thousands of young people are heading to the Eternal City next week for the Jubilee of Youth, where they will have the opportunity to pray with the incorrupt body of Pier Giorgio Frassati and a first-class relic of Carlo Acutis’ heart. 
- [Pope Leo XIV tells Dominican priors to ‘listen attentively to the Holy Spirit’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-tells-dominican-priors-to-listen-attentively-to-the-holy-spirit-5979): Pope Leo XIV in a letter this week encouraged the prior provincials of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) to “listen attentively to the Holy Spirit, who continues to guide the Church in the fullness of truth.”
- [Pope Leo XIV meets Algerian president, discusses Church life and peacebuilding](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-algerian-president-discusses-church-life-and-peacebuilding-5977): Here is a roundup of Catholic world news from the past week that you might have missed:
- [Meet Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati: Church’s Newest Saints](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-canonized-meet-the-catholic-churchs-newest-saints-6367): Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati have been canonized by Pope Leo XIV, giving the Church two new saints who inspire today’s faithful with lives of holiness, charity, and love for Christ.
- [Mary’s birthday: The Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/marys-birthday-the-church-celebrates-the-nativity-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-6365): The Catholic Church celebrates the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary on its traditional fixed date of Sept. 8, nine months after the Dec. 8 celebration of her immaculate conception as the child of Sts. Joachim and Anne.
- [Chicago chefs to open eco-friendly restaurant at Vatican’s papal retreat](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chicago-chefs-to-open-eco-friendly-restaurant-at-vaticans-papal-retreat-6363): Pope Leo XIV announced a historic partnership between the Vatican and two famous Chicago restaurateurs, Art Smith and Phil Stefani, to open a restaurant at Borgo Laudato Si’, a 135-acre “zero environmental impact” complex in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.
- [Italian bishop celebrates Mass for LGBT pilgrimage in Rome’s Church of the Gesù](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-bishop-celebrates-mass-for-lgbt-pilgrimage-in-romes-church-of-the-gesu-6361): Bishop Francesco Savino, vice president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, celebrated Mass at the Church of the Gesù on Saturday for LGBT pilgrims in Rome for the Jubilee of Hope.
- [Pope proclaims Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati Saints](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-proclaims-carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-saints-6359): Pope Leo XIV proclaimed the Italians Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis as saints of the Church on Sunday, decreeing their veneration among the Catholic faithful.
- [12 amazing facts about the life of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/12-amazing-facts-about-the-life-of-saint-pier-giorgio-frassati-6357): Here are 12 amazing facts about the short but very intense life of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati.
- [Vatican Cardinal Explains How Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati Became Saints](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-cardinal-explains-how-carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-became-saints-6355): Cardinal Semeraro reflects on Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, sharing how their faith, charity, and joy inspire young people and all Catholics to live fully for God and others.
- [Saint Carlo Acutis and His Love for the Eucharist](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saint-carlo-acutis-and-his-love-for-the-eucharist-6353): Saint Carlo Acutis, born 1991, used technology to share his deep love for the Eucharist. Dying at 15, he inspired countless young Christians to live with faith, devotion, and joy.
- [Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati: Saint of the Heights and the Heart](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pier-giorgio-frassati-saint-of-the-heights-and-the-heart-6351): Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925), “the man of the Beatitudes,” lived for faith, charity, and friendship. From Turin to the mountains, his short life still inspires a joyful path to holiness.
- [Pope Leo XIV at jubilee audience: The cross of Christ is ‘greatest discovery’ of life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-at-jubilee-audience-the-cross-of-christ-is-greatest-discovery-of-life-6349): Pope Leo XIV on Saturday resumed special jubilee audiences, begun by Pope Francis after the opening of the Church’s Year of Hope, telling Christians that the cross of Christ is a great treasure and source of hope.
- [Pope Leo XIV inaugurates ecological Laudato Si’ Village in Castel Gandolfo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-inaugurates-ecological-laudato-si-village-in-castel-gandolfo-6347): Pope Leo XIV on Friday afternoon officially inaugurated the Laudato Si’ Village in Castel Gandolfo with a liturgical celebration highlighting the “vocation” of every person to care for creation.
- [New animated movie depicts the life of soon-to-be St. Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-animated-movie-depicts-the-life-of-soon-to-be-st-carlo-acutis-6345): new animated movie depicting the life of Carlo Acutis will be released on Sept. 7 — the same day the young boy, beloved by Catholics around the world, will be declared a saint by the Catholic Church.
- [Holy Family Church leaders in Gaza will ‘stay and serve’ amid evacuation orders in city](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-family-church-leaders-in-gaza-will-stay-and-serve-amid-evacuation-orders-in-city-6343): Despite evacuation orders and intensifying strikes, Holy Family Church in Gaza — the city’s only Catholic parish — says its Emergency Committee will remain to care for displaced residents sheltering there.
- [Peace starts in our hearts, Pope Leo tells Mediterranean Youth Council](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/peace-starts-in-our-hearts-pope-leo-tells-mediterranean-youth-council-6341): Real peace, often used as a slogan, begins in our own hearts and communities, Pope Leo XIV told a group of young adults from the Mediterranean region at the Vatican on Friday.
- [Saint Carlo Acutis and Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati: Church’s young, ‘ordinary’ holy patrons](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/blesseds-carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-churchs-young-ordinary-holy-patrons-6339): The Sept. 7 canonizations of Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati will be a crucial step in a decades-long effort to attract people to the Catholic faith through young, holy patrons.
- [How to watch the canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-to-watch-the-canonizations-of-carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-6337): EWTN News and EWTN Studios will join forces in Rome from Sept. 3–7 to televise the canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati.
- [EXPLAINER: Everything you should know about relics](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/explainer-everything-you-should-know-about-relics-6335): These are 10 of the most asked questions pertaining to relics and their veneration.
- [UPDATE: Pope Leo, patriarch in Lisbon pray for those killed, injured in cable car accident](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/update-pope-leo-patriarch-in-lisbon-pray-for-those-killed-injured-in-cable-car-accident-6333): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday offered his “heartfelt condolences” to the families of those who were killed and injured in an accident involving the Elevador da Glória, an iconic funicular train that crashed at high speed into a building on Sept. 3.
- [Vatican issues special stamps for canonization of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-issues-special-stamps-for-canonization-of-carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-6331): The young faces of Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991–2006) and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925) will be immortalized in special stamps issued on the occasion of their canonization.
- [Carlo Acutis’ teachers share their memories of him at school](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/carlo-acutis-teachers-share-their-memories-of-him-at-school-6329): Before he was known as a soon-to-be-saint, Carlo Acutis was simply a boy in a school uniform, lugging his backpack through the hallways of the Tommaseo Institute in Milan.
- [Pope Leo XIV discusses Gaza, 2-state solution with Israeli president](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-discusses-gaza-2-state-solution-with-israeli-president-6327): Pope Leo XIV discussed the conflict in Gaza, including a two-state solution, with Israel President Isaac Herzog in a private audience at the Vatican on Thursday morning.
- [12 things you should know about soon-to-be St. Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/12-things-you-should-know-about-soon-to-be-st-carlo-acutis-6325): On Sept. 7, Pope Leo XIV will canonize Blessed Carlo Acutis together with Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati as the first new saints of his pontificate.
- [The pope who was first called 'servant of the servants of God'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-who-was-first-called-servant-of-the-servants-of-god-6323): St. Gregory the Great, a central figure of the medieval western Church and one of the most admired popes in history, is commemorated in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Catholic liturgy on September 3.
- [Pope Leo XIV pleads for help for ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ in Sudan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-pleads-for-help-for-humanitarian-catastrophe-in-sudan-6321): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday pleaded for international assistance for the North African country of Sudan, which is experiencing violence, famine, natural disasters, and disease.
- [Jesus Bikers rev up support for charity with motorcycle for Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jesus-bikers-rev-up-support-for-charity-with-motorcycle-for-pope-leo-xiv-6319): A group of black-clad bikers rumbled into St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday to present Pope Leo XIV with a custom cruiser motorcycle destined for charity.
- [Panelists reflect on American pope, conclave coverage at EWTN Family Celebration](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/panelists-reflect-on-american-pope-conclave-coverage-at-ewtn-family-celebration-6317): At the 2025 EWTN Family Celebration, the network’s conclave team reflected on the first U.S. pope and the excitement of covering this historic moment.
- [Canonization of Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/canonization-of-blesseds-carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-6315): The historic canonization of Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati is this coming Sunday!
- [Pope Leo XIV meets Father James Martin at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-father-james-martin-at-the-vatican-6313): Pope Leo XIV met in a private audience with Jesuit Father James Martin at the Vatican on Monday.
- [Pope Leo XIV praises Italian society for works done in spirit of St. Francis of Assisi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-praises-italian-society-for-works-done-in-spirit-of-st-francis-of-assisi-6311): Pope Leo XIV on Monday welcomed members of the Opera San Francesco per i Poveri (“St. Francis’ Work for the Poor”) to the Vatican, thanking the society for its witness of charity according to the Franciscan tradition.
- [Pope Leo XIV expresses condolences for 800 dead left by earthquake in Afghanistan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-expresses-condolences-for-800-dead-left-by-earthquake-in-afghanistan-6309): Pope Leo XIV expressed his condolences for the more than 800 dead left by the earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night, with a magnitude of 6 on the Richter scale, also causing widespread destruction.
- [Pope Leo XIV supports ‘important and urgent’ Creation Day Sept. 1](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-supports-important-and-urgent-creation-day-sept-1-6307): Pope Leo XIV has voiced his support for the Sept. 1 celebration of the World Day of Prayer for Creation, an ecumenical initiative encouraged by Pope Francis.
- [Pope Leo XIV opens Augustinians’ general chapter with call to listening, humility, and unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-opens-augustinians-general-chapter-with-call-to-listening-humility-and-unity-6305): Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Mass for the opening of the general chapter of the Order of St. Augustine on Monday evening.
- [“Fraternità”: Living in the Spirit of Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fraternita-living-in-the-spirit-of-carlo-acutis-6303): “Fraternità – Living for God,” is inspired by the legacy of Carlo Acutis and based at the parish of San Gottardo al Corso in the heart of Milan.
- [Postulator: Carlo Acutis’ Heart for the Eucharist](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/postulator-carlo-acutis-heart-for-the-eucharist-6301): Andreas Thonhauser, EWTN Vice President and Chief Global Officer, speaks with Nicola Gori, postulator of Carlo Acutis’ cause, about Carlo’s spirituality, ordinary teenage life, and lasting legacy for the Church.
- [The Hospital of Saints: Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hospital-of-saints-carlo-acutis-6299): The hospital where Carlo Acutis died has connections to other saints. Discover who they are.
- [“Mama, I Will Be a Saint”: A Mother’s Journey with Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mama-i-will-be-a-saint-a-mothers-journey-with-carlo-acutis-6297): EWTN Contributor Chris Stefanik speaks with Antonia Salzano, mother of Carlo Acutis, about her son’s inspiring faith, his impact on her conversion, and the hope he offers to parents guiding their children toward holiness.
- [EWTN Travel: In the footsteps of Carlo Acutis in Milan, Italy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-travel-in-the-footsteps-of-carlo-acutis-6295): From Rome, we travel to Milan to walk in the footsteps of Carlo Acutis: his parish church, his school, and with his personal friends.
- [If God Is Love, Why Does He Let Terrible Things Happen?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/if-god-is-love-why-does-he-let-terrible-things-happen-6293): One of the great mysteries to believers and nonbelievers is that of evil and suffering. If there is a God who is omnipotent and omniscient, how can he tolerate evil, injustice and the suffering of the innocent
- [Cardinals Burke and Sarah Back Global Push for First Saturday Devotion at 100 Years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-burke-and-sarah-back-global-push-for-first-saturday-devotion-at-100-years-6291): At the centenary of Our Lady’s 1925 request at Pontevedra, Portugal, Cardinals Raymond Burke and Robert Sarah highlight the need for reparation to her Immaculate Heart.
- [11 saints who had pets or who befriended animals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/11-saints-who-had-pets-or-who-befriended-animals-6289): Throughout history, many saints have been remembered not only for their dedication to God and others but also for the special relationship they had with animals.
- [Pope Leo prays for Minneapolis school shooting victims, laments ‘pandemic of arms’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-prays-for-minneapolis-school-shooting-victims-laments-pandemic-of-arms-6287): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday prayed for the victims of a shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis and deplored a worldwide “pandemic of arms” that has left many children dead or injured.
- [Pope Leo XIV listed in Time magazine’s ‘Most Influential People in Artificial Intelligence’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-listed-in-time-magazines-most-influential-people-in-artificial-intelligence-6285): Time Magazine included Pope Leo XIV in its 2025 list of the “World’s Most Influential People in Artificial Intelligence” on Thursday, Aug. 28, praising the pontiff’s focus on the ethical concerns related to the emerging technology.
- [Pope Leo XIV accepts Medal of St. Augustine: ‘It’s an honor held dearly’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-accepts-medal-of-st-augustine-its-an-honor-held-dearly-6283): Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude to receive the Medal of St. Augustine, awarded by the United States Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, and affirmed that the spirituality of the doctor of the Church has marked his life and ministry.
- [EWTN radio conference highlights importance of ‘strong Catholic identity’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-radio-conference-highlights-importance-of-strong-catholic-identity-6281): The 2025 EWTN Catholic Radio Conference has drawn hundreds of attendees to Washington, D.C., this week to discuss and learn more about Catholic radio as an evangelization tool.
- [Council of Nicaea aids Christian unity, Catholic and Orthodox leaders say](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/council-of-nicaea-aids-christian-unity-catholic-and-orthodox-leaders-say-6279): Cardinal Kurt Koch and Patriarch Bartholomew I, Eastern Orthodox ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople, addressed the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea being celebrated in 2025 during the Rimini Meeting held Aug. 22–27.
- [Andrea Bocelli, Pharrell Williams to direct Vatican concert for human fraternity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/andrea-bocelli-pharrell-williams-to-direct-vatican-concert-for-human-fraternity-6277): Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and American songwriter Pharrell Williams will direct a concert featuring musicians John Legend, Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, Karol G, BamBam, and Angélique Kidjo in St. Peter’s Square next month.
- [How the TLM Conversation Has Changed Under Pope Leo XIV — and What It Might Mean](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-the-tlm-conversation-has-changed-under-pope-leo-xiv-and-what-it-might-mean-6275): Since the new Pope assumed office on May 8, several prelates who had previously kept silent under Pope Francis have spoken out in favor of the TLM.
- [Pope Leo XIV recalls the ‘life and witness’ of St. Augustine on his feast day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-recalls-the-life-and-witness-of-st-augustine-on-his-feast-day-6273): Pope Leo XIV recalled what the “life and witness” of St. Augustine means for Christians on the day the Catholic Church celebrates his feast day, Aug. 28.
- [Pope Leo XIV brings about unity in the Syro-Malabar Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-brings-about-unity-in-the-syro-malabar-church-6271): The Holy See Press Office has published a series of decisions by Pope Leo XIV to bring about unity in the Syro-Malabar Church of India, which has been at serious risk of schism in recent years due to liturgical disputes.
- [Pope Leo XIV urges Catholic politicians to follow the Gospel in public life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-urges-catholic-politicians-to-follow-the-gospel-in-public-life-6269): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday encouraged Catholic politicians to live coherently as Christians and follow the Gospel, even when performing their public duties in a secular polity.
- [5 powerful quotes from St. Augustine’s most famous work, the ‘Confessions’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-powerful-quotes-from-st-augustines-most-famous-work-the-confessions-6267): The Catholic Church honors St. Augustine of Hippo, an early Church Father, doctor of the Church, and foundational theologian, on Aug. 28.
- [Augustinian priests: St. Monica had ‘great interior strength’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/augustinian-priests-st-monica-had-great-interior-strength-6265): Since the fourth century, Christians have revered St. Monica, the mother of Church Father St. Augustine, as a woman of unwavering faith in God.
- [Pope Leo XIV: ‘Christian hope is not evasion, but decision’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-christian-hope-is-not-evasion-but-decision-6263): We find true hope when we give of ourselves freely and with love — encountering suffering, not running away from it, Pope Leo XIV said at his weekly audience with the public on Wednesday.
- [Pope Leo prays for victims of ‘terrible tragedy’ in Minneapolis Catholic school shooting](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-prays-for-victims-of-terrible-tragedy-in-minneapolis-catholic-school-shooting-6261): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday said he was offering prayers for the victims of the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting, one he described as an “extremely difficult” and “terrible” tragedy.
- [Caritas calls ‘man-made famine and assault on Gaza City’ a ‘horror’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/caritas-calls-man-made-famine-and-assault-on-gaza-city-a-horror-6260): Caritas Internationalis issued a statement on “the man-made famine and assault on Gaza City” following the Israel Defense Forces’ latest incursion into the embattled enclave, where the United Nations declared famine last week.
- [Patriarchates of Jerusalem: Forced evacuation of Gaza City is a ‘death sentence’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/patriarchates-of-jerusalem-forced-evacuation-of-gaza-city-is-a-death-sentence-6258): In a joint message released Aug. 26, the Latin and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchates of Jerusalem denounced the evacuation of Gaza City in the face of an imminent Israeli operation as “a death sentence.“
- [Pope Leo XIV: Lack of priests is a ‘great misfortune’ for the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-lack-of-priests-is-a-great-misfortune-for-the-catholic-church-6256): Pope Leo XIV said during an audience with French altar servers in Rome on Aug. 25, the feast day of St. Louis IX, king of France, that the shortage of priests is “a great misfortune” for the Catholic Church.
- [Pope Leo XIV to inaugurate integral ecology center in Castel Gandolfo in September](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-inaugurate-integral-ecology-center-in-castel-gandolfo-in-september-6254): Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to inaugurate on Sept. 5 Borgo Laudato Si’, a development dedicated to the care of creation inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’.
- [Vatican announces theme for 2026 World Day of Peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-announces-theme-for-2026-world-day-of-peace-6252): “Peace Be With You All: Towards an Unarmed and Disarming Peace” will be the theme for the 2026 World Day of Peace, the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development announced Aug. 26.
- [‘Let there be peace!’: Book of Pope Leo XIV’s discourses to be published Aug. 27](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/let-there-be-peace-book-of-pope-leo-xivs-discourses-to-be-published-aug-27-6250): On Aug. 27 the Vatican will publish a compilation of Pope Leo’s discourses from the first months of his pontificate in a book signed by the pontiff titled “Let There Be Peace! Words to the Church and the World.”
- [St. Monica: The persistent mother of St. Augustine who never gave up](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-monica-the-persistent-mother-of-st-augustine-who-never-gave-up-6248): On Aug. 27, one day before the feast of her son St. Augustine, the Catholic Church honors St. Monica, whose holy example and fervent intercession led to one of the most dramatic conversions in Church history.
- [Former papal chef opens New York City restaurant](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/former-papal-chef-opens-new-york-city-restaurant-6247): Known as “the papal chef,” Salvo Lo Castro spent 10 years at the Vatican cooking meals for Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Now, he’s opened his first restaurant in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood called Casasalvo.
- [Who is Our Lady of Mount Berico?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-is-our-lady-of-mount-berico-6245): The first stone of the Sanctuary of St. Mary of Mount Berico in Italy was laid on Aug. 25 almost 600 years ago but continues to attract pilgrims searching for the protection of the Mother of God.
- [Pope Leo XIV receives exiled president of Nicaraguan bishops’ conference](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-receives-exiled-president-of-nicaraguan-bishops-conference-6243): Over the weekend, Pope Leo XIV met Bishop Carlos Enrique Herrera Gutiérrez, exiled head of Nicaragua’s bishops’ conference, who was expelled by the Ortega regime last November.
- [Chatting With AI ‘Saints’ — Opportunity or Peril?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chatting-with-ai-saints-opportunity-or-peril-6241): A Catholic tech start-up is offering ‘conversations’ with AI-generated saints — while theologians warn of the spiritual risks such tools might pose.
- [A Moving Portrait of Pope Leo and Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/moving-portrait-of-pope-leo-and-rome-6239): Join us for Pope Leo and the Eternal City—a moving portrait of the first U.S.-born pope who, upon taking possession of St. John Lateran, told the faithful with conviction: “Sono Romano—I am Roman.”
- [Zelenskyy shares letter from Pope Leo XIV on Ukraine’s Independence Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/zelenskyy-shares-letter-from-pope-leo-xiv-on-ukraines-independence-day-6238): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked his country’s Independence Day on Sunday by posting a letter from Pope Leo XIV in which the pope assured him of prayers for Ukrainians suffering in the war.
- [Pope Leo XIV: Jesus challenges presumption of those who think they are already saved](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-jesus-challenges-presumption-of-those-who-think-they-are-already-saved-6236): Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that Jesus calls Christians to enter through the narrow gate and challenges the presumption of those who assume they are already saved.
- [St. Pius X’s rebuke of ‘modernism’ rings true today, scholar says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-pius-xs-rebuke-of-modernism-rings-true-today-scholar-says-6234): The Catholic Church celebrated the feast of St. Pius X on Aug. 21 — an influential pope at the turn of the 20th century whose warnings about the heresy of “modernism” help shine light on the deterioration of faith in the West today.
- [Pope Leo XIV urges Catholic legislators to look to Augustine’s ‘City of God’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-urges-catholic-legislators-to-look-to-augustines-city-of-god-6232): Pope Leo XIV on Saturday urged Catholic lawmakers to draw inspiration from St. Augustine’s “City of God” as they navigate shifting global politics, warning against reducing the idea of human flourishing to mere wealth or consumer comfort.
- [Pope Leo XIV calls Christians to ecumenism to be architects of reconciliation and peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-calls-christians-to-ecumenism-to-be-architects-of-reconciliation-and-peace-6230): Pope Leo XIV has issued an ecumenical appeal to all Christians to be architects of reconciliation and peace throughout the world on the occasion of Ecumenical Week, which is being celebrated in Stockholm Aug. 18–24.
- [Pope Leo XIV: A Roman Long Before the White Cassock](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-a-roman-long-before-the-white-cassock-6229): Pope Leo XIV’s deep ties to Rome span decades—from his studies at the Angelicum to his Augustinian leadership—now shaping his pontificate as bishop of Rome, pilgrim, and son of the Eternal City.
- [Don’t Cherry-Pick St. John Henry Newman, Say Theologians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dont-cherry-pick-st-john-henry-newman-say-theologians-6228): Experts warn against misrepresenting the saint’s nuanced thought to serve modern agendas — and urge Catholics to read him in full.
- [Carlo Acutis’ Mother: First Millennial Saint Shows ‘Holiness Is in the Ordinary’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/carlo-acutis-mother-first-millennial-saint-shows-holiness-is-in-the-ordinary-6226): ‘Both Carlo and Pier Giorgio [Frassati] shared a love for the Eucharist, a love for the poor, and a love for the Virgin Mary... These two are models that we need in this particular moment for the young people of today...'
- [Leo XIV calls theologians to find ‘balanced synthesis’ between God’s law, human freedom](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-calls-theologians-to-find-balanced-synthesis-between-gods-law-human-freedom-6224): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday invited participants attending the 17th International Congress of Moral Theology in Colombia to reflect on the world’s challenges and conflicts in light of divine revelation revealed through Jesus Christ.
- [Pope Leo XIV calls for fasting and prayer for peace on Friday, Aug. 22](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-fasting-and-prayer-for-peace-on-friday-aug-22-6222): Pope Leo XIV has called for a day of fasting and prayer for peace on Friday, Aug. 22, coinciding with the liturgical feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 
- [Why the Queenship of Mary Matters](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-the-queenship-of-mary-matters-6220): The Catholic Church annually celebrates the feast of the Queenship of Mary on Aug. 22.
- [Pope Leo XIV invites Church to pray and fast for peace on Queenship of Mary feast day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-invites-church-to-pray-and-fast-for-peace-on-queenship-of-mary-feast-day-6219): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday continued his catechesis on “Jesus Christ Our Hope” and invited Catholics around the world to dedicate the Aug. 22 feast of the Queenship of Mary to a day of prayer and fasting for world peace.
- [Pope Leo XIV could visit Lebanon before the end of the year, patriarch says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-could-visit-lebanon-before-the-end-of-the-year-patriarch-says-6217): Pope Leo XIV could visit Lebanon before the end of the year, the leader of the country’s Maronite Catholics said Tuesday.
- [Vatican approves new patron saints for entire Arabian Peninsula](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-approves-new-patron-saints-for-entire-arabian-peninsula-6215): The Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments approved the new regional calendar of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, thereby granting new patron saints for the Arabian Peninsula.
- [From John Paul II to Leo XIV, Youth Walk With the Pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-john-paul-ii-to-leo-xiv-youth-walk-with-the-pope-6213): Starting with Pope St. John Paul II and World Youth Day, recent popes have had their pontificates ‘baptized’ by rallies connected to Catholic youth.
- [Remembering St. Bernard of Clairvaux: Monastic reformer and adviser to popes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/remembering-st-bernard-of-clairvaux-monastic-reformer-and-adviser-to-popes-6211): Every year on Aug. 20, the Catholic Church honors St. Bernard of Clairvaux, the 12th-century monk who helped to build up the Cistercian order — some of whom are known today as the Trappists.
- [Pope Leo XIV to Amazon bishops: Nature is not to be worshipped but exists to praise God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-amazon-bishops-nature-is-not-to-be-worshipped-but-exists-to-praise-god-6210): Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram to the bishops of the Amazon region participating in a meeting in Bogotá, Colombia, this week, reminding them of the importance of caring for nature without becoming slaves or worshippers of it.
- [From Rome to home: Young people strive to be witnesses for Christ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-rome-to-home-young-people-strive-to-be-witnesses-for-christ-6208): Two weeks ago, 1 million young people returned to their countries after participating in the Jubilee of Youth, an experience that undoubtedly left a profound mark on their lives of faith.
- [Pope Leo XIV visits favorite Marian shrine of John Paul II outside Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-visits-favorite-marian-shrine-of-john-paul-ii-outside-rome-6206): Pope Leo XIV made a private visit Tuesday to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mentorella, Mother of Graces, near Rome, underscoring his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- [Pope Leo XIV: Turn to Mary when temptations, uncertainties arise in family life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-turn-to-mary-when-temptations-uncertainties-arise-in-family-life-6204): Pope Leo XIV shared advice with a devout wife and mother in a letter published in the Italian monthly magazine Piazza San Pietro, saying Mary is a guide for all families in times of doubt and uncertainty.
- [Latin patriarch of Jerusalem: Satan wants to rule where Jesus lived](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/latin-patriarch-of-jerusalem-satan-wants-to-rule-where-jesus-lived-6202): The ongoing violence in the Holy Land, especially now with the war in Gaza, was addressed by the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, in his homily during the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. 
- [14 Things We Learned About Pope Leo From His Brother’s Latest Interview](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/14-things-we-learned-about-pope-leo-from-his-brothers-latest-interview-6200): John Prevost talked about his daily communications with his brother in a recent interview with a Chicago news station.
- [Israel issues evacuation order for Holy Family Parish’s Gaza City neighborhood](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/israel-issues-evacuation-order-for-holy-family-parishs-gaza-city-neighborhood-6198): Father Gabriel Romanelli, the pastor of the only Catholic church in Gaza, Holy Family Parish, said Monday that an evacuation order was issued by Israeli forces for the al-Zaytun neighborhood surrounding the parish in Gaza City.
- [French archbishop rescinds appointment of priest convicted of rape, asks for forgiveness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/french-archbishop-rescinds-appointment-of-priest-convicted-of-rape-asks-for-forgiveness-6196): Archbishop Guy de Kirimel of Toulouse, France, has reversed his decision to appoint a priest convicted of rape as chancellor of the archdiocese and asked forgiveness of the victims of abuse.
- [75 Years After Dogma Declaration, Mary’s Assumption Still Lifts the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/75-years-after-dogma-declaration-marys-assumption-still-lifts-the-church-6195): 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.
- [Franciscan Mariologist: Devotion to Immaculate Heart of Mary Is Urgent Need for Today’s World](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/franciscan-mariologist-devotion-to-immaculate-heart-of-mary-is-urgent-need-for-todays-world-6193): Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is more pressing than ever and essential if humanity is to turn from an era dominated by a culture of death towards entering the mystery of the true love of God, a Franciscan Mariologist has said.
- [Either Love the World or Love the Lord](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/either-love-the-world-or-love-the-lord-6191): Gospel Reflection: You are free to choose, but you are not free not to choose.
- [St. John Paul II and Pier Giorgio Frassati](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-john-paul-ii-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-6189): Discover inside stories of the life of St. John Paul II and travel in the footsteps of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
- [Hiking In Search of Pier Giorgio Frassati](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hiking-in-search-of-pier-giorgio-frassati-6187): Join EWTN’s Colm Flynn as he travels across Italy with a group of young men from the United States on a life-changing pilgrimage in honor of soon-to-be saint, Pier Giorgio Frassati.
- [Pope Leo’s 100 Days: Top 5 Viral Moments](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leos-100-days-top-5-viral-moments-6186): From weeping tears of joy to blessing babies from aboard the popemobile, here are five of the blessed moments we have witnessed thus far in this Leonine papacy.
- [Patron Saint of Fashion? Soon-to-be-Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati Dressed for God, Not for the World](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/patron-saint-of-fashion-soon-to-be-saint-pier-giorgio-frassati-dressed-for-god-not-for-the-world-6184): Dapper indeed he was, and yet his fashion choices point to something deeper.
- [Saint John Paul II: 20 Years Later, His Legacy Still Inspires the World](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saint-john-paul-ii-20-years-later-his-legacy-still-inspires-the-world-6183): Twenty years after his death, Pope St. John Paul II’s memory endures. His long papacy left a lasting mark on the Church and the modern world.
- [Pope Leo XIV: Bear Christ’s ‘fire of love’ to spread peace throughout the world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-bear-christs-fire-of-love-to-spread-peace-throughout-the-world-6181): Pope Leo XIV celebrated Sunday Mass at the Shrine of Santa Maria della Rotonda together with the poor and Caritas workers, saying Christ’s “fire of love” is what can create peace in society.
- [At Assumption Mass, Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to say ‘yes’ to God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-assumption-mass-pope-leo-xiv-urges-catholics-to-say-yes-to-god-6179): Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Assumption Mass Friday at Castel Gandolfo’s Church of St. Thomas of Villanova, urging Catholics to make the Magnificat their own.
- [Pope Leo XIV asks Catholics in Russia to be an example of love, brotherhood, and respect](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-russian-catholics-love): Pope Leo XIV on Friday asked a group of Catholic pilgrims from Russia, in Rome on a Jubilee pilgrimage, to be an example of love and brotherhood upon their return home. In his Oct. 17 address at the Vatican, the Holy Father emphasized that the presence of the Russian pilgrims “is part of the journey of so many generations” who have traveled to Rome.  For the Holy Father, “this city can be a symbol of human existence, in which the ’ruins’ of past experiences, anguish, uncertainty, and anxiety are intertwined with the faith that grows every day and becomes active […]
- [Pope Leo XIV canonizes 7 new saints, including first from Venezuela and Papua New Guinea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-canonizes-7-new-saints): Pope Leo XIV proclaimed seven new saints on Sunday before an estimated 70,000 people in St. Peter’s Square, including the first saints from Venezuela and Papua New Guinea and a former Satanist who underwent a dramatic conversion to become an “apostle of the rosary.” “Today we have before us seven witnesses, the new saints, who with God’s grace, kept the lamp of faith burning,” Pope Leo XIV said in his homily on Oct. 19. “Indeed, they themselves became lamps capable of spreading the light of Christ.” “May their intercession assist us in our trials and their example inspire us in our shared […]
- [Pope Leo XIV hails Roma, Sinti, and Travelers’ faith amid marginalization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-roma-sinti-jubilee): At the Vatican’s Jubilee of Roma, Sinti, and Travelers, Pope Leo XIV praised pilgrims for their deep trust in God despite centuries of exclusion, telling thousands of participants that their witness renews the Church’s own faith. “Today we all feel renewed by the gift you bring to the pope: your strong faith, your unshakeable hope in God alone, your solid trust that does not yield to the hardships of a life often lived on the margins of society,” Pope Leo said during the jubilee audience in the Paul VI Hall on Saturday. About 4,000 pilgrims from more than 70 countries […]
- [Worldwide Catholic population up, vocations down](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-church-vocations-2023): On the occasion of the 99th World Mission Day, to be celebrated on Sunday, Oct. 19, with the theme “Missionaries of Hope among all Peoples,” the Vatican news agency Fides presented some statistics that offer a general overview of the Catholic Church worldwide. The study is based on numbers from 2023, in which the world population rose to 7,914,582,000, with a positive trend on all continents, including Europe. The increase in Catholics was 15,881,000 over the previous year. The most notable growth in Catholics is in Africa, with an increase of 8,309,000; and the Americas with 5,668,000; followed by Asia with […]
- [Pope Leo XIV says first canonized couple give example of ‘marriage as a path to holiness’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-canonized-married-couple): At a time when the world offers “many counter-examples” of what a healthy marriage should look like, Pope Leo XIV has urged couples to look to Saints Louis and Zélie Martin — the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux — as a model of a joyful and holy marriage.  In an Oct. 18 message marking the 10th anniversary of the Martins’ canonization, Pope Leo said their lives show “marriage as a path to holiness” and provide an example that the world today urgently needs of how to help one’s children discover God’s “boundless love and tenderness and strive to make them love […]
- [Pope to UN Food and Agriculture Organization: ‘Slogans do not lift people out of poverty’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-un-fao-hunger-message): Pope Leo XIV called for shared responsibility in the face of world hunger during a visit to the Rome headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Thursday. “The pope’s heart, which belongs not to himself but to the Church and, in a certain sense, to all humanity, maintains the confidence that, if hunger is defeated, peace will be the fertile ground from which the common good of all nations will be born,” Leo said Oct. 16. After listening to remarks from the FAO’s director general, Qu Dongyu, the Holy Father spoke in both Spanish […]
- [In second report, Vatican minor commission urges listening, reparations for abuse victims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-minor-commission-report-2025): The Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors on Thursday released its second annual report on the Church’s safeguarding policies and procedures, urging heightened awareness of abuse and the need to offer reparations to victims. The second annual report launched by the commission, instituted by Pope Francis in 2014 for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults, promotes “conversional justice” — founded on the pillars of truth, justice, reparations, and institutional reforms — to be adopted by the Church across the globe and at all levels of governance. Archbishop Thibault Verny of Chambéry, who was appointed by Pope Leo […]
- [Leo XIV recognizes ‘light and shadows’ in the Church’s treatment of Indigenous peoples](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-indigenous-peoples-message): Pope Leo XIV invited Indigenous groups to forgive as he recognized both “the light and the wounds” in the history of the evangelization of their peoples. “The long history of evangelization that our Indigenous peoples have known, as the bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean have so often taught, is laden with light and shadows,” the pontiff said in an Oct. 16 message sent to the Networks of Indigenous Peoples and the Network of Indian Theology Theologians. Leo invited members of the network to “forgive our brothers and sisters from the heart, to reconcile ourselves with our own history, […]
- [Jimmy Lai’s wife, daughter meet Pope Leo XIV in Rome ahead of trial verdict](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jimmy-lai-wife-daughter-pope-leo-xiv): The wife and daughter of imprisoned democracy activist and Catholic Jimmy Lai met Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Oct. 15, greeting the Holy Father ahead of the expected verdict in Lai’s yearslong trial in Hong Kong.  Teresa and Claire Lai spoke to Leo after the general audience on Wednesday, appearing in the formal black attire traditionally worn by women greeting the pope. The 77-year-old Lai has been imprisoned in Hong Kong for years on what advocates have argued are political charges including fraud and participation in unauthorized protests.  A longtime free speech activist and human rights advocate, Lai — who converted […]
- [Pope Leo gifted with "Proton" a purebred Arabian horse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-arabian-horse-proton): Before the general audience on Oct. 15, Pope Leo XIV was gifted with a 12-year-old purebred Arabian horse named Proton. The white horse is a gift from Michalski Stables in Kołobrzeg-Budzistowo, and will reside in Castel Gandolfo, home to the Vatican’s equestrian center. Several purebred Spanish horses are also kept at the facility located within the papal complex. The horse belongs to one of the oldest and most esteemed equine breeds in the world, known for its elegance and endurance. According to the Vatican, the Pole Andrzej Michalski, president of the Michalski horse farm, offered the beautiful specimen to the […]
- [Vatican approves auxiliary bishop for Shanghai](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-approves-auxiliary-bishop-shanghai): The Vatican announced Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV appointed Father Ignatius Wu Jianlin as auxiliary bishop of Shanghai on Aug. 11, with his episcopal ordination taking place today under the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China. Father Wu Jianlin’s consecration at St. Ignatius Cathedral marks a further development in the complex relationship between Beijing and the Vatican. Chinese authorities had previously announced Wu’s “election” by an assembly of priests and laypeople on April 28, during the sede vacante period following the death of Pope Francis. The Vatican Bollettino, published Wednesday, revealed that the Holy Father approved Wu’s candidacy […]
- [Pope Leo XIV explains why Christian hope is better than optimism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-christian-hope-optimism): Optimism can disappoint us, but Christian hope “promises and fulfills” our hearts’ desire for fullness, Pope Leo XIV said at his weekly audience on Wednesday. Addressing thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on Oct. 15, the pope said, “This deep desire in our hearts can find its ultimate answer not in roles, not in power, not in having, but in the certainty that there is someone who guarantees this constitutive impulse of our humanity; in the awareness that this expectation will not be disappointed or thwarted. This certainty coincides with hope.” “This does not mean thinking in an optimistic […]
- [Pope Leo XIV introduces significant reform to Holy See’s investments](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-vatican-investment-reform-coniuncta-cura): Last week, Pope Leo XIV introduced a significant reform to the financial architecture of the Holy See. With the motu proprio Coniuncta Cura, (“Shared Responsibility”) the Holy Father revoked the exclusive right that the Institute for Works of Religion (IOR by its Italian acronym) — popularly known as the “Vatican Bank” — had until then for investment management, opening the door to the use of other foreign financial intermediaries if deemed more efficient or appropriate. The new regulations do not seek to remove investments from the Vatican purview but rather to open the possibility of management to accredited financial intermediaries.  “If there is […]
- [Pope Leo to Canonize 7 New Saints from 4 Continents in Historic October Ceremony](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-to-canonize-7-new-saints-from-4-continents-in-historic-october-ceremony): The most important news from Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican of the week—from declarations on religious freedom to global humanitarian efforts, and culminating in the canonization of seven extraordinary new saints. Seven New Saints to Be Canonized by Pope Leo on October 19 In a global celebration of holiness, Pope Leo XIV will canonize seven new saints this Sunday, October 19, during a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Among the seven are three women and four men, representing a powerful cross-section of the Church: missionaries, martyrs, laypeople, and religious. Their origins span from Papua New Guinea, Venezuela, Turkey, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV sends antibiotics to children in Gaza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-gaza-aid-antibiotics-children): Pope Leo XIV has sent 5,000 doses of antibiotics to the Gaza Strip in a humanitarian gesture aimed primarily at children and made possible by the recent reopening of key border crossings allowing the entry of aid. According to Vatican News, the shipment of the medicines began this week, following the ceasefire and the start of the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace deal. Israel is allowing the entry of up to 600 aid trucks per day, operated by the United Nations and authorized by international organizations, private sector actors, and donor countries. On Oct. 12, more than 170 […]
- [Pope Leo XIV meets Italian President Sergio Mattarella in first state visit to Italy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-italy-state-visit-quirinal-mattarella): Pope Leo XIV met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on Tuesday, highlighting the strong ties between the two states and the need to work toward lasting peace in every part of the world.  Mattarella welcomed the Holy Father and his delegation, which included Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State Sister Raffaella Petrini, to his residence in Rome to strengthen the historic political ties between the Holy See and Italy. The Holy Father spoke of the “sincere friendship and fruitful mutual collaboration” between Italy […]
- [U.S. priests report high confidence in Pope Leo XIV, less trust in bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/us-priests-confidence-pope-leo-xiv-bishops-survey-2025): A 2025 survey of more than 1,100 American priests found high rates of self-reported personal flourishing, strong confidence in Pope Leo XIV, and a mixed level of trust in U.S. bishops. The National Study of Catholic Priests, published on Oct. 14, was commissioned by the Catholic Project at The Catholic University of America and conducted by Gallup. Researchers surveyed the same priests who were surveyed in The Catholic Project’s 2022 survey to examine the U.S. priesthood.  The survey showed strong confidence in the first-ever American pope. About 43% of those surveyed expressed “a great deal” of confidence in Leo and another 43% reported […]
- [A Hidden Life: Inside the Carmelite Monastery of Iceland](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/a-hidden-life-inside-the-carmelite-monastery-of-iceland): In the quiet expanse of Iceland, beyond the rush of the world, stands a Carmelite monastery where a handful of women live lives entirely devoted to prayer, contemplation, and service. For Sister Miriam, the journey began with a question whispered deep within her heart: “Do you want to follow Me? Do you want to be Mine?” She knew it was Jesus speaking. The call was unmistakable yet gentle, leaving her free to choose. Though she loved her family and the world she would leave behind, the question demanded an answer. And when she said “yes,” peace flooded her soul — […]
- [Vatican appoints judges to decide Rupnik sexual abuse case](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-appoints-judges-rupnik-abuse-case): The Vatican’s doctrine office announced Monday that a panel of five judges has been nominated to decide the disciplinary case against Father Marko Rupnik, accused of the sexual and psychological abuse of consecrated women under his spiritual care. The judges, appointed Oct. 9, do not hold any position in the Roman Curia — the Vatican’s governing body — to ensure their autonomy and independence in the penal judicial procedure, according to an Oct. 13 press release from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF). Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the head of the DDF, told journalists in July that […]
- [Fire damages historic Italian monastery where St. Carlo Acutis received first Communion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bernaga-monastery-fire-carlo-acutis-communion): A fire this weekend severely damaged the 17th-century Bernaga Monastery outside of Milan in northern Italy, forcing 21 cloistered nuns to flee the blaze. The fire broke out around 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 11 as the nuns — part of the Ambrosian hermitages of the Order of St. Ambrose ad Nemus — were watching a live television stream of Pope Leo XIV’s prayer vigil for peace in St. Peter’s Square. The women all escaped without harm, but the monastery, which was built in 1628, was nearly destroyed. Nine firefighting teams intervened to put out the blaze. The Archdiocese of Milan […]
- [World Mission Day: Leo XIV calls for supporting those who bring Christ to ends of earth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-world-mission-day-2025-message): Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics to support missionaries on World Mission Day, which will be celebrated on Oct. 19. In a video message released Oct. 13, the Holy Father — who served as a missionary bishop in the Peruvian Diocese of Chiclayo — stated that this day is an opportunity for the entire Catholic Church to unite in prayer for missionaries “and for the fruitfulness of their apostolic labors.” He shared his experience as a missionary in Peru, where he saw firsthand “how the faith, the prayer, and the generosity shown on World Mission Sunday can transform entire communities.” […]
- [Cardinal presides over act of reparation in St. Peter’s following desecration of altar](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-peters-altar-desecration-reparation-october-2025): Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica and vicar general of the pope for Vatican City, presided Oct. 13 over a penitential rite of reparation at the main altar of the church following a serious act of desecration that had taken place on Oct. 10. After a penitential procession that began at 12:45 p.m. local time, Gambetti sprinkled the altar with holy water and incensed it to purify it. The rite, attended by members of the chapter of the Vatican basilica, emphasized asking God for “forgiveness” for the desecration, Father Enzo Fortunato, director of communications for St. Peter’s Basilica, […]
- [Cardinal Parolin on St. Carlo Acutis: Many ‘touched by his smile’ when they see his photo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-carlo-acutis-first-feast-day-2025-parolin): In a Mass marking the first liturgical memorial of St. Carlo Acutis, who was canonized by Pope Leo XIV on Sept. 7, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Sunday said the saint spoke of Jesus with a “radiant” and “smiling” face. “Many when they see his picture are touched by his smile: Carlo spoke of Jesus above all with his radiant, luminous, and smiling face. He taught us to live out St. Paul’s exhortation: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always,’” Parolin said in his homily at the Mass he celebrated Oct. 12. The Mass took place in St. Mary […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Authentic Marian spirituality brings God’s tenderness into the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-marian-spirituality-jubilee-2025): Pope Leo XIV’s Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square was attended by 30,000 pilgrims in Rome for the Jubilee of Marian Spiritualities, and thousands more people who gathered in neighboring streets outside the Vatican for the liturgical celebration. During the Mass, the Holy Father expressed his great appreciation and gratitude to the members of movements, confraternities, prayer groups, and shrines — dedicated to the Blessed Virgin — for coming to Rome to participate in the Church’s holy year dedicated to hope.   Leo said their spirituality, anchored in Sacred Scripture and Church tradition, reveals the profound beauty of God’s personal love […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to consecrated men and women: ‘The Church needs you’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-jubilee-consecrated-life-2025): Pope Leo XIV met with participants in the Jubilee of Consecrated Life in the Vatican on Friday, thanking them for their fidelity to Christ and their witness of faith in the “most remote corners of the earth.”  During the audience, the Holy Father said the Church and the world need men and women consecrated to Jesus to reveal God’s presence and his “great plan of peace and salvation” for humanity. “Recalling what Pope Francis has already said to you, I too wish to declare that the Church needs you and all the diversity and richness of the forms of consecration […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Right to religious freedom is not optional but essential](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-religious-freedom-essential-acn): Pope Leo XIV on Friday received at the Vatican members of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a pontifical foundation that supports the Catholic Church in its evangelizing work in the world’s most needy, discriminated-against, and persecuted communities. In his initial greeting, the Holy Father emphasized the importance of their work, especially in a world that continues to “witness growing hostility and violence against those who hold different beliefs, including many Christians.” According to the pope, ACN’s mission — which funds more than 5,000 pastoral and humanitarian emergency projects in 137 countries — proclaims that, as one family in […]
- [Thousands of pilgrims join Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square to pray the rosary for peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-rosary-vigil-peace-fatima-2025): Tens of thousands of people joined Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to pray for peace in the world. Before the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which was brought to Rome from Portugal for the Oct. 11–12 Jubilee of Marian Spiritualities, the pope entrusted believers to the Mother of God to guide the Church in its “pilgrimage of hope.” During the special prayer vigil, which included a contemplative recitation of the rosary and time for Eucharistic adoration, the Holy Father delivered a short address and encouraged those present to ask the Mother of God for the […]
- [Man desecrates altar of St. Peter's Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-peters-basilica-altar-desecration-2025): A man urinated on the Altar of Confession of St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday before being taken away by security officers in the famous basilica, according to news reports. The man climbed the altar and “urinated under the stunned gaze of hundreds of tourists,” according to the newspaper Corriere della Sera’s Rome edition. Video of the desecration was widely shared on social media. Il Tempo reported that the man “was promptly reached by plainclothes police officers present in the basilica” and was escorted out of the church. The latter newspaper claimed Pope Leo XIV was “shocked to learn of the news,” though the Holy […]
- [Vocation Story: Soldier to Priest](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vocation-story-soldier-to-priest): By: Valentina Di Donato  Just a few weeks after the start of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, he celebrated an ordination Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and urged the new priests to welcome God’s grace so they might remain close to the people they serve as credible witnesses.  Father Andrea Alessi was one of those priests ordained by Pope Leo XIV. EWTN Correspondent Valentina Di Donato spoke with Father Alessi, of the Church of the Holy Family of Divine Love, to discover the experiences that brought him from the military service to the holy calling. He shared: “I believe that the priest […]
- [NAC Diaconal Ordinations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/nac-diaconal-ordinations-in-st-peters-basilica): In the majestic setting of St. Peter’s Basilica, sixteen seminarians from the Pontifical North American College received diaconal ordination, taking a decisive step on their journey toward the priesthood. A moment of grace, vocation, and profound communion with the universal Church. Every year, a group of young men from the Pontifical North American College (NAC) are ordained to the transitional diaconate in St. Peter’s Basilica. It is a unique and deeply moving moment where they dedicate their lives to Christ, embrace the Church’s mission, and respond wholeheartedly to His call to serve. Reflecting on this profound moment, Deacon Reed Robinson […]
- [Jubilee of Migrants](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-missions-and-migrants): In Rome, the Jubilee of Missionary and Migrant World brought together thousands of people from every corner of the globe in a gathering of faith, brotherhood, and sharing. Through prayers, testimonies, and songs, the Church celebrated its most universal dimension, intertwining mission and welcome. The Jubilee of Missions and Migrants, celebrated last Sunday, is one of the highlights of the Holy Year 2025. The event drew thousands of faithful, missionaries, migrants, and pilgrims from over 100 countries around the world. The liturgy beautifully united two distinct yet deeply connected dimensions — missionary outreach and the welcoming of migrants — emphasizing […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: News agencies have ‘crucial role’ in forming consciences, sharing the truth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-media-truth-news-ethics): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday said news agencies have the responsibility to uphold principles that protect a person’s right to access “accurate and balanced” information while avoiding “degrading” practices such as manipulation and “clickbait.”    In a private meeting at the Vatican with participants of the Oct. 9–10 MINDS Conference in Rome, the Holy Father expressed his desire for greater collaboration between producers and consumers of news content to create a “virtuous circle” that benefits society as a whole.  “Information is a public good that we should all protect,” Leo said. “For this reason, what is truly productive is a partnership […]
- [Pope Leo XIV addresses immigration policies in meeting with Chicago labor leaders](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-chicago-immigration-labor-leaders): Pope Leo XIV addressed immigration policies and respect for vulnerable migrants in a meeting with Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago and labor leaders at the Vatican on Thursday.  “Please know of my appreciation for your welcome of immigrants and refugees, especially your support of food pantries and shelters. While recognizing that appropriate policies are necessary to keep communities safe, I encourage you to continue to advocate for society to respect the human dignity of the most vulnerable,” the pontiff said.  In his meeting with Chicago union leaders, the pope also praised their important work to “enhance the common good and […]
- [‘Dilexi Te’: The Franciscan Framework of Pope Leo’s First Document](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dilexi-te-pope-leo-xiv-franciscan-framework): COMMENTARY: The challenge of using such a framework is that many audiences take Brother Sun and Mother Earth and leave aside Sister Death and the danger of mortal sin. The first major document of a pontificate is highly anticipated as an indication of the new Pope’s agenda. Pope Leo XIV has chosen to place his first document, the apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You) into a Franciscan framework. The Vatican press office, unusually, carried a news item that Dilexi Te had been signed on Saturday, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Oct. 4. The public presentation of the document will take […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges consecrated persons to be ‘hungry for holiness’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-jubilee-consecrated-life-holiness): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Square on the occasion of the Jubilee of Consecrated Life. Since Wednesday, religious men and women, monks and contemplatives, members of secular institutes, consecrated virgins, hermits, and members of various institutes throughout the world have participated in the jubilee event, which concluded Thursday afternoon. ‘Abandon yourself like children in the Father’s arms’ After greeting all the jubilee participants, the Holy Father began his homily by reflecting on the phrase from the Gospel of St. Luke: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and […]
- [Immigration is a ‘Gospel issue’ before a ‘political issue,’ U.S. bishop says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-mark-seitz-immigration-gospel-not-political): Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas, said immigration is a “Gospel issue” before it is a “political issue” in the United States.  In an exclusive interview with EWTN News reporter Valentina Di Donato, Seitz said the Church has a responsibility to reaffirm Catholic social teaching regarding the preferential option for the poor.  “It’s always the role of the bishop to speak the Gospel, to reflect on that Gospel and its implications for our daily lives,” the prelate told EWTN News.  “We have a task to form people based on that teaching of love and mercy and compassion that applies […]
- [Pope Leo XIV commends Catholic Charities USA’s ministry to migrants, refugees](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-catholic-charities-usa-migrants): Pope Leo XIV sent a letter this week commending Catholic Charities USA for being “agents of hope” to vulnerable people, especially migrants and refugees.  As migrants and refugees “are not able to rely on their own resources and have to depend on God and the goodness of others, in many ways your ministry makes the Lord’s providence concrete for them,” the pontiff wrote, addressing the 115th annual meeting of the Catholic Charities USA Network, taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Oct. 6–9.  “Through providing food, shelter, medical care, legal assistance, and many other gestures of kindness, Catholic Charities affiliates […]
- [Pope Leo's First Apostolic Journey](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-first-apostolic-journey): This week, Pope Leo XIV announced major developments in his pontificate — including his first apostolic journey abroad, a strong appeal for peace in the Holy Land, new financial reforms, and heartfelt messages to both the Knights of Columbus and the world’s young people. Pope Leo XIV’s First Apostolic Journey to Turkey and Lebanon Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first apostolic journey from November 27 to December 2, visiting Turkey and Lebanon. The six-day trip carries deep historical and spiritual significance, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the birthplace of the Nicene Creed that united early […]
- [FULL TEXT of Pope Leo's Apostolic Exhortation "Dilexi te"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-of-pope-leos-apostolic-exhortation-dilexi-te): The PDF version of the Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te by Pope Leo XIV can be downloaded here. This is the text of the document: APOSTOLIC EXHORTATIONDILEXI TEOF THE HOLY FATHERLEO XIVTO ALL CHRISTIANSON LOVE FOR THE POOR 1. “I HAVE LOVED YOU” (Rev 3:9). The Lord speaks these words to a Christian community that,  unlike some others, had no influence or resources, and was treated instead with violence and  contempt: “You have but little power… I will make them come and bow down before your feet”  (Rev 3:8-9). This text reminds us of the words of the canticle of Mary: […]
- [Catholic bishops call on EU to appoint special envoy for religious freedom](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/eu-bishops-religious-freedom-envoy-comece-call): The representatives of the Catholic bishops to the European Union reiterated their call for the bloc to act firmly against anti-Christian persecution around the world by reinstating the position of the special envoy for religious freedom. At the conclusion of its autumn assembly, the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE, by its acronym) noted that “freedom of thought, conscience, and religion is an inalienable human right enshrined in Article 10 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights” that continues to be “seriously threatened in many regions of the world.” In a statement, the bishops expressed their “growing […]
- [Remains of St. Francis of Assisi to be publicly displayed for first time](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-francis-assisi-remains-public-display-2026): For the first time, the body of St. Francis of Assisi will be visible to all, from Feb. 22 to March 22, 2026. This religious and historical event was announced on the memorial of the saint of Assisi (Oct. 4) and will coincide with the eighth centenary of the death of St. Francis in 1226. The announcement was made from the Loggia delle Benedizioni by Fray Giulio Cesareo, director of the press office of the Sacred Convent, following Mass celebrated in the Upper Basilica of the Umbrian city, presided over by Monsignor Camillo Cibotti, president of the Episcopal Conference of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Joy does not have to be ‘free from suffering’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-joy-suffering-resurrection-catechesis): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday warned against the claim that true joy “must be without wounds” or “trials,” saying pain is not the denial of God’s promise of love for his people. During his Oct. 8 general audience at the Vatican, the Holy Father said “there is an obstacle that often prevents us from recognizing Christ’s presence in our daily lives: the assumption that joy must be free from suffering.” Continuing his catechesis on the resurrection of Christ, the pope emphasized that God does not “impose himself loudly” but “waits patiently for the moment when our eyes will open to […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to supporters of migrants in U.S.: ‘You stand with me, and I stand with you’ ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-migrants-united-states-support): Pope Leo XIV became “visibly emotional” upon receiving messages on Oct. 8 from immigrants fearing deportation in the United States, a member of a U.S. delegation said. Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas, Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Celino, and Dylan Corbett of Hope Border Institute gave the pope a collection of handwritten letters from migrant families expressing fear and faith. They showed the pope a video with immigrants’ voices saying mass deportations in the United States are breaking family bonds and stripping children of safety. “We live in a state of constant anxiety, never knowing if tomorrow will bring separation,” an immigrant […]
- [Pope Leo XIV, in his first major document, says the poor evangelize us](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-dilexi-te-poverty-exhortation): In the first major document of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV writes that the poor are not only objects of charity, but evangelists who can prompt us to conversion through their example of weakness and reliance on God.   “The poor can act as silent teachers for us, making us conscious of our presumption and instilling within us a rightful spirit of humility,” Leo writes in Dilexi Te (“I have loved you”), released by the Vatican on Thursday. “The elderly, for example, by their physical frailty, remind us of our own fragility, even as we attempt to conceal it behind our apparent prosperity and […]
- [UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV recalls Palestinians killed since Oct. 7 Hamas attack](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-oct-7-hamas-attack-palestinians): Pope Leo XIV called Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, an act of terrorism that cannot be tolerated and lamented the large number of Palestinian lives lost during “a painful two years.” Addressing a group of journalists just outside his Castel Gandolfo residence, Villa Barberini, on Oct. 7, the pope said: “Two years ago it was a terroristic attack. … more than 200 people killed.” “We really need to think hard about how much hatred there is in the world and start with ourselves, asking why it exists and what we can do about it,” he added. “Then, […]
- [Vatican approves beatification cause of priest who pioneered monastic life in Korea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/father-leo-bang-yu-ryong-beatification-korea): The Archdiocese of Seoul announced that it has received authorization from the Vatican, or “nihil obstat,” to initiate the beatification cause of the priest who pioneered monastic life in Korea. According to the Vatican news agency Fides, Father Leo Bang Yu-ryong (1900–1986) will be recognized as a servant of God. With this permission, the archdiocese will be able to begin the diocesan phase of the process. Auxiliary Bishop Job Koo Yoo-bi of Seoul, president of the diocesan commission for beatification and canonization, said that in this first phase, information and testimonies will be gathered about Bang Yu-ryong’s heroic virtues and reputation […]
- [Jerusalem churches face mounting tax pressures under Israel’s ‘Arnona’ property levy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jerusalem-churches-arnona-tax-dispute): In Jerusalem, the property tax, known as the “Arnona” tax, has become one of the most contentious issues between the city’s municipality and the churches.  Under Israeli law, this is a municipal levy imposed on all properties within city and local council boundaries, regardless of type, and its calculations are based on square meters and the use of the property. Attorney Fareed Jibran, legal and public affairs adviser to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, explained to ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner: “Arnona is a municipal property tax, not a state tax. The basic principle is that every property within […]
- [Pope Leo XIV Congratulates EWTN Germany on 25 Years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-congratulates-ewtn-germany-on-25-years): Pope Leo XIV and other Church and public figures congratulated EWTN on its 25th anniversary in German-speaking countries. In a telegram to Program Director Martin Rothweiler, the Pope praised EWTN as an “important and reliable companion in the life of faith.” He highlighted the network’s global Church perspective—especially through broadcasts from Rome—as a source of unity for the faithful. The Pope’s Telegram The telegram was read at the end of a thanksgiving Mass in Cologne Cathedral on Saturday evening, following a ceremony at Cologne’s Maternushaus that looked back on EWTN’s 25-year history and explored current issues of faith. Among those […]
- [EWTN Summer Academy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-summer-academy-2026): Applications Closed for 2026 The EWTN Summer Academy 2026 will gather in Rome from June 22 to July 2! The EWTN Vatican Office warmly invites young aspiring media professionals to Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church, for its prestigious Summer Academy. The EWTN Summer Academy is an intensive team-based and discussion-focused training program for young Catholics aged 21 to 35, looking to deepen their skills and knowledge in religious media, journalism, cinematography, and storytelling. Our goal is to form students in a global community of dedicated communicators in our Rome program. At the Summer Academy, these young people will […]
- [UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV to visit Turkey and Lebanon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-turkey-lebanon-visit-2025): Pope Leo XIV will visit Turkey and Lebanon in the first apostolic journey of his pontificate, to take place from Nov. 27 to Dec. 2, the Vatican announced Tuesday. Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said the pope accepted the invitations of the “Head of State and Ecclesiastical Authorities” of both countries in an Oct. 7 statement released by the Vatican. During the six-day papal trip, the Holy Father will visit the Turkish city of Iznek to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, an ecumenical milestone in Church history that led to the formulation of the […]
- [Ceasefire deal, hostage release a ‘first step’ for peace, Latin patriarch says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pizzaballa-israel-hamas-ceasefire-peace): Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, called the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal brokered by the U.S. a “first step” toward peace. In a statement, the terrorist group Hamas agreed to release the remaining Israeli hostages, living and dead, in the first steps of a peace deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.  Twenty living hostages and the bodies of 28 dead hostages are believed to remain in Gaza as the second anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack — the largest massacre of Jews since World War II — approaches. Pizzaballa called the ceasefire deal “an important and […]
- [Pope Leo XIV joins Australian community in Rome for evening prayer](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-vespers-australian-community-rome): Pope Leo XIV joined the Australian community for evening prayer at Domus Australia Catholic Chapel in Rome on Monday. Before praying vespers with approximately 150 people, the Holy Father blessed a restored painting of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii that was gifted to the chapel by soon-to-be saint Bartolo Longo. “Indeed, this devotion to our Blessed Mother holds a special place in my heart, so I am also happy to share this occasion with the Australian community,” the Holy Father said in a short homily. “It is my hope that this image … will inspire an ever greater […]
- [Pope Leo thanks Knights of Columbus for generosity to Vatican, service to communities](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-knights-of-columbus-thanks): Pope Leo XIV on Monday met with leaders of the Knights of Columbus, whom he thanked for their generosity to the Vatican and their dedicated service to local communities in the United States.  He also expressed his “profound gratitude” for the Knights’ funding of the restorations of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s baldacchino and monument of the Chair of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica, completed last year.  Such contributions are “a visible sign of your continued devotion to the vicar of Christ,” the pontiff said, addressing members of the board of directors and their families in the Apostolic Palace’s Hall of the […]
- [7 common myths and facts about the rosary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rosary-myths-and-facts): October is designated by the Catholic Church as the Month of the Rosary, and Oct. 7 is the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.  Here are seven common myths and facts about this devotion to Our Lady: 1. Only Catholics can pray the rosary.  False. While rosaries are typically associated with Catholics, non-Catholics can certainly pray the rosary — and in fact, many credit it to their conversion. Even some Protestants recognize the rosary as a valid form of prayer. 2. Praying the rosary is idolatry.  False. Some have objections to the rosary, claiming it idolizes Mary and is overly repetitive.  Just like any practice, the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV allows outside banks to manage Holy See investments](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-vatican-external-investments): Pope Leo XIV has permitted the Holy See’s main financial body to use financial institutions outside the Vatican for its investment activities, reversing Pope Francis’ 2022 instruction to move all funds to the so-called Vatican bank. In the legal order, published Monday, Leo said the Vatican’s asset management body, the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA), should generally use the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR) — better known as the Vatican bank — for its investment activities, unless the competent bodies “deem it more efficient or convenient to use financial intermediaries established in other countries.” The […]
- [Pope decries rise of antisemitic hatred, urges ceasefire and hostage release amid Gaza talks](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-middle-east-peace-appeal): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday condemned the resurgence of antisemitic hatred and appealed for renewed commitment to peace in the Middle East, while also assuring prayers for victims of a devastating earthquake in the Philippines. “I express my concern about the rise of antisemitic hatred in the world, as unfortunately we saw with the terrorist attack in Manchester a few days ago,” the pope said from St. Peter’s Square, before leading the Angelus prayer. He added that he “continue[s] to be saddened by the immense suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza.” The pope said that “in the dramatic situation […]
- [Pope Leo XIV receives detailed report on attacks against the Catholic Church in Nicaragua](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-nicaragua-church-persecution): Pope Leo XIV this week received the report “Nicaragua: A Persecuted Church” by researcher Martha Patricia Molina, which details the prohibition of more than 16,500 processions and acts of piety as well as more than 1,000 attacks against the Catholic Church by the dictatorship of President Daniel Ortega and his wife and vice president, Rosario Murillo. Activist Muriel Sáenz, a Nicaraguan by birth who fled the dictatorship in the 1980s and now works to help immigrants in the United States, presented Molina’s report to Pope Leo on Oct. 2 during the Holy Father’s audience with participants in a Vatican conference […]
- [Pope Leo XIV attends swearing-in of Swiss Guard, first for a pope in nearly 60 years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-swiss-guard-swearing-in): Pope Leo XIV on Saturday attended the swearing-in of the Swiss Guard at the Vatican, the first time a pope has attended the pomp-filled ceremony since the pontificate of Pope Paul VI in 1968. The event took place in the Vatican’s San Damaso Courtyard. The Holy Father was joined by a crowd of spectators watching as the 27 new members were sworn in to the ranks of the papal guard. The swearing-in ceremony, when the new guards promise to protect the pope, if necessary with their lives, was postponed from the traditional date of May 6 due to the conclave […]
- [Pope Leo XIV signs first apostolic exhortation, 'Dilexi te'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-dilexi-te-apostolic-exhortation): Pope Leo XIV on Oct. 4 signed the first apostolic exhortation of his pontificate, the text of which is expected to be released next week.  The Vatican said in a press release that Leo signed the exhortation Dilexi Te (“I Have Loved You”) in the library of the Apostolic Palace. The Holy See did not reveal the text of the document, which it said will be presented on Oct. 9 by the Holy See Press Office.  The focus of the document was also not officially announced, though it is reportedly expected to focus on the poor. It was signed on the feast of St. […]
- [Bartolo Longo and his devotion to the Rosary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bartolo-longo-and-his-devotion-to-the-rosary-6583): Bartolo Longo composed the Pompei novena, 54 days of praying five decades of the Rosary as a means of seeking grace in desperate cases and built the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Holy Rosary.
- [St. Francis of Assisi: 7 interesting facts about the famous Italian saint](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-francis-of-assisi-facts): The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Francis of Assisi every year on Oct. 4. Known as the patron saint of animals and ecology, the 13th-century Italian friar is often remembered for his deep humility, his life of prayer, and for founding the Franciscan order. Here are seven things to know about this beloved saint: 1. Francis was a party-loving rich kid before his conversion. Before giving his life completely over to the Lord, Francis lived a life of luxury. His father, Pietro di Bernardone, was a wealthy silk merchant in Assisi, and Francis lived a carefree, pleasure-seeking life […]
- [Swiss Guards, protectors of the pope, don new uniforms](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/swiss-guards-new-uniforms): The Swiss Guards, who have protected popes for the last five centuries, now have a new uniform. The mostly wool uniform is the recreation of a historic military dress for use at galas and other important dinners and will not replace the iconic red, orange, and blue “grand gala” uniforms for which the guards are famous. The Swiss-made garments were paid for by a benefactor and cost 2,000 euros (around $2,300) apiece. According to Swiss Guard Commander Christoph Graf, they represent “a link between the present and the past.” The 135 guards in the world’s smallest but oldest army will […]
- [Pope Leo: Old age a gift and challenge; requires response of missionary pastoral ministry](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-elderly-pastoral-care): Pope Leo XIV on Friday said that old age is both a gift and a challenge, and in response the Catholic Church is called to develop missionary pastoral care that involves the elderly as witnesses of hope.
- [Pope Leo XIV: ‘Culture of reconciliation’ needed to support migrants, displaced people](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-reconciliation-migrants): Pope Leo XIV said a “culture of reconciliation” is necessary to support more than 100 million people affected by migration and displacement across the world during his Thursday meeting with participants attending the Oct. 1–3 Migrants and Refugees in Our Common Home summit in Rome. “Just as Pope Francis spoke of the culture of encounter as the antidote for the globalization of indifference, we must work to confront the globalization of powerlessness by fostering a culture of reconciliation,” Leo told summit participants gathered inside the Vatican’s Clementine Hall. “In this particular way of encountering others, we ‘meet one another by […]
- [Celebrating Pope Leo's Birthday in the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/celebrating-pope-leos-birthday-in-the-vatican-6437): Prayers for Pope Leo, Frassati's niece, 10 years of Italian language news, Pope Leo's motorcycle, and more.
- [Jubilee of Consolation: Mother who lost her only son never reproached God for anything](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-consolation-mother-who-lost-her-only-son-never-reproached-god-for-anything-6436): Silvia Toma has a scar on her soul: Four years ago she buried her 34-year-old only son, who had two little daughters. “It was sudden leukemia. He was admitted on May 25, 2021, and died on June 3,” she said, still choked up by the pain.
- [Armenian patriarch invites Pope Leo XIV to visit Armenia](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/armenian-patriarch-invites-pope-leo-xiv-to-visit-armenia-6434): The head of the Armenian Apostolic Church during a meeting Tuesday at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Armenia.
- [Pope Leo XIV meets with his Augustinian brothers in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-with-his-augustinian-brothers-in-rome-6433): Pope Leo XIV on Monday received the participants of the general chapter of the Order of St. Augustine, with whom he said he felt “at home.”
- [Pope Leo XIV at Jubilee of Consolation: Where pain is deep, hope in Jesus must be stronger](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-at-jubilee-of-consolation-where-pain-is-deep-hope-in-jesus-must-be-stronger-6431): With a call to trust that Jesus is the one who dries the tears of those who suffer, Pope Leo XIV celebrated the prayer vigil for the Jubilee of Consolation in St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday, Sept. 15.
- [Pope Leo XIV marks 70th birthday at Sunday Angelus: 'I give thanks to the Lord and to my parents'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-marks-70th-birthday-at-sunday-angelus-i-give-thanks-to-the-lord-and-to-my-parents-6429): On Sunday, his 70th birthday, Pope Leo XIV presided at the recitation of the Angelus with pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.
- [‘Happy birthday, Pope Leo!’: EWTN viewers around the world share songs, prayers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/happy-birthday-pope-leo-ewtn-viewers-around-the-world-share-songs-prayers-6427): Sept. 14 marks Pope Leo XIV’s 70th birthday. To celebrate, “EWTN News In Depth” invited viewers to send in video messages to share their own personal greeting to the Holy Father on such a momentous occasion.
- [Vatican lights up with drone show at historic 'Grace for the World' concert](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-lights-up-with-drone-show-at-historic-grace-for-the-world-concert-6425): St. Peter’s Square became the stage for an unprecedented spectacle on Saturday night, as tens of thousands gathered for Grace for the World, a massive concert closing the third World Meeting on Human Fraternity.
- ['No one can silence their voice': Pope Leo XIV honors modern martyrs at ecumenical service](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/no-one-can-silence-their-voice-pope-leo-xiv-honors-modern-martyrs-at-ecumenical-service-6423): Pope Leo XIV led an ecumenical commemoration of the martyrs and witnesses of faith of the 21st century at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls on Sunday.
- [Pope Leo XIV urges theologians to defend creation and human dignity in the age of AI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-urges-theologians-to-defend-creation-and-human-dignity-in-the-age-of-ai-6421): Pope Leo XIV on Saturday urged Catholic theologians to embrace a “theology of wisdom” capable of addressing urgent global challenges, from environmental crises to the ethical questions posed by artificial intelligence (AI).
- [New U.S. ambassador to the Vatican presents credentials to pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-us-ambassador-to-the-vatican-presents-credentials-to-pope-6419): Pope Leo XIV on Saturday morning received Brian Burch, the new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace for the formal presentation of his letters of credence.
- [New Vatican interfaith team to meet Russian patriarch, leading imam in Kazakhstan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-vatican-interfaith-team-to-meet-russian-patriarch-leading-imam-in-kazakhstan-6417): Religious leaders from China, Russia, the Middle East, and the Vatican are converging in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Sept. 17–18 for the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
- [Pope Leo XIV tells World Meeting on Human Fraternity to welcome migrants, care for poor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-tells-world-meeting-on-human-fraternity-to-welcome-migrants-care-for-poor-6415): Pope Leo XIV on Friday denounced the “business of wars” and condemned indifference toward migrants and the poor while addressing participants of the World Meeting on Human Fraternity at the Vatican.
- [Pope Leo XIV: Inappropriate behavior of the clergy ‘cannot be kept in a drawer’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-inappropriate-behavior-of-the-clergy-cannot-be-kept-in-a-drawer-6413): In a meeting with bishops appointed in the last year, Pope Leo XIV exhorted them to address issues related to inappropriate behavior on the part of the clergy: “They can’t be put away in a drawer.”
- [The Making of Pope Leo XIV: Cardinal Dolan Recalls a Conclave of ‘Soul, Head, and Heart’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/making-of-pope-leo-xiv-cardinal-dolan-recalls-a-conclave-of-soul-head-and-heart-6411): Cardinal Dolan reiterated that he hoped he 'made clear there was a lot of human input into the meetings and conversations, yet the influence of the Holy Spirit was definitive.'
- [Catholic Church’s new bishops complete formation in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-churchs-new-bishops-complete-formation-in-rome-6409): Every September, the new bishops of the Catholic Church gather in Rome to participate in a formation course, an initiative that, since its inception in 1994, has become a genuine tradition.
- [Cardinal Parolin on Charlie Kirk death: ‘We are against all types of violence’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-on-charlie-kirk-death-we-are-against-all-types-of-violence-6407): In response to the Sept. 10 fatal shooting of Christian conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Vatican’s secretary of state condemned the use of violence against those with whom one disagrees.
- [EWTN Celebrates 10 Years of Italian Language ACI Stampa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-celebrates-10-years-of-italian-language-aci-stampa-6405): On Monday, September 8, 2025, the EWTN family gathered at its Rome offices to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ACI Stampa.
- [Jesus Bikers and Pope Leo's Motorcycle](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jesus-bikers-and-the-popes-motorcycle-6403): From Harley to BMW: the Jesus Bikers ride to Rome again—presenting Pope Leo XIV a white ‘papal bike’ to be auctioned for children in Madagascar.
- [Cardinal Hollerich: ‘I would not define Church sexual morality so narrowly’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-hollerich-i-would-not-define-church-sexual-morality-so-narrowly-6401): Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, SJ, stated in a recent interview that he “would not define morality — especially sexual morality — as narrowly as the Church does today.”
- [Pope Leo XIV creates ‘new’ China diocese amid diocesan border dispute with Beijing](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-creates-new-china-diocese-amid-diocesan-border-dispute-with-beijing-6399): Pope Leo XIV created a new Catholic diocese in northern China, reviving a name once set by Beijing without Rome—highlighting tensions over China’s redrawn borders.
- [Pope Leo XIV: Israeli attack in Qatar a ‘very serious’ development](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-israeli-attack-in-qatar-a-very-serious-development-6397): On the evening of Sept. 9, when leaving Castel Gandolfo, where he had spent the day, Pope Leo XIV described Israel’s attack earlier Tuesday against leaders of the Hamas terrorist group in Doha, Qatar, as “very serious.”
- [Pope Leo XIV defends crying: ‘It can even be the extreme form of prayer’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-defends-crying-it-can-even-be-the-extreme-form-of-prayer-6395): In his general audience on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV explained that cries of pain, like those of Jesus in his final moments on the cross, instead of a sign of weakness, can express desire, surrender, and prayer.
- [Happy Birthday Pope Leo: Birthday Gelato for Pope Leo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/happy-birthday-pope-leo-birthday-gelato-for-pope-leo-6393): September 14th is a day of great joy in the Vatican: Pope Leo celebrates his 70th birthday—an important milestone honored by millions of faithful around the world.
- [The New Saints: Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-saints-carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-6391): Pope Leo XIV canonized his first two Saints, St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Georgio Frassati. This has been an eagerly anticipated moment this year especially as both of their original canonization dates were postponed. 
- [Legacy of Pier Giorgio Frassati as Told by His Niece Wanda Gawrońska](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/legacy-of-pier-giorgio-frassati-as-told-by-his-niece-wanda-gawronska-6389): A special EWTN interview with the niece of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati.
- [In the Footsteps of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati: What We Discovered on Monte Mucrone](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-the-footsteps-of-saint-pier-giorgio-frassati-what-we-discovered-on-monte-mucrone-6387): Nearly a century after the death of Pier Giorgio Frassati, I set out with friends to hike in his footsteps in northern Italy, hoping to glimpse something of the holiness that marked his ordinary yet extraordinary life.
- [Castel Gandolfo renaissance as Pope Leo XIV spends day at papal retreat](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/castel-gandolfo-renaissance-as-pope-leo-xiv-spends-day-at-papal-retreat-6385): Pope Leo XIV was at his Castel Gandolfo residence for the day on Tuesday as he brings back regular use of the papal retreat after the estate spent 12 years in the shadows.
- [Cardinal Burke to celebrate Traditional Latin Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-burke-to-celebrate-traditional-latin-mass-in-st-peters-basilica-6383): Cardinal Raymond Burke will celebrate a special Traditional Latin Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Oct. 25 in a return to a prior custom, suspended since 2022, of an annual pilgrimage of Catholics devoted to the Latin Mass.
- [Vatican establishes feast days of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-establishes-feast-days-of-st-carlo-acutis-and-st-pier-giorgio-frassati-6381): The Catholic Church will commemorate the liturgical memorial of St. Carlo Acutis on Oct. 12 and of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati on July 4. The two young men were canonized Sept. 7 by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
- [Andrea Bocelli: Pope Leo XIV is ‘a beacon to guide us in these complex times’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/andrea-bocelli-pope-leo-xiv-is-a-beacon-to-guide-us-in-these-complex-times-6379): Borgo Laudato Si’ is an environmental project located in Castel Gandolfo and inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical “On Care for Our Common Home.”
- [Pope Leo XIV highlights importance of witness of families in today’s world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-highlights-importance-of-witness-of-families-in-todays-world-6377): Pope Leo XIV on Sept. 6 participated in the Vatican’s Festival of Families, where he highlighted the importance of the witness of families in today’s world.
- [Preacher of Penance: St. Augustine’s Call to Conversion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/preacher-of-penance-st-augustines-call-to-conversion-6375): In this Jubilee Year of Hope, the witness of Pope Leo XIV’s patron saint reminds us that true freedom comes through confession and conversion.
- [Goretti Art: Siblings Paint Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/goretti-art-siblings-paint-carlo-acutis-6373): New masterpieces of George Capps and Polly Capps Paule are worthy of the Old Masters. They depict beauty, Our Lord, Our Lady and myriad saints.
- [From AI to Outer Space, How the Holy See Observer to the UN Is Helping Shape the Future](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-ai-to-outer-space-how-the-holy-see-observer-to-the-un-is-helping-shape-the-future-6371): Italian prelate discusses the moral and ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence, outer space and world peace.
- [Vatican experts say Minneapolis shooting victims could qualify as ‘new martyrs’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-experts-say-minneapolis-shooting-victims-could-qualify-as-new-martyrs-6369): Vatican experts said on Monday that the two children killed in last month’s shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church could one day be included on a list they are compiling of “new martyrs and witnesses of the faith.”
- [Walking Together in Hope: Vatican Marks 60 Years of Nostra Aetate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-and-nostra-aetate): VATICAN CITY — From academic conferences and university discussions to interfaith prayer gatherings and colorful cultural performances, people of all ages, nations, and faiths came together in Rome to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate — Pope Paul VI’s 1965 declaration on the Church’s relations with non-Christian religions. The Eternal City became a living symbol of dialogue and unity, as choirs, scholars, and world leaders joined in marking this milestone of interreligious friendship. Pope Leo XIV brought the celebrations to a close in St. Peter’s Square, where he welcomed thousands of pilgrims and called for a renewed spirit of […]
- [Honoring Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko: The Priest Who Defied Communism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jerzy-popieluszko-the-priest-who-defied-communism): VATICAN CITY / WARSAW — In 1984, Polish priest Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko was brutally assassinated by agents of the Communist Security Service. He was kidnapped, beaten to death, and his body was thrown into a water reservoir. A fearless defender of faith and freedom, Fr. Popiełuszko became a symbol of resistance against the communist regime in Poland — remembered for his sermons on truth, human dignity, and freedom during the darkest years of oppression. In 2010, under Pope Benedict XVI, Fr. Popiełuszko was beatified, recognized by the Church as a martyr for faith and justice. His legacy continues to inspire […]
- [Pope warns against stereotypes and prejudices that obscure the mystery of the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-angelus-church-mystery): Pope Leo XIV invited the faithful to contemplate “the mystery of unity and communion with the Church of Rome” and to recognize that “the true sanctuary of God is Christ who died and rose again” during his Sunday Angelus on the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope said in his catechesis that the Lateran, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and the seat of Peter’s successor, “is not only a work of extraordinary historical, artistic, and religious value, but it also represents the driving force of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Build the Church on the solid foundations of Christ, not on worldly criteria](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-lateran-basilica-foundation): At the Basilica of St. John Lateran on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV urged Christians to build the Church on “solid foundations” rooted in Christ rather than on “worldly criteria” that demand immediate results and overlook the value of patience and humility. Celebrating Mass for the solemnity of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica — the cathedral of the bishop of Rome and the oldest church in the city — the pope reflected in his homily on the meaning of this feast and on the Church as a living temple built of “living stones.” “The millennial history of the Church teaches us that […]
- [Pope Leo XIV meets with 15 abuse survivors at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-abuse-survivors-meeting): Pope Leo XIV met on Saturday with 15 survivors of clergy sexual abuse in a meeting marked by dialogue, listening, and prayer, according to the Holy See Press Office. The encounter, described as one of “closeness with the victims, of deep and painful listening and dialogue,” lasted nearly three hours. The meeting concluded with “an intense moment of prayer” shared between the pope and the survivors. This was the second time in less than three weeks that Leo has met at the Vatican with victims of clerical abuse. On Oct. 20, he received four survivors and two representatives of the international coalition […]
- [Pope Leo XIV plans to hold major meeting of cardinals in January](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-consistory-january-2026): Pope Leo XIV is planning to convene an extraordinary consistory of cardinals in early January, the theme of which is not yet known.  In a brief communication sent to cardinals on Nov. 6 and obtained by the National Catholic Register, CNA’s sister news partner, on Friday, the Vatican Secretariat of State said that “Holy Father Leo XIV has in mind to convene an extraordinary consistory for the days of Jan. 7 and 8, 2026.” “In due course, the dean of the College of Cardinals will send to Your Eminence the relevant letter with further details,” the note continued, before ending: […]
- [Pope Leo XIV warns about new addictions: pornography and internet abuse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-warns-internet-porn-addictions): Pope Leo XIV on Friday warned about new addictions of recent times such as compulsive gambling, betting, and pornography as consequences of excessive internet use. The Holy Father issued his warning in a video message addressed to participants in the seventh National Conference on Addictions, organized in Rome by Italy’s Presidency of the Council of Ministers. In his Nov. 7 message, the pontiff emphasized that in recent times, in addition to addictions such as drugs and alcohol — which continue to be the most prevalent — “new forms have emerged, since the growing use of the internet, computers, and smartphones is […]
- [St. John Henry Newman and A.I.](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saint-john-henry-newman-and-ai): Inside the walls of the Biblioteca Vallicelliana—a 16th-century library founded by St. Philip Neri—an international conference organized by the University of Notre Dame Australia explored the dialogue between St. John Henry Newman and artificial intelligence, ahead of his declaration as Doctor of the Church.  In an ever-evolving age of technology, there are many concerns about how the fast development of Artificial Intelligence is impacting future generations and whether it is replacing their skill of thinking for themselves, something that Saint John Henry Newman emphasized throughout his work. The now Doctor of the Church, stressed the importance of forming the mind […]
- [Pope Leo XIV highlights role of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Blessed Juan de Palafox in Mexico](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-our-lady-guadalupe-missionary-mexico): Pope Leo XIV praised the missionary work of the Church in Mexico throughout history, inspired by the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the example of Blessed Juan de Palafox y Mendoza. In a message addressed to the participants of the 17th National Missionary Congress of Mexico, being held in Puebla Nov. 7–9, the Holy Father noted that the greatest privilege and duty of missionaries is “to bring Christ to the heart of every person.” Taking a closer look at missionary work, the pope offered the parable of the yeast from the Gospel of Matthew: “The kingdom of heaven […]
- [Pope Leo XIV calls on Catholics to lead in ethical AI development](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ethical-ai-catholic-leadership): The story of a mother whose son committed suicide after interacting with a chatbot moved participants at an AI conference in Rome on Friday, underscoring what Pope Leo XIV described earlier in the day as Catholics’ moral and spiritual responsibility for the development of artificial intelligence (AI). An MIT researcher nearly broke down in tears as he recounted the experience of the woman, Megan Garcia, who herself took part in the conference and spoke there to experts in robotics and AI. “I apologize for being so emotional because it is so emotional,” said Jose J. Pacheco, co-director of the MIT […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: We should allow ‘ourselves to be challenged’ by those who suffer](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-religious-sisters-missionary): Pope Leo XIV said we should “allow ourselves to be challenged” by the presence of those who suffer “without fear of abandoning our own security” during an audience this week with the general chapters of two women’s religious congregations with strong missionary outreaches. The two orders present were the Religious of Jesus and Mary, founded by St. Claudine Thévenet, and the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo, known as the Scalabrinians, who are dedicated to the pastoral care of migrants and refugees. During his Nov. 6 address at the Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father noted that both congregations, though they originated in […]
- [Jubilee of the World of Education](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-the-world-of-education): VATICAN CITY — One of the longest and most vibrant events of the Holy Year was the Jubilee of the World of Education, held from October 27 to November 2. The week-long celebration, organized by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, gathered students, teachers, and academic leaders from around the world. The goal: to make schools and universities — including ecclesiastical faculties — a constellation of hope illuminating the educational path of future generations. Facing the Challenges of Modern Education Speaking about the difficulties confronting educators today, Archbishop Carlo Maria Polvani, Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, highlighted […]
- [Gertruda Detzel: The Hidden Flame of Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/servant-of-god-gertruda-detzel): The hidden story of Servant of God Gertruda Detzel — a laywoman who kept the flame of faith alive through decades of Soviet persecution — has now reached Rome.  Bishop Evgeny Zinkovskiy, Auxiliary Bishop of Karaganda, presented her cause to Pope Leo XIV, one day after a meeting at the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.  A small delegation from Kazakhstan arrived with two sealed boxes — fifteen kilograms of documents, testimonies, and accounts of reported miracles.  This moment marks the beginning of the Roman phase of her beatification process — and the first time a laywoman from Central Asia […]
- [Florence 101: Fascinating Facts About Home of Renaissance](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/florence-101-renaissance-history-facts): Become a quick “Renaissance Man” on Florence 1. The Birthplace of the Renaissance 2. The Medici Family as a Major Influece in Florence 3. John the Baptist as the Patron Saint of Florence 4. Church of Santa Croce – Tombs of the Greats 5. A Center for the Revival of Mystical and Esoteric Ideas during the Renaissance 6. A Place of Ecumenical Council to Heal the Great Schism of 1054 7. The Medici Popes of Florence 8. Florence as the Capital of Italy 9. Florence as the Hometown of Dante 10. The Architectural Wonder of Florence’s Cathedral Dome 1. The […]
- [Pope Leo XIV discusses 2-state solution with Palestine’s President Mahmoud Abbas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-palestine-two-state-solution): Pope Leo XIV received President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine for an audience in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Thursday, almost a month after the truce agreement in the Gaza Strip came into effect. According to the Holy See Press Office, during the meeting “it was recognized that there is an urgent need to provide assistance to the civilian population in Gaza and to end the conflict by pursuing a two-state solution.” This is the first in-person meeting between Leo XIV and the 90-year-old Palestinian leader, who was also received at the Vatican by Pope Francis on Dec. 12, 2024, and […]
- [Pope Leo XIV receives European Christian leaders after signing of new Ecumenical Charter](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ecumenical-charter-2025): Pope Leo XIV received in a Nov. 6 audience the members of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE, by its Spanish acronym), the Ecumenical Council of Churches (CEC), and the representatives of the Christian Churches of Europe, who met in Rome to sign the updated “Charta Œcumenica.” Signed in 2001 by the presidents of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the CCEE, the Ecumenical Charter has been the cornerstone of European ecumenical cooperation for more than two decades. The revised version seeks to address contemporary challenges and reflect the changing realities of European society and Christianity. The revision […]
- [Vatican News: Pope Leo XIV Clarifies Marian Doctrine and Announces Upcoming Document on Polygamy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-pope-leo-xiv-mary-polygamy-document): This week’s Vatican developments centered on theological clarity, pastoral care, and hope. From Marian doctrine to the issue of polygamy, Pope Leo XIV continues to emphasize transparency, compassion, and faithfulness to Church teaching. Pope Leo XIV Calls for Patience in the Rupnik Investigation During an informal exchange with journalists from EWTN News outside Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV addressed the ongoing investigation into allegations against former Jesuit artist Marco Rupnik.The Holy Father urged those who have come forward to remain patient, underscoring that the Church’s process must balance justice and mercy. “Transparency will guide every step,” he said, acknowledging the […]
- [Venice 101: Fascinating Facts about Venice](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/venice-101-facts-pilgrimage-travel): Become a quick “Renaissance Man” on Venice 1. Venice’s Urban Routes are Canals 2. The Christian Reference Behind Venice’s Symbol of the Winged Lion 3. The Relics of St. Mark Are Located in Venice 4. Venice is Sinking Slowly 5. Venice Has Its Own Dialect 6. Antonio Vivaldi was born in Venice 7. Famous Hollywood Films Shot in Venice 8. The Story Behind Venice’s Famous Masks 9. Venice as One of the Key Cities of the Renaissance 10. Churches Built in Gratitude After Plague Outbreaks in Venice 11. The Popes of Venice 1. Venice’s Urban Routes are Canals Venice is […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges world not to forget Myanmar; says Easter ‘gives hope to everyday life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-myanmar-easter-hope): Pope Leo XIV appealed on Wednesday for the international community not to abandon the people of Myanmar as the country remains gripped by civil war and severe humanitarian need. He made the appeal during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, which also included a catechesis on how the resurrection of Christ sheds light on suffering and death. “Brothers and sisters, I invite you to join me in prayer for those who suffer as a result of armed conflicts in different parts of the world. I am thinking in particular of Myanmar and I urge the international community not […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to seminarians: ‘Piety without doctrine becomes fragile sentimentality’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-seminarians-piety-doctrine): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday addressed a letter to seminarians of the Archdiocese of Trujillo, Peru, reminding them of the need to be close to Christ while discerning a vocation to the priesthood. In a long letter to men studying at the “San Carlos y San Marcelo” major seminary, who celebrated the institution’s 400th anniversary on Nov. 4, the Holy Father emphasized that prayer and the search for truth are not “parallel journeys” but a single path that leads to God. ‘Nurture both’ “A piety without doctrine becomes fragile sentimentality; doctrine without prayer becomes sterile and cold,” he wrote. “Nurture both with […]
- [What Is a Catholic Cemetery?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-a-catholic-cemetery): The history of how the cemetery came to represent many forms — religious, civic, military, private — but lost its Catholic heart. In recent years, various Catholic institutions have been asked to articulate their “identities.” What makes a Catholic university Catholic? A Catholic hospital? A Catholic cemetery? It’s not a foolish question. All these institutions were born in the Church — yet all have been imitated by the secular world — often convincing itself that these pale copies are just as good, even better, than the originals. “But everybody dies,” you might say. “What’s so different about a Catholic cemetery?” […]
- [Newman and the New Ultramontanism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/newman-and-ultramontanism): COMMENTARY: The newest doctor of the Catholic Church would surely deplore the heresy’s 21st-century version. The All Saints Day proclamation of St. John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Catholic Church was entirely welcome, if not without a certain irony.  First, the good news. Newman was one of the most creative Christian minds of the 19th century, a truth seeker whose lifelong search for the face of Christ took him from evangelicalism through reformist, High Church Anglicanism into Catholicism. Along that sometimes-stony path, Newman was misunderstood and slandered, frustrated by ecclesiastical bureaucracy and beset by clerical jealousies.  Yet the […]
- [Vatican Diplomat Says Catholic Pastoral Center in Oman Conveys Respect for Religious Tolerance](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-pastoral-center-oman): The Register recently spoke to Alhasani about the meaning of this new pastoral center. On July 5, the foundation stone of a pastoral center to be built there was laid in Muscat, the capital of Oman. The pastoral center will work as a center of formation, with classes of catechism, and will also work as a residence for priests.  The center is the first in the country, whose Basic Law declares Islam the state religion and sharia (Islamic) law the primary source of national legislation. However, the law also affirms freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on religious affiliation. Oman is 45% Sunni, 45% […]
- [Rome 101: Fascinating Facts About the City and Its History for Your Pilgrimage](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-101-pilgrimage-facts-history): Become a Quick “Expert” on Rome 1. Rome is One of the Oldest Continuously Inhabited Cities in Europe Rome’s history stretches back to at least the 8th century BCE. From its beginnings as a small settlement on the Palatine Hill, the city grew into the heart of one of the most influential civilizations in history. For more than 2,700 years, it has been continuously inhabited, making it not only one of Europe’s oldest cities but also one of its most enduring urban centers. Ancient landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon still stand as reminders of […]
- [Vatican to release new document on polygamy at end of November](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-polygamy-doctrinal-note-2025): The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith will publish a new document on marriage in the context of ongoing discussions about polygamy in Africa. The document, titled “We Two: In Praise of Monogamy. Doctrinal Note on the Value of Marriage, Exclusive Communion, and Mutual Belonging,” will be released at the end of November, the dicastery’s secretary, Father Armando Matteo, said Tuesday. Matteo said the work is connected to a request made during the Synod on Synodality for African bishops to prepare a statement on polygamy. African bishops themselves, he noted, asked the Holy See for guidance on the issue. […]
- [This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of November](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/this-is-pope-leo-xivs-prayer-intention-for-the-month-of-november): Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of November is for the prevention of suicide.  “Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community and be open to the beauty of life,” the pope said in a video released Nov. 4.  According to a press release, this month’s video was made in collaboration with the Diocese of Phoenix.   In the video, Pope Leo recites an original prayer written specifically for this month’s prayer intention. Here is his full prayer: Lord Jesus, You who invite the weary […]
- [Pope Leo XIV asks Rupnik accusers to be patient](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-rupnik-trial-patience): Pope Leo XIV asked accusers of Father Marko Rupnik to have patience as a trial on the priest’s alleged abuse begins at the Vatican. “A new trial has recently begun, judges were appointed. And processes for justice take a long time. I know it’s very difficult for the victims to ask that they be patient, but the Church needs to respect the rights of all people,” the pope said, addressing a question from Magdalena Wolinska-Reidi of EWTN News just outside his Castel Gandolfo residence, Villa Barberini, on Nov. 4. “The principle of innocent until proven guilty is also true in […]
- [Pope Leo XIV says spiritual needs of detained migrants deserve attention](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-spiritual-needs-migrants): Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday said the spiritual rights of migrants in detention must be considered. “Many people who’ve lived for years and years and years, never causing problems, have been deeply affected by what’s going on right now,” he said Nov. 4 outside Castel Gandolfo. “I would certainly invite the authorities to allow pastoral workers to attend to the needs of those people. Many times they’ve been separated from their families for a good amount of time. No one knows what’s happening, but their own spiritual needs should be attended to.” Catholic leaders in Chicago sought to bring holy Communion to […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges dialogue on Venezuela tensions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-dialogue-venezuela): Pope Leo XIV said dialogue is the solution to rising tensions with Venezuela. There have been more than a dozen U.S. strikes on vessels in the Caribbean, often of Venezuelan origin. Dozens of deaths have been reported as a result, and the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean in recent months. “A country has the right to have its own military to defend peace, to build peace,” Pope Leo XIV said Nov. 4 outside Castel Gandolfo. “In this case, however, it seems a bit different, with the tension increasing… Just five minutes ago I read some news […]
- [Reimagining Catholic Art](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/reimagining-catholic-art): A beautiful artistic event set in the stunning interiors of the Museums of San Salvatore in Lauro in Rome marks the third edition of a remarkable project aimed at reviving sacred art, titled “Let’s Paint Catholicism Again.” In response to the dramatic decline of the tradition of Western religious painting, a group of international intellectuals has launched a 21-year initiative that brings together artists, theologians, and art critics in a shared effort to renew the visual language of Catholicism for the modern era.  Dariusz Karlowicz, President of the St. Nicolas Foundation, explained: “We decided to follow the mysteries of the […]
- [Vitae Festival in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vitae-festival-in-rome): The Vitae Fest 2025 took place in Rome, gathering young people, artists and communities all under one theme: “Don’t Burn Bridges, Become One.” The music festival has the aim of promoting reconciliation with oneself and with others by way of artistic expression, electronic music and shared experiences: the language of many young people around the world. The initiative is part of Vitae’s wider mission of using art and mainstream artists as an instrument for dialogue with young people to feel included and renew their spirituality.   Luis Quinelli is the Co-Founder of the Vitae Global Foundation. He explained: “The Goal is […]
- [Along the Footsteps of Cardinal Newman in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/along-the-footsteps-of-cardinal-newman-in-rome): The Church has welcomed a new Doctor of the Church. On November 1st, Pope Leo XIV declared St John Henry Newman the 38th Doctor of the Church.   There were several locations around the Eternal City that played a crucial role in Newman’s faith journey. Rome’s International Center of Newman friends celebrated 50 years of their institute and on the day of this anniversary. Fr. Hermann Geissler led over 60 pilgrims in this year’s Newman Walk.   Since his canonization in 2019, this pilgrimage has aimed to explore these places and help connect people with the Saint on a more personal level.  […]
- [Athlete of the Spirit: "Solo Javier"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/athlete-of-the-spirit-solo-javier): The story of Javier Sartorius has reached Rome, where his family, friends and production team presented the film Only Javier and had the chance to speak about him with Pope Leo XIV. The documentary follows the journey of a young Spanish aristocrat and promising tennis player who chose to abandon success and comfort for a life of radical faith.  Javier’s brother, Fernando Sartorius, shared, “He was my companion in every adventure — like a twin. Even though we have other siblings, it was always Javier and Fernando, the two of us together.”  In their youth, the two crossed the Atlantic […]
- [Vatican 101: Fascinating Facts About the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-facts-101): Become a Quick “Expert” on the Holy See 1. The Vatican Is the Smallest Country in the World In 1929, the Lateran Treaty was signed by Italy and the Holy See. This treaty recognized the Pope’s sovereignty over Vatican City and granted the Catholic Church financial compensation and special privileges within Italy. Before the Lateran Treaty, the area had already been enclosed as early as the 9th century by the Leonine Walls, constructed under the orders of Pope Leo IV to protect St. Peter’s Basilica from Saracen raids. The walls we see today are later expansions, built primarily during the […]
- [St. Charles Borromeo: Patron saint of stomach ailments, dieting — and obesity?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-charles-borromeo-patron-saint-catechists-reform): St. Charles Borromeo, whose feast day the Catholic Church celebrates Nov. 4, was a cardinal and a prominent teacher of the Catholic faith. He generously donated much of his considerable wealth to charity and sacrificed his own health to help plague victims at a time when many other authorities fled. And, despite what you might have heard, he probably wasn’t obese. Why does that matter? Well, because Charles is popularly invoked as a patron saint of stomach ailments and also of obesity and dieting. These patronages — and whether or not he was himself obese — are not mentioned in hagiographies of St. Charles, […]
- [Italian Basilica of St. Benedict reopens 9 years after it was destroyed by earthquake](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-benedict-basilica-norcia-reopens-earthquake): The Basilica of St. Benedict in Norcia, Italy, reopened for worship this weekend after a four-year project to rebuild the 13th-century edifice leveled by an earthquake in 2016. Archbishop Renato Boccardo of Spoleto-Norcia dedicated the newly rebuilt church on Oct. 31, the eve of All Saints’ Day. The basilica marks the birthplace of St. Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine order and the father of Western monasticism. He is also a co-patron saint of Europe. Nine years ago on Oct. 30, a 6.6-magnitude earthquake — the last in a series of deadly earthquakes to hit central Italy between August and […]
- [Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in suffrage for deceased prelates](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-mass-for-pope-francis-and-bishops): Pope Leo XIV on Monday presided over a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in suffrage for the late Pope Francis and for deceased cardinals and bishops. One day after celebrating Mass for all the faithful departed at Verano Cemetery in Rome, the Holy Father led the Church’s commemoration for his papal predecessor and 142 other bishops who died in the past year. In the presence of members of the Roman Curia and hundreds of Catholic faithful, the pope said his first Mass commemorating the Church’s deceased cardinals and bishops had the “savor of Christian hope” because their ministry had guided many “on […]
- [Vatican nixes use of ‘Co-Redemptrix’ as title for Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-rejects-co-redemptrix-title): The Vatican’s doctrinal office said Tuesday the title of “Co-Redemptrix” is not an appropriate way to describe Mary’s participation in salvation. In Mater Populi Fidelis (“The Mother of the Faithful People of God”), the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) said when an expression requires frequent explanation to maintain the correct meaning, it becomes unhelpful. “In this case, the expression ‘co-redemptrix’ does not help extol Mary as the first and foremost collaborator in the work of redemption and grace, for it carries the risk of eclipsing the exclusive role of Jesus Christ,” according to the doctrinal note, released Nov. 4. […]
- [EWTN European Pilgrimage and Conference](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-european-pilgrimage-and-conference): As part of a four-day series of meetings and activities, on October 24th, colleagues and supporters from across Europe came together at the Vatican for the EWTN European Pilgrimage and Conference to discuss the network’s current path in Europe and the opportunities that lie ahead.   Opening the conference, EWTN CEO Michael Warsaw reflected on the network’s growth and presented EWTN Next, a roadmap for the future rooted in the mission’s enduring values. Warsaw also shared with the attendees his vision for how EWTN will continue to serve the Church worldwide.  “Our commitment as we move forward,” he said, “our vision […]
- [7 fascinating facts about St. Martin de Porres, the first Black saint of the Americas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-martin-de-porres-the-first-black-saint-of-the-americas): On Nov. 3, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Martin de Porres, a Peruvian Dominican brother who lived a life of humble service and charity and became the first Black saint of the Americas. Here are seven fascinating facts about this inspiring saint: 1. His father refused to acknowledge him. De Porres was born in Lima, Peru, in 1579. He was the son of a Spanish nobleman and former Panamanian Black slave. His father, Don Juan de Porres, refused to publicly acknowledge the boy as his own because Martin was Black, like his mother. Being biracial would prove […]
- [EXPLAINER: What does it mean to be a doctor of the Church?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/doctor-of-the-church-meaning): The Vatican on Saturday named St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the Church. The 19th-century English saint — a former Anglican priest who converted to Catholicism — joined 37 other saints who have been given the same honor. Born in London and baptized into the Church of England in 1801, Newman was a popular and respected Anglican priest, theologian, and writer among his peers prior to his conversion to Catholicism in 1845. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1847 and later made a cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in 1879. As a Catholic, Newman deepened and contributed to […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges ceasefire in Sudan, condemns post-election violence in Tanzania](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-sudan-tanzania-peace-appeal): Pope Leo XIV issued urgent appeals for peace and humanitarian access in Sudan and Tanzania on Sunday, decrying escalating violence that has left civilians dead and aid blocked in parts of Africa. “With great sorrow I am following the tragic news coming from Sudan, especially from the city of El Fasher in the war-torn region of North Darfur,” the pope said after leading the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on November 2. He condemned “indiscriminate violence against women and children, attacks on unarmed civilians, and serious obstacles to humanitarian aid,” and called for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors. […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Death is 'a hope for the future'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-death-hope-future): Celebrating Mass for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed at Rome’s Verano Cemetery, Pope Leo XIV invited Catholics to contemplate death “not so much as a recollection of the past, but above all as a hope for the future.” The pope said the Christian vision of death is not one of despair or nostalgia but of confident expectation rooted in the resurrection of Christ. “Our Christian faith, founded upon Christ’s Paschal mystery, helps us to experience our memories as more than just a recollection of the past but also, and above all, as hope for the future,” he said […]
- [The lifesaving miracle that led to St. John Henry Newman’s canonization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/newman-miracles-canonization): The sainthood of John Henry Newman, who will be declared a doctor of the Church on Nov. 1, rested on two inexplicable healings that the Catholic Church officially recognized as miracles that paved the way for his beatification in 2010 and his canonization in 2019. The second and most recent of these miracles was lifesaving. During her fifth pregnancy, Melissa Villalobos, a lawyer from Chicago, suffered severe internal bleeding caused by a partial placental abruption, a condition that seriously endangered both her life and that of her unborn child. The day it happened, Villalobos, alone at home and without the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV gives Catholic educators lessons from St. Augustine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-educators-st-augustine-lessons): Pope Leo XIV said Catholic educators can learn four fundamental values from St. Augustine’s teachings: interiority, unity, love, and joy.   During his Oct. 31 audience with teachers in Rome for the Oct. 27 to Nov. 1 Jubilee of the World of Education, the Holy Father said these four values, taught by the “Doctor of Grace,” are key elements to be incorporated into the mission and work of all educators.  Regarding the value of interiority, Pope Leo said both teachers and students need to “get in touch with their inner selves” in order to discover truth and overcome superficiality in a […]
- [Pope Leo XIV declares St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-newman-doctor-of-the-church): Pope Leo XIV has declared St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the Church, recognizing the English cardinal and theologian — one of the most influential converts from Anglicanism — as a towering figure of faith and intellect in modern Catholicism. The declaration took place at the beginning of Mass for the solemnity of All Saints on Nov. 1, celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica as part of the Jubilee of Education. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, read Newman’s biography and formally requested that the pope proclaim the saint a doctor of the Church. […]
- [Drawing inspiration from Newman: 'Without his legacy, perhaps I would not be Catholic today'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/john-henry-newman-conversion-influence): St. John Henry Newman, the Anglican clergyman who converted to Catholicism but whom many in both London and Rome distrusted for years, stands today as a beacon that continues to inspire many to embrace the Catholic faith as he did. “I am personally grateful for the testimony of Newman’s life, because without his legacy I might not be Catholic today,” confesses Ryan “Bud” Marr, a renowned scholar of the English saint, upon whom Pope Leo XIV conferred Saturday the title of doctor of the Church. Newman’s memorable quote — “to be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant” — […]
- [‘Wandering Souls’ or Demonic Masquerade? Why This Debate Is Still Stirring Exorcists and Theologians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/wandering-souls-catholic-debate): Age-old questions about life, death and the mystery that unites both are considered. Can the boundary between this life and the afterlife ever blur in ways the Church has not fully defined? Each year, All Souls’ Day and the Month of All Souls renew age-old questions about life, death and the mystery that unites both. In popular culture, ghosts are often imagined as spirits trapped between two worlds, wandering among the living. This image differs significantly from the concept of “wandering souls,” who — according to theologians and exorcists — are not condemned to roam indefinitely, but may instead be […]
- [Vatican to weigh in on Mary’s role in salvation with doctrine document on Nov. 4](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mary-co-redemptrix-vatican-document): The Vatican’s doctrine office announced Thursday it will release a document on Nov. 4 about titles of Mary that refer to her “cooperation in the work of salvation.” Mary’s contribution to human salvation, specifically the title of “Co-Redemptrix” (“Co-Redeemer”) has been a point of theological debate for decades — with proponents calling for Mary’s role in redemption to be declared a dogma but critics saying it exaggerates her importance and could damage efforts for unity with other Christian denominations. Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, will present the doctrinal note on the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to offer All Souls’ Day Mass at Rome’s largest cemetery](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-all-souls-day-mass): Pope Leo XIV will celebrate All Souls’ Day with Mass for the faithful departed at Rome’s largest cemetery as well as a Mass for the soul of the late Pope Francis and deceased cardinals the following day.  The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo will offer Mass at Campo Verano Cemetery near the Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 4 p.m., continuing the practice of Pope Francis, who made a point of visiting a cemetery each year on All Souls’ Day.  On Monday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m. Leo will also offer Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica […]
- [‘Don’t let the algorithm write your story,’ Pope Leo XIV exhorts young people](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-youth-education-message): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday urged young people to cultivate their “interior life” and to listen to their restlessness without “fleeing from it” or “filling it” with things that don’t satisfy, lest they fall into existential emptiness. “Having a great deal of knowledge is not enough if we do not know who we are or what the meaning of life is,” the pope told the hundreds of university students he received Oct. 30 in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican for an event held as part of the Jubilee of the World of Education. In his message, he invited […]
- [Vatican News: Martyrs Recognized, Women Honored, and a Call to Renew Education](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/11-new-martyrs-recognized): This is the latest news from the Vatican — straight from the heart of the Church. Pope Leo XIV Recognizes 11 Martyrs of Faith Pope Leo XIV has approved decrees recognizing 11 martyrs who were killed under Nazi and Communist regimes during the 20th century. Among them are nine Polish Salesian priests and two Czech diocesan clergy who were executed in odium fidei—in hatred of the faith. Their beatification now moves one step closer, though a date has yet to be announced. The Holy Father also declared four new venerables, honoring their heroic virtues and spiritual legacy. This solemn recognition […]
- [Mar Awa III gives Pope Leo XIV a Chicago Cubs jersey, rivals of the pope’s White Sox](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-cubs-jersey-mar-awa): His Holiness Mar Awa III, Catholicos-patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, traveled to Rome this week to participate in a ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Church’s declaration on building relations with non-Christian religions. During his stay in the Eternal City, Mar Awa III, born David Royel to Assyrian immigrant parents, met Oct. 27 with Pope Leo XIV in a private audience. The two share the same hometown of Chicago. During the meeting, the pope urged the two churches to seek “full communion,” proposing synodality as the path to achieving it. However, it seems that this communion does not […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: ‘The Church does not tolerate antisemitism’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-condemns-antisemitism): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday strongly condemned antisemitism during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council document on the Church’s relations with other religions. The pope underlined that since the publication of Nostra Aetate, “all of my predecessors have condemned antisemitism with clear words.”  “And so I too confirm that the Church does not tolerate antisemitism and fights against it, on the basis of the Gospel itself,” Leo said on Oct. 29. The pope expressed thanks for what has been achieved in the past 60 years of Jewish-Catholic dialogue while acknowledging the challenges […]
- [Pope Leo XIV commemorates Nostra Aetate anniversary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-commemorates-nostra-aetate): Pope Leo XIV joined faith leaders on Tuesday to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Nostra aetate, the Church’s declaration on building relationships with non-Christian religions.  Approximately 300 representatives of world religions and cultures joined the Holy Father for an evening ecumenical prayer service for peace organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio and held at the Colosseum in Rome. “Peace is a constant journey of reconciliation,” the Holy Father said at the Oct. 28 event.  Thanking religious leaders for coming together in Rome, he said their interfaith meeting expressed their shared “conviction that prayer is a powerful force for reconciliation.” “This is […]
- [Pope Leo's First Apostolic Journey](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-first-apostolic-journey): On Monday of this week, the Vatican announced the much anticipated program for Pope Leo’s first international Apostolic Journey as he visits Turkey and Lebanon. The Pope participated in the Jubilee of Synodal Teams, which gives us opportunity to reflect on the continued path of synodality. With eyes on the Middle East, we sit down with Archbishop Mourad, the recipient of the John Paul II Award, after his courageous survival under ISIS captivity. Two special Jubilee events highlight the Roma and Sinti communities, peoples without a nation, as well as the devotion of the Lord of Miracles, with its colorful procession through the streets of […]
- [Pope calls for renewal of Catholic education amid challenges of modern society, technology](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-catholic-education-renewal): Amid contemporary challenges to schools and universities — hyper-digitalization, social insecurity, and the crisis of relationships —  a Catholic education should courageously teach the whole human person, Pope Leo XIV writes in a new apostolic letter. In “Drawing New Maps of Hope,” Leo reflects on the role of a Catholic education 60 years after the Oct. 28, 1965, proclamation of Gravissimum Educationis, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on Christian education. “The Church celebrates a fruitful educational history but also faces the imperative to update its proposals in light of the signs of the times,” the pope writes in the letter, published in Italian on Oct. […]
- [Faith and Struggle in the Middle East](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/faith-and-struggle-in-the-middle-east): Born in Syria and now leading the Archdiocese of Homs, Archbishop Julian Yacoub Mourad is the 2025 recipient of the John Paul II Award. His life has been marked by profound courage, enduring suffering, and steadfast faith. After being held captive by ISIS, his survival has become a powerful testimony to hope and resilience. Following the award ceremony at the Vatican, Archbishop Mourad spoke with EWTN about his intense experience, the complex challenges facing Christians in the Middle East today, and what the John Paul II Award means to him and for his community.  He began by saying,  “On a […]
- [One Year After Synod on Synodality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/one-year-after-synod-on-synodality): After a three-year journey, the Synod on Synodality reached its culmination with the publication of the final document in 2024. From it emerged a commitment to put into practice the recommendations made by the assembly, through processes of discernment and decision-making aimed at local churches.  One year after that milestone, the Church continues its synodal journey in unity. In March 2025, Pope Francis approved a follow-up process focused on implementing the key points of the document at the diocesan, national, and international levels. To support this, synodal teams were created to “animate the territory and form it in the capacity […]
- [The Lord of Miracles Procession in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-lord-of-miracles-procession-in-rome): In October, purple fills the streets of Rome, and the sound of Peruvian music and the scent of incense fills the air. This is the Procession of the Lord of Miracles, brought by the Peruvian community through the streets of Rome to the Vatican.  The devotion to the “Señor de los Milagros” — in English, the Lord of Miracles — began in Lima in 1651, when an image of the Crucified Christ, painted by an Angolan slave on an adobe wall in the Pachacamilla district, miraculously survived a violent earthquake that destroyed the surrounding buildings.  Over time, the image came […]
- [Jubilee of Roma and Sinti](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-roma-and-sinti): In Rome, the Jubilee of Hope embraces all people. Among those who crossed the Holy Door last week were the Roma and Sinti — often referred to as the Gypsy people.  The event, organized by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, brought together pilgrims from every corner of Italy and Europe.  Welcoming them, Pope Leo XIV praised their strong faith, unshakable hope in God alone, and solid trust that endures despite a life often lived on society’s margins:  “May the peace of Christ be in your hearts, brothers and sisters of the Rom, Sinti and travelling communities — and in […]
- [Archbishop Mourad: John Paul II Award Recipient](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-mourad-john-paul-ii-award-recipient): On October 18th, in the presence of distinguished guests — including cardinals, bishops, and ambassadors — the second occasion of the John Paul II Award ceremony took place.  This prestigious event was held in the magnificent Sala Regia of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican.  Established in 2024 by the Vatican Foundation of John Paul II, the award reflects the Foundation’s mission, pursued since 1981, to promote science, culture, charitable initiatives, and a deeper understanding of St. John Paul II’s thought, legacy, and impact on the life of the Church.  Archbishop Jacques Mourad, Syrian Catholic Metropolitan of Homs, the winner […]
- [Meet 10 patron saints of Catholic education, students, and teachers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/meet-10-patron-saints-of-catholic-education-students-and-teachers): Pope Leo XIV will name St. John Henry Newman a patron saint of Catholic education in a document to be published on Oct. 28 for the 60th anniversary of Gravissimum Educationis, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on Christian education. He will become an official co-patron saint of education, alongside St. Thomas Aquinas, during the Vatican’s Jubilee of the World of Education from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1. He will also be declared a doctor of the Church by Pope Leo at the jubilee’s closing Mass on Nov. 1, the solemnity of All Saints. Newman will join a list of several other […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges university students to feed ‘hunger for truth and meaning’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-urges-university-students-to-feed-hunger-for-truth-and-meaning): Pope Leo XIV urged university students on Monday to feed their “hunger for truth and meaning,” lamenting that modern education often loses sight of the “big picture.”  “Today we have become experts in the smallest details of reality, but we have lost the capacity of seeing the big picture again, a vision that holds things together through a greater and deeper meaning,” Pope Leo XIV said. “Christian experience, on the other hand, wants to teach us to look at life and reality with a unified gaze.” The pope presided over a Mass for students from Rome’s pontifical universities on Oct. […]
- [Pope Leo XIV meets with Viktor Orbán at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-with-viktor-orban-at-the-vatican): In separate audiences on Monday, Pope Leo XIV received two political leaders with very different views on the migration issue. In the morning, he met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and in the afternoon he met with Magnus Brunner, European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration. Orbán maintains a restrictionist stance on migration and has repeatedly criticized the migrant redistribution policies promoted by the European Union. For his part, Brunner defends a common migration policy and supports the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, an agreement the Hungarian leader firmly rejects. Orbán arrived promptly at […]
- [Why is St. Jude the patron saint of lost causes?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-is-st-jude-the-patron-saint-of-lost-causes): On Oct. 28, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Jude, also known as Thaddeus, one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. He is believed to have written the Letter of Jude, one of the shortest books of the Bible, and is thought to have been martyred in Beirut around 65 A.D. He is typically depicted with a club or axe, symbolizing the way he died, as well as with a flame above his head, which refers to Pentecost. Although Jude is not mentioned much in the Bible and only had one quote attributed to him in the Gospel of John […]
- [Pope Leo to pray at tomb of St. Charbel during first apostolic journey to Turkey, Lebanon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-to-pray-at-tomb-of-st-charbel-during-first-apostolic-journey-to-turkey-lebanon): The Vatican on Monday released the full program for Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic journey, which will take him to Turkey and Lebanon from Nov. 27 to Dec. 2. The trip will center on two key moments: a pilgrimage to İznik (ancient Nicaea) to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea and a visit to the tomb of St. Charbel Makhlouf in Lebanon. The Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 by Emperor Constantine, was a turning point in Christian history. It produced the original formulation of the Nicene Creed — later adopted as the universal profession of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV on the gifts of women and synodality: ‘Women are already better’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-on-the-gifts-of-women-and-synodality-women-are-already-better): Pope Leo XIV drew laughter and applause on Oct. 24 when he recalled asking his mother in the 1970s whether she wanted equality with men. “No,” she replied, “because we’re already better.” The pope shared the memory during a discussion on the role of women in the Church at the opening of the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies, a three-day gathering for representatives involved in implementing the global synodal process. The story, he explained, came from a time when debates about equality between men and women were just beginning to take hold in his native United States. His […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to John Paul II Institute: Your mission is to speak and live the truth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-john-paul-ii-institute-truth): Pope Leo XIV during a Friday audience at the Vatican reminded teachers and students from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family of their mission to both speak and live the “common witness to the truth.” “Your specific mission concerns the search for and common witness to the truth: in carrying out this task, theology is called to engage with the various disciplines that study marriage and the family, without being content merely to speak the truth about them but living it in the grace of the Holy Spirit and following the example of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: There’s no template for synodality across all countries](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-synodality-template): There is no single model for what synodality should look like in all countries and cultures, Pope Leo XIV said in a discussion with synod leaders from around the globe, held at the Vatican on Friday. “We have to be very clear, we’re not looking for a uniform model. And synodality will not come with a template where everybody and every country will say this is how you do it,” the pope said in the Paul VI Hall Oct. 24.  “It is, rather, a conversion to a spirit of being Church, and being missionary, and building up, in that sense, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV gives advice for living with hope in a ‘troubled era’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-in-troubled-era): Pope Leo XIV on Saturday said the key to living in a difficult time, when the Church’s teachings are often challenged, is to embrace the hope that is “not knowing.”  “As pilgrims of hope, we must view our troubled times in the light of the resurrection,” the pope said in an audience with jubilee pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 25. Leo brought attention to Nicholas of Cusa — a Catholic cardinal and theologian from Germany, who lived in the 15th century — as a model for how to live one’s faith “during a turbulent era that involved serious spiritual […]
- [PHOTOS: Cardinal Burke celebrates Latin Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/burke-latin-mass-in-vatican): Cardinal Raymond Burke celebrated a special Traditional Latin Mass for hundreds of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Basilica on Oct. 25 — a return to a prior custom, suspended since 2023, of an annual pilgrimage of Catholics devoted to the ancient liturgy Burke celebrated the Solemn Pontifical Mass, a high Latin Mass said by a bishop, at the Altar of the Chair on the second day of the Oct. 24–26 Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage. The cardinal also celebrated a Latin Mass at the Altar of the Chair for the pilgrimage in 2014. The Mass was preceded by a half-mile procession from the […]
- [Pope Leo: Don’t let tension between tradition, novelty become ‘harmful polarizations’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-and-tradition): Pope Leo XIV said at a Mass on Sunday that no one in the Church “should impose his or her own ideas” and asked that tensions between tradition and novelty not become “ideological contrapositions and harmful polarizations.” “The supreme rule in the Church is love. No one is called to dominate; all are called to serve,” Leo said in St. Peter’s Basilica on Oct. 26. “No one should impose his or her own ideas; we must all listen to one another,” he continued. “No one is excluded; we are all called to participate. No one possesses the whole truth; we must […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: The first lesson for every bishop is humility](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-the-first-lesson-for-every-bishop-is-humility): Bishops should be humble servants and men of prayer — not possession, Pope Leo XIV said at a Mass to consecrate a new bishop on Sunday. “This is the first lesson for every bishop: humility. Not humility in words, but that which dwells in the heart of those who know they are servants, not masters; shepherds, not owners of the flock,” the pontiff said Oct. 26. The pontiff personally consecrated Mons. Mirosław Stanisław Wachowski a bishop during a Mass at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica. Wachowski was appointed apostolic nuncio — the pope’s diplomatic representative — […]
- [Pope Leo XIV approves decrees for 11 martyrs killed by Nazi Germany, communists](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-approves-decrees-for-11-martyrs-killed-by-nazi-germany-communists): Pope Leo XIV on Friday authorized decrees recognizing 11 new martyrs as well as four new venerables to be honored by the Church. With this declaration, the pope has cleared the way for them to be declared “blessed,” but a date has not been set for their beatification. During his Oct. 24 audience with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the Holy Father approved the designation of 20th-century European martyrs killed “in hatred of the faith” under Nazi and communist regimes. Polish Servants of God Jan Świerc, Ignacy Antonowicz, Ignacy Dobiasz, Karol Golda, Franciszek […]
- [Will There Be a New ‘Day After’ in Gaza?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/will-there-be-a-new-day-after-in-gaza): COMMENTARY: The Latin Patriarchate is committed to a lasting peace and caring for all citizens in the war-torn region. Since the beginning of the latest war in Gaza in October 2023, the Catholic Church in the Holy Land has provided humanitarian and spiritual aid in response to the enormous needs resulting from the mass destruction and loss of innocent life.  This support reached not only the members of the Christian community sheltering at the two main churches there but extended to hundreds of thousands of our immediate neighbors. Now, after two years, is a lasting peace possible? If history continues […]
- [St. John Henry Newman’s ‘Second Spring’ Reaches Its Full Bloom](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-john-henry-newmans-second-spring): COMMENTARY: Once barred from Oxford for his faith, the English convert who preached of a ‘second spring’ now joins the ranks of Ambrose, Augustine, Chrysostom and Athanasius. Pope Leo XIV will declare St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the Church on Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day, capping off a remarkable few weeks for Catholics in his native England — weeks that illustrated how far their present position has changed since the mid-19th century. Newman is being made a doctor for his theological work, but the timing emphasizes the historical shifts of which he was both a participant and a witness. […]
- [Pope Leo XIV criticizes pharmaceutical industry’s role in scourge of opioid addiction](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-criticizes-pharmaceutical-industry): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday decried the devastating impact of opioid addiction in the U.S., criticizing the pharmaceutical industry for its lack of “a global ethic” for the sake of profits. In an Oct. 23 meeting with participants of the fifth World Meeting of Popular Movements held inside the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall, the pope directly spoke out against “unbridled consumerism” and its negative impacts on people living in both poor and wealthy nations. “In the current culture, with the help of advertising and publicity, a cult of physical well-being is being promoted, almost an idolatry of the body […]
- [Pope Leo XIV encourages Order of the Holy Sepulchre in its Holy Land mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-and-order-of-the-holy-sepulchre): In an audience with the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Pope Leo XIV thanked them for their humble service to the communities of the Holy Land, where they are called to bear witness “that life conquers death.” At the beginning of his address, the pope recalled the mission with which the order was established in 1098: to protect the Holy Sepulchre, care for pilgrims, and sustain the Church of Jerusalem. The Holy Father thanked the members of the order present for continuing the work they do “with the humility, dedication, and spirit of sacrifice that characterize chivalric orders,” especially for […]
- [Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Defense of Religious Freedom and Human Dignity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-global-defense-of-religious-freedom-and-human-dignity): Vatican City – The Vatican this week highlighted urgent global issues surrounding religious freedom, financial ethics, and human dignity. Pope Leo XIV and top Church officials renewed calls for solidarity with the persecuted and compassion for the vulnerable. Authoritarian Regimes Behind Rising Religious Persecution A new “Religious Freedom in the World 2025” report, published by Aid to the Church in Need in partnership with the Vatican Secretariat of State, reveals that authoritarian regimes are among the primary forces driving religious discrimination and persecution in 52 countries. At the Vatican presentation, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, emphasized the Church’s responsibility […]
- [Pope Leo XIV and King Charles III make history since Reformation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-and-king-charles-pray-together): History was made in the Sistine Chapel on Thursday as Pope Leo XIV and King Charles III prayed side by side, marking the first time since the Protestant Reformation that a reigning British monarch and a pope have prayed together during a royal state visit to the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV led the midday prayer of the Divine Office, standing beneath Michelangelo’s fresco of “The Last Judgment” and flanked by Anglican Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, King Charles, and Queen Camilla. The ecumenical prayer service featured the Sistine Chapel Choir along with the choirs from St. George’s Chapel at Windsor […]
- [Cardinal, Vatican journalists condemn threat to free press after assaults on journalists](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-vatican-journalists-condemn-threat-to-free-press-after-assaults-on-journalists): Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and an organization of Vatican-accredited journalists have spoken out in support of a free press after the recent attacks on two journalists in Italy. In a statement released Tuesday, the International Association of Journalists Accredited to the Vatican (AIGAV) condemned last week’s assault on Venezuelan Vatican journalist Edgar Beltrán by businessman Ricardo Cisneros, a member of the Venezuelan government delegation present in Rome for the Oct. 19 canonization of two Venezuelan saints. During an Oct. 17 event at the Vatican-connected Lateran University in Rome, Beltrán’s interview with the Vatican’s substitute for the Secretariat of State, Archbishop […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Sadness in life can be healed through Christ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-sadness-in-life-can-be-healed-through-christ): Pope Leo XIV at his general audience on Wednesday said sadness and disappointments can give rise to unexpected joys and hope when one discovers that Christ “walks with us and for us” in life.    Continuing his jubilee catechesis on “Jesus Christ Our Hope” in a rain-soaked St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father said the mystery of Christ’s resurrection can “change one’s outlook on the world,” especially in times when one experiences a “paralysis of the soul.” “It is the Risen One who radically changes our perspective, instilling the hope that fills the void of sadness,” he said in his Oct. […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to name St. John Henry Newman a patron saint of Catholic education](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/newman-co-patron-of-catholic-education): Pope Leo XIV will name St. John Henry Newman a patron saint of Catholic education in a document to be published on Oct. 28 for the 60th anniversary of Gravissimum Educationis, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on Christian education. The Holy Father will designate Newman as an official co-patron saint of education, together with St. Thomas Aquinas, during the Vatican’s Jubilee of the World of Education from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1, which is expected to draw 20,000 pilgrims. The saint will also be declared the 38th doctor of the Church by Leo at the jubilee’s closing Mass on Nov. 1, the solemnity […]
- [5 ways St. John Paul II changed the Catholic Church forever](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/john-paul-ii-impact-catholic-church): You probably know that St. John Paul II was the second-longest-serving pope in modern history with 27 years of pontificate, and he was the first non-Italian pontiff since the Dutch Pope Adrian VI in 1523. But did you know that he also changed the Catholic Church in lasting ways during those 27 years? Here are five ways he did that: 1. He helped bring about the 1989 fall of communism in Eastern Europe. The pope’s official biographer, George Weigel, who for decades chronicled the pope’s engagement with civic leaders, noted that the way Pope John Paul II influenced the political landscape […]
- [Fact check: Did the Vatican Library open a prayer room for Muslims?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-library-muslim-prayer-room-fact-check): Reports circulating in media outlets and on social media in October 2025 allege that the Vatican has opened a prayer room for Muslims in the Apostolic Library. Claim: The Vatican Library has opened a prayer room for Muslims. CNA finds: The library does allow Muslim scholars a room in which to pray while they are on site doing research in the Vatican’s extensive archives. Breakdown: In mid-October 2025, sensational news coverage rocketed around internet media outlets and social media feeds: The Vatican is “allow[ing]” a “designated Muslim prayer room” in its Apostolic Library (National Review); the library has “add[ed] a Muslim prayer room” […]
- [Aid to the Church in Need: Authoritarian regimes are greatest threat to religious freedom](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/acn-2025-report-religious-freedom-authoritarianism): Authoritarian regimes are among the main drivers of religious discrimination and persecution in 52 countries, according to an Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) report.  The pontifical foundation, alongside Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, released the Religious Freedom in the World Report 2025 at the Vatican on Tuesday, highlighting the need for the Church to bear witness to the millions of people who face threats of persecution and violence. The cardinal decried the “year on year” increase of violations affecting more than 5.4 billion people worldwide at the report’s launch and stressed the need for governments to […]
- [How to convey the serenity of a martyr? The challenge of painting Peter To Rot’s portrait](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/peter-to-rot-portrait-berzosa-vatican): Malaga, Spain-born artist Raúl Berzosa has painted portraits of popes for the Vatican, and his works have graced the covers of booklets at Vatican ceremonies and even the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum. However, as he himself confessed on X, none had ever hung on the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica. That honor came this week with the portrait of St. Peter To Rot, which Berzosa painted for the saint’s canonization ceremony on Oct. 19. The Vatican commissioned the Catholic artist to paint the official portrait, which has been displayed since Oct. 17 on the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica. […]
- [Pope Leo XIV meets clergy abuse survivors at Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-clergy-abuse-survivors): Pope Leo XIV on Monday met with members of an international organization of clergy abuse survivors and advocates at the Vatican. Four victims and two advocates from Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA) — a coalition representing clergy sexual abuse survivors from more than 30 countries — had an hourlong conversation with Leo on Oct. 20. According to participants, it was the first time during his pontificate that the pope met with survivors of abuse. Gemma Hickey, ECA board president and survivor of clergy abuse, said that “this was a deeply meaningful conversation. Today we all felt heard.” The group said it […]
- [Political tensions surface amid celebrations honoring Venezuela’s 2 new saints](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/venezuela-saints-canonization-political-tensions): Underlying political tensions have surfaced among Venezuelans in Rome celebrating the recent canonization of the country’s first two saints, José Gregorio Hernández and Mother Carmen Rendiles Martínez. A Venezuelan government delegation led by Carmen Meléndez, mayor of Caracas, and hundreds of pilgrims from the Latin American nation were among the 70,000 people who attended the Oct. 19 canonization ceremony led by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square. However, in the days prior to Venezuelans converging at the Vatican to celebrate their country’s newly-proclaimed saints, reports of evident discord between government officials and citizens regarding President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime have also […]
- [Pope Leo XIV condemns usury, a grave sin that speaks to the corruption of the human heart](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-condemns-usury-grave-sin): Pope Leo XIV on Saturday condemned usury, a practice that is sometimes an extremely grave sin that speaks to the corruption of the heart of those who see others only as “objects of exploitation.” Usury can be defined as charging too much interest on a loan, a practice that has existed since ancient times. Traditionally, the Catholic Church taught that the sin of usury was the act of demanding any benefit or profit for the sole purpose of lending. This understanding has evolved over time, and the Church no longer condemns the general practice of lending with interest, as long […]
- [Longtime Vatican official and Italian archbishop Cardinal Edoardo Menichelli dies at 86](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-edoardo-menichelli-dies-age-86): Cardinal Edoardo Menichelli, archbishop emeritus of Ancona-Osimo in the northern Italian region of Marche, has died at the age of 86 after a long illness. “It is with great sadness that I learned that our Cardinal Edoardo Menichelli has returned to the Father’s house. Let us raise our prayers to the good Lord, rich in mercy, that he may welcome his beautiful soul into paradise,” Archbishop Angelo Spina of Ancona-Osimo said on the archdiocese’s website. “Sick for some time, he faced his illness and heavy treatments with courage, revealing the indomitable spirit that characterized his temperament and his desire to […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Lives of the newly canonized saints are ‘luminous signs of hope’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-new-saints-signs-of-hope): Pope Leo XIV on Monday highlighted the life testimony of the saints canonized Sunday, Oct. 19, as “luminous signs of hope” for today’s Catholics. “The men and women we proclaimed saints yesterday are luminous signs of hope for all of us, because they offered their lives for love of Christ and their brothers and sisters,” the pontiff said in his address to the pilgrims, representatives of the clergy, and civil authorities who had traveled to Rome to participate in the canonization of the seven new saints. Leo XIV expressed his hope that the canonization of Venezuela’s first two saints, Carmen Rendiles and José […]
- [Walking with Mary in the Jubilee Year ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/walking-with-mary-in-the-jubilee-year): During the Jubilee for Marian Spirituality, pilgrims from around the world gathered in Rome to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary — Mother, Intercessor, and Queen of Heaven — deepening their devotion and joining Pope Leo XIV in prayer for peace. A Jubilee Dedicated to Mary The Jubilee for Marian Spirituality invited Catholics from all continents to reflect on their relationship with Mary. For many, the experience came as a joyful surprise. “We just heard about that from our tour guide, which excited me because we’ve been to Fatima, and I know about the statue I followed in procession twelve years […]
- [Saint Peter To Rot: Papua New Guinea’s First Martyr Saint](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saint-peter-to-rot-papua-new-guineas-first-martyr-saint): October 19th marked a historic day of joy for the people of Papua New Guinea, as Peter To Rot was canonized by Pope Leo XIV — becoming the nation’s first indigenous saint and a witness to the power of faith, marriage, and martyrdom. A Saint for the People of Papua New Guinea Sunday, October 19th is a day of great joy and celebration for the people of Papua New Guinea, as, for the first time in history, an indigenous islander — Peter To Rot — is being canonized by Pope Leo XIV. Rudolf Pamat, one of only two seminarians from […]
- [The Unpublished Drawings of Saint Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-unpublished-drawings-of-saint-carlo-acutis): A new book co-authored by theologian Fr. Giovanni Emidio Palaia and Antonia Salzano Acutis, mother of Saint Carlo Acutis, reveals never-before-seen insights and drawings by the young millennial saint—offering a glimpse into his spiritual life, devotion, and deep theological intuition. A Leaf as a Metaphor for Life Saint Carlo Acutis used to imagine life as a leaf—small and multi-colored. In his vision, the green represented hope, vitality, and the journey forward. The yellow suggested what comes after: sunset, the end, and ultimately, our eternal destiny. This image is shared by Fr. Giovanni Emidio Palaia, writer, professor, and theologian, in a […]
- [Seven New Saints Canonized by Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/seven-new-saints-canonized-by-pope-leo-xiv): On October 19, 2025, one of the most solemn events of the Jubilee Year unfolded in St. Peter’s Square: Pope Leo XIV canonized seven new saints, offering the Church and the world a profound message of holiness, unity, and hope. A Historic Canonization in the Heart of the Church On Sunday, October 19th, in Saint Peter’s Square, Pope Leo presided over the Eucharistic celebration with the rite of canonization of seven new saints of the Catholic Church. Ignatius Maloyan, Peter To Rot, Vincenza Maria Poloni, María Carmen Rendiles Martínez, Maria Troncatti, José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros, and Bartolo Longo were elevated […]
- [Preview of the Vitae Festival](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/preview-of-the-vitae-festival): In this insightful interview, EWTN’s Vice President and Chief Global Officer, Andreas Thonhauser, speaks with Luis Quinelli, President of the Vitae Global Foundation, about the Vitae Festival — a groundbreaking event aimed at engaging Generation Z, particularly non-believers, through art, culture, and dialogue. Quinella shares the inspiration behind this global initiative, its mission of reconciliation in a divided world, and how it seeks to bring young hearts closer to faith in Jesus Christ.  Luis, you’re organizing the Vitae Festival here in Rome. Can you tell us a little bit more what exactly the Vitae Festival is all about?  Yeah, well, […]
- [Jubilee of Consecrated Life ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-consecrated-life): Thousands of consecrated men and women from around the world came to Rome for the Jubilee of Consecrated Life—a two-day pilgrimage of faith, prayer, and communion that culminated with Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square. A Pilgrimage Begins at the Holy Door The Jubilee began with the symbolic passage through the Holy Door. Pilgrims walked in prayer down Via della Conciliazione, heading toward the heart of the Church. Among them were Sisters Guadalupe and Immaculata of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, visiting Rome for the first time. “Yes, it’s our first time for this jubilee, it’s […]
- [King Charles and Pope Leo XIV to pray together in historic ecumenical moment at Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/king-charles-pope-leo-xiv-vatican-prayer): For the first time since the Protestant Reformation, a reigning British monarch and a pope will pray together publicly during a royal state visit to the Vatican. King Charles III will join in ecumenical prayer presided over by Pope Leo XIV for the care of creation inside the Sistine Chapel on Oct. 23, beneath Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling, during the king’s first state visit to the Vatican with Queen Camila.  The Sistine Chapel Choir will sing together with England’s Choir of St. George’s Chapel and the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal for the historic ecumenical prayer which will focus on […]
- [Pope Leo XIV, at Mass in Turkey, calls for Catholic, ecumenical and interreligious unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-advent-in-turkey-appeal-peace): Pope Leo XIV marked the start of Advent on Saturday with an appeal for unity and peace, telling thousands gathered for Mass in Istanbul that Christians “journey as if on a bridge that connects earth to Heaven,” keeping their eyes “fixed on both shores” until they are united “in the house of the Father.” The pope celebrated Mass on Nov. 29 at the Volkswagen Arena, a large multipurpose venue within Istanbul’s Uniq cultural complex. The liturgy, held on the eve of the Feast of St. Andrew, patron of Turkey, took place during the third day of his first international apostolic […]
- [Pope Leo XIV honors 'courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people' in Istanbul](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-courageous-christian-witness-of-the-armenian-people): Pope Leo XIV dedicated the final morning of his visit to Turkey on Sunday to strengthening ties with the Armenian Apostolic Church, thanking God for “the courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people throughout history, often amid tragic circumstances.” The pope addressed the faithful at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul, highlighting the deepening relationship between the Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church and recalling key milestones in their modern ecumenical journey. The visit to the cathedral, seat of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, formed part of a day marked by prayer, dialogue, and reflection as the pope concluded […]
- [Pope Leo XIV and Bartholomew I ‘deeply alarmed’ by global tensions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-and-bartholomew-i-global-tensions): Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople said on Saturday they are “deeply alarmed by the current international situation,” issuing a joint appeal for peace. The appeal took place during the pope’s first international trip, a journey that has taken him to Turkey and will continue on to Lebanon. The two leaders signed a joint declaration at the Palace of the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul. The text rejects the use of religion to justify violence, urges global efforts toward peace, supports cooperation among believers of different faiths, and entrusts a suffering world to God with renewed hope in […]
- [Airbus computer issue affects papal plane during trip to Turkey](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-plane-technical-issues): The papal plane set to fly Pope Leo XIV from Turkey to Lebanon on Sunday is one of thousands of Airbus A320 aircraft affected by a computer issue. Around 6,000 Airbus planes were grounded this weekend after it was discovered that intense solar radiation could interfere with onboard flight control computers, according to the BBC. For most of the affected aircraft, the issue could be resolved with a software update, but around 900 planes, including the papal plane, needed onboard computers physically replaced. According to Director of the Holy See Press Office Matteo Bruni, a plane arrived in Istanbul from […]
- [Pope Leo XIV visits emblematic Turkish mosque in sign of fraternity with Muslims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-visits-blue-mosque): Pope Leo XIV started his third day in Turkey on Saturday with a visit to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul. The visit was a gesture of respect towards the Islamic world, fraternity with Muslims, and continuity in building bridges of interreligious dialogue, though the pope declined an invitation to pray in the Muslim house of worship. The so-called “Blue Mosque” stands as one of the most important Islamic buildings in Istanbul. Its beauty, its scale, and its history continue to attract visitors from all over the world. It also holds a unique place in the relationship between Christianity and […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Nicaea anniversary, urges Christians to overcome divisions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/1700th-anniversary-nicaea): Pope Leo XIV commemorated the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea on Friday in the Turkish city historically known as the birthplace of the Nicene Creed, calling Christians to overcome “the scandal of divisions” and to renew their commitment to unity. The pope spoke during an ecumenical prayer service held at the archaeological site of the ancient Basilica of Saint Neophytos on the shore of Lake Iznik, southeast of Istanbul. The gathering marked one of the most symbolic moments of his apostolic visit to Turkey, which has focused heavily on ecumenical and interreligious outreach. “We are all invited to […]
- [Council of Nicaea: 1,700 years of Christian unity amid division](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/council-nicaea-1700-years-later): In the summer of A.D. 325, more than 300 bishops gathered in Nicaea — located in modern-day northern Turkey — to promulgate a common Christian creed, settle Christological disputes that arose from the Arian heresy, and promote unity in the Church. The first ecumenical council, known as the Council of Nicaea, is still accepted as authoritative by the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and many Protestant denominations. The common beliefs still offer a strong element of unity in an otherwise fractured Christianity 1,700 years later. During the council, the bishops established the initial formulation of the Nicene Creed, which […]
- [Catholics reflect on Pope Leo’s visit to Istanbul cathedral](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/reflect-pope-leos-visit-istanbul-cathedral): Pope Leo XIV began the second day of his apostolic journey to Turkey at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul, a vital spiritual home for a diverse Catholic community largely made up of immigrants from across the world. The cathedral — long a customary stop for pontiffs visiting Turkey — welcomed the Holy Father with profound emotion and vibrant hope. At the entrance, Pope Leo was received by Father Nicola Masedu, a Sardinian priest who has served in Turkey for more than 15 years and lived a life marked by mission across the Middle East. He first moved […]
- [Vatican Affirms Monogamy and Announces New Reforms](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-defends-monogamy): Speaking to reporters in Castel Gandolfo just days before Thanksgiving, Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, encouraged people across the world—not only Americans—to take time to express gratitude. Pope Leo XIV Encourages the World to “Say Thank You” Ahead of Thanksgiving The Holy Father emphasized that each person has received countless gifts: and that giving thanks to God for these blessings strengthens both personal spirituality and communal bonds. New Vatican Document Defends Monogamous Marriage Amid Rise of Polyamory The Vatican has released a new doctrinal note titled “One Flesh: In Praise of Monogamy”, reaffirming the Church’s teaching that marriage […]
- [Pope Leo’s prayer intention for December: for Christians in areas of war or conflict](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-december-prayer-intention-christians-conflict): Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for December is for Christians living amidst war or conflict, especially in the Middle East: “Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope,” the Holy Father said in a video released Nov. 25 by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. Father Cristóbal Fones, international director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, emphasized that Leo XIV’s request “is a gesture of closeness and hope: a way of saying to the Christians of Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and so many other countries […]
- [Homeless mother given 'key' to new apartment by Pope Leo XIV ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-homeless-mother-key-new-home): At 35 weeks pregnant Nadia Howlader became homeless, living on the streets of Sydney, Australia, but all of that changed when she was given a key to a new apartment by Pope Leo XIV on Nov. 16 on the ninth World Day of the Poor.  Continuing a tradition begun by Pope Francis last year to combat homelessness and bring hope to vulnerable families during the 2025 Jubilee year of Hope in 13 countries, Pope Leo blessed 13 keys — one of which symbolized the key to Howlader’s new apartment in a Sydney suburb, faciliated by the St. Vincent de Paul […]
- [Pope Leo shares ‘secret of Christian charity’ with Little Sisters of the Poor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-little-sisters-of-the-poor-istanbul): Pope Leo XIV visited the Nursing Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Istanbul on Friday, telling the community that Christian charity begins not with doing, but with being, i.e., living a real communion with those one serves. “The secret of Christian charity is that before being for others, we must first be with others in a communion based on fraternity,” he said during the encounter on Nov. 28, the second day of his apostolic trip to Turkey, where he is marking the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea.  A papal stop at a charitable institution […]
- [Vatican's 2025 Christmas tree installed in St. Peter's Square](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-2025-christmas-tree-st-peters-square): A towering Christmas tree now stands in the center of St. Peter’s Square, after the spruce arrived at the Vatican on Thursday morning.  The 88-foot-tall spruce tree from Italy’s Bolzano province was erected next to the ancient Egyptian obelisk which stands in the middle of the 17th century Baroque square designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This year, the northern Italian municipalities of Lagundo and Ultimo gifted the Christmas tree to the Vatican. The tree was harvested in the alpine valley of Ultimo. In an Oct. 20 interview published on the Vatican State website, Bishop Ivo Muser of the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone said […]
- [Pope Leo reminds Turkish Catholic minority of the ‘logic of littleness’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-reminds-turkish-catholic-minority-of-the-logic-of-littleness): Pope Leo XIV encouraged Turkey’s small Catholic community Friday to rediscover what he called the Gospel’s “logic of littleness,” urging them not to be discouraged by their tiny numbers but to recognize in them the strength of authentic Christian witness. The pope addressed bishops, priests, religious, pastoral workers, and laypeople at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul on his second day in the country. Catholics in Turkey make up roughly 0.05% of the nation’s 85 million people. Calling Turkey a “holy land” where the Old and New Testaments meet, the pope recalled the deep Christian roots of the region: […]
- [Pies and a baseball bat: The gifts Pope Leo XIV received on the papal flight to Turkey ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-thanksgiving-gifts-papal-flight): Aboard the papal plane on Thanksgiving Day, Pope Leo XIV kicked off his first international trip — a visit to Turkey — with distinctly American gifts: a baseball bat and pumpkin pie.  “To the Americans here, Happy Thanksgiving!” Leo said as he greeted about 80 journalists aboard the chartered ITA Airways flight to Ankara on Thursday morning. “It’s a wonderful day to celebrate.”  Two American journalists traveling with the pope gave him pumpkin pies. “It’s not Thanksgiving if there’s not enough to share,” Crux correspondent Elise Ann Allen told the pope as she handed him the second pie.  “I’ll definitely […]
- [Pope Leo denounces ‘might is right’ in address to Turkish authorities](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-denounces-might-is-right-turkey): Pope Leo XIV opened his first international trip on Thursday with a sweeping call for unity, renewed dialogue, and a rejection of the global drift toward division and violence. Speaking in Turkey’s capital of Ankara on Nov. 27 during his formal welcome by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the pope said he hoped Turkey could be “a source of stability and rapprochement between peoples” and serve the cause of a “just and lasting peace.” He described the country as “inextricably linked to the origins of Christianity” and a land that invites a fraternity “that recognizes and appreciates differences.” Launching a six-day […]
- [Vatican City: How the world's smallest state is governed](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-vatican-city-is-governed): The Vatican, the smallest state in the world, possesses a unique and complex legal, administrative, and spiritual structure designed to guarantee the independence of the pope and allow the Church to act freely throughout the world. Bishop Juan Ignacio Arrieta, secretary of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, in an interview with the Spanish-language edition of EWTN News, detailed how this tiny nation is governed, how its institutions operate, and what role the Holy See plays in the world. A unique governance structure Arrieta explained that the Dicastery for Legislative Texts — where he has served for 18 years — is […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to focus on Christian unity, relations with Islam in Turkey and Lebanon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-turkey-lebanon-unity): Pope Leo XIV arrived in Turkey Thursday on his first international apostolic journey. The wide-ranging trip — spanning historic ecumenical encounters, deeply symbolic gestures of prayer, and pastoral visits to Christian communities under pressure — is expected to highlight the pope’s priorities of unity, peace, and encouragement across a region marked by both ancient faith and present suffering. During his flight from Rome, the pope told reporters that he hoped his trip would be an occasion to “proclaim how important peace is throughout the world, and to invite all people to come together, to search for greater unity, greater harmony, […]
- [9 historic religious sites Pope Leo XIV will visit in Turkey, Lebanon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-historic-sites-turkey-lebanon): Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon holds both spiritual and historical significance for the Catholic Church and its relations with the Orthodox Church as well as with Islam. From Nov. 27 — Dec. 2, Pope Leo will visit these historic sites in the first international apostolic journey of his pontificate: 1. Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (Istanbul, Turkey) The Roman Catholic cathedral was built and officially opened in 1846 and is the seat of the apsotolic vicar of Istanbul. Also known as the St. Esprit Cathedral, this minor basilica contains several relics of saints, including those […]
- [How the man who became Pope John XXIII helped shape Vatican-Turkey relations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/john-xxiii-vatican-turkey-relations): Pope Leo XIV’s journey to Turkey and Lebanon carries significant historical and diplomatic symbolism. His decision to make the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk his first stop immediately recalls the legacy of his predecessor, St. John XXIII, who became a cultural and spiritual bridge between East and West, very much like Istanbul (formerly called Constantinople), the city he arrived in 90 years ago. In January 1935, only weeks after being appointed apostolic delegate to both Turkey and Greece, Archbishop Angelo Roncalli — the future St. John XXIII — arrived at Istanbul’s Haydar Pasha train station from Bulgaria. He began his […]
- [Pope Leo centralizes oversight of St. Peter’s and St. Mary Major basilicas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-basilica-oversight-reform): Pope Leo XIV has issued a new decree revising the financial and administrative norms governing the basilicas of St. Peter and St. Mary Major, bringing both institutions under the ordinary oversight of the Vatican’s Council for the Economy, in the latest act of fine-tuning of economic reforms undertaken by his predecessor Pope Francis. The pope writes that the Holy See’s economic and financial reform requires “periodic reevaluation and redefinition” of the applicable regulatory framework.  The letter motu proprio, dated Sept. 29, 2025, was promulgated this month when it was posted in the San Damaso Courtyard of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. It has […]
- [Pope Leo centralizes oversight of Two Roman Major Basilicas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-centralizes-st-peters-st-mary-major): Pope Leo XIV has issued a new decree revising the financial and administrative norms governing the basilicas of St. Peter and St. Mary Major, bringing both institutions under the ordinary oversight of the Vatican’s Council for the Economy, in the latest act of fine-tuning of economic reforms undertaken by his predecessor Pope Francis. The pope writes that the Holy See’s economic and financial reform requires “periodic reevaluation and redefinition” of the applicable regulatory framework.  The letter motu proprio, dated Sept. 29, 2025, was promulgated this month when it was posted in the San Damaso Courtyard of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. It has […]
- [Fact check: Did Pope Leo host a rave last week in Slovakia?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fact-check-pope-leo-rave-slovakia): Social media lit up last week with claims that Pope Leo XIV “threw a rave” outside St. Elisabeth Cathedral in Košice, Slovakia. The viral stories included images of laser lights, electronic dance music, and a priest serving as DJ. But what really happened? Here’s what you need to know. What was the event? An outdoor electronic music event in front of the city’s iconic 14th-century cathedral was organized by the Archdiocese of Košice to celebrate the Jubilee of Young People and the 75th birthday of Archbishop Bernard Bober. It took place on Nov. 8 and included a Mass celebrated by […]
- [Pope to give 2025 Ratzinger Prize to conductor Riccardo Muti at Christmas concert](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-2025-ratzinger-prize-riccardo-muti): Pope Leo XIV will present the 2025 Ratzinger Prize to the renowned Italian conductor Riccardo Muti, one of the most influential and respected figures in international music, during a concert in the pope’s honor on Dec. 12. The Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation announced that the prize will be awarded to Muti at a Christmas concert directed by the Italian conductor in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, in the presence of the pope. Recognized for the expressive depth with which he interprets musical scores, Muti was also admired by Benedict XVI, who, beyond his profound theological erudition, […]
- [As Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey nears, anticipation grows among local communities](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-visit-turkey-anticipation): With the countdown underway for Pope Leo XIV’s first official journey outside Italy, excitement is building across Turkey’s Christian and wider faith communities. Ahead of the historic visit, EWTN News spoke with several individuals who shared their hopes, expectations, and reflections on what the pope’s presence could mean for the country. Linda Tito, a 67-year-old Levantine from Izmir, is eagerly awaiting the visit. “I am happy to go to Istanbul to see the pope, because his visit is a sign of unity and hope for us Christians in Turkey. It is wonderful that he can also see us, know that […]
- [‘Say thank you to someone’ this Thanksgiving, Pope Leo XIV says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-thanksgiving-gratitude): Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday suggested that people “say thank you to someone” this Thanksgiving and he addressed concerns about violence in Lebanon ahead of his trip there later this week. Speaking two days before Thanksgiving, the first U.S.-born pope celebrated what he called “this beautiful feast that we have in the United States, which unites all people, people of different faiths, people who perhaps do not have the gift of faith.”  The pope urged all people, not just Americans, to take the occasion “to recognize that we all have received so many gifts, first and foremost, the gift of […]
- [Vatican defends monogamy against polygamy, polyamory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-defends-monogamy-marriage-document): A new Vatican document defends marriage as a monogamous relationship amid the growing popularity of polyamory and addresses the pastoral challenges caused by conversion to Catholicism of people in polygamous situations. “One Flesh: In Praise of Monogamy” was published in Italian by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on Nov. 25. “Polygamy, adultery, or polyamory are based on the illusion that the intensity of the relationship can be found in the succession of partners,” the Vatican says. To illustrate this metaphorically, the text cites the myth of Don Juan, an unbridled seducer whose womanizing leads him to hell, which […]
- [A Triply Divided Lebanon Anxiously Awaits a New Pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lebanon-awaits-pope-leo-xiv-amid-divisions): ANALYSIS: Despite a Christian legacy that goes back 1,000 years, Lebanon, awaiting Pope Leo XIV’s visit, is a country on edge. In 1099, as the Christian army led by a papal legate passed along the rugged coastal road toward Jerusalem, they encountered a strong and friendly people, the Maronite nation, who, as William of Tyre wrote, rendered great service “concerning our many and significant interests with our enemies.”  This moment, during the First Crusade, marks perhaps the most famous early contact between a papal enterprise and what are now the Christians of Lebanon. These ties would slowly be strengthened through […]
- [Pope Leo XIV recognizes martyrdom of 2 priests killed by Nazis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-recognizes-nazi-era-martyrs): Father Ubaldo Marchioni was praying the rosary with a fearful congregation in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta outside Bologna, Italy, when Nazi soldiers broke down the door on Sept. 29, 1944, and shot him in the head.  The remaining 197 people who had taken refuge in the church were forced outside to the cemetery and massacred, including 52 children. The killings marked the first day of what is now known as the Marzabotto Massacre, a large civilian massacre in which Waffen-SS units murdered at least 770 civilians between Sept. 29 and Oct. 5, 1944, including children, women, and the elderly […]
- [5 Catholic resources to help you grow closer to Christ this Advent](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-advent-resources): As Advent quickly approaches and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins to make its way into our lives, here are five resources to help you prepare to welcome Jesus this Christmas.  From Ascension:  Join Father Mike Schmitz this Advent for “Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz” on the Ascension app.  Beginning Nov. 30, a 26-day video series will guide viewers on becoming aware of how God is shaping them through seasons of waiting and how to wait well. Each day a five-minute video will be released and feature a reflection from Schmitz that unpacks the daily […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Hope does not mean having all the answers but trusting in God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-hope-trusting-god): Pope Leo XIV stated that hope “does not mean having all the answers, but rather it calls us to put our trust in God.” The pontiff made his remarks during an audience granted Nov. 24 at the Vatican to faithful from Latvia, who traveled to the Eternal City to commemorate the centenary of the first official Latvian pilgrimage to Rome. After greeting Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, with whom he had met privately earlier, the Holy Father thanked the pilgrims for keeping the tradition alive and following in the footsteps “of your forebears in the faith.” He then recalled that Rome “has always […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to Caritas: Be artisans of peace, serve every person with dignity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-caritas-artisans-of-peace): Pope Leo XIV on Friday met with the leadership and staff of Caritas Internationalis, the Church’s global charitable network operating in more than 200 countries, asking them to be “pilgrims of hope” and “artisans of peace” in the world. During the morning meeting held at the Vatican, the Holy Father thanked Caritas Internationalis president Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi and approximately 70 Caritas workers for their “steadfast service” within the Church and to people throughout the world. “Caritas Internationalis has long been a luminous sign of the Church’s maternal love,” he said to the multinational delegation on Nov. 21.  “The love we receive […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges Christians to move beyond outdated theological disputes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-unity-beyond-theological-disputes): Pope Leo XIV has called on Christians to move beyond “theological controversies” that no longer serve the cause of unity and to rediscover together the faith professed at the Council of Nicaea 1,700 years ago. In a new apostolic letter, In unitate fidei (“In the Unity of Faith”), released Nov. 23, the solemnity of Christ the King, the pope links the anniversary of the first ecumenical council to the Holy Year of 2025 and to his upcoming apostolic journey to Türkiye, where he will commemorate Nicaea’s 1700th anniversary and take part in an ecumenical event with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Nov. 30 […]
- [New EWTN docuseries commemorates 100th anniversary of Christ the King](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-docuseries-christ-the-king-100th-anniversary): Marking the 100th anniversary of the feast of Christ the King, which this year falls on Nov. 23, EWTN has released “The Kingship of Christ,” a four-part docuseries that explores some of the core aspects of the kingship of Christ.  The four 30-minute episodes look at the origin of kingship in the Old and New Testaments, what type of kingship is that of Christ’s, the growth in interest and devotion to kingship in the 1800s and 1900s, and how Christ’s kingship is being realized today.  Currently airing on EWTN, the docuseries features Father Bernard McGuckian, SJ; Father Dominic Holtz, OP; […]
- [Pope Leo XIV warns against ‘false mercy’ in marriage annulment proceedings](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-false-mercy-marriage-annulments): In a firm call to avoid “false mercy” in marriage annulment proceedings, Pope Leo XIV reminded that compassion cannot disregard the truth. During a Friday audience with participants in the legal-pastoral training course of the Roman Rota, the Holy See’s court of appeals, the Holy Father read a lengthy speech in which he recalled the importance of the reform of marriage annulment processes initiated by Pope Francis 10 years ago. The pontiff emphasized that theology, law, and pastoral care must be understood in a harmonious way, not as separate or opposing areas, and pointed out that annulment proceedings are not merely technical […]
- [Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit, Lebanese recall past papal trips](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lebanese-recall-papal-visits-ahead-of-pope-leo-xiv): Anticipation is building across Lebanon as the country prepares to welcome Pope Leo XIV next week. The visit is not without precedent, however. Lebanon has received two other popes in recent history — John Paul II in 1997 and Benedict XVI in 2012. Both trips are remembered as milestones in a nation marked by conflict and resilience.  As preparations intensify, many of those who witnessed previous papal visits are reflecting on their impact and the memories they carry — memories that shape expectations for what Pope Leo’s visit may bring. Remembering John Paul II in Lebanon Pope John Paul II […]
- [New book by Pope Leo XIV: Human fraternity is ‘the antidote against all extremism’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-new-book-human-fraternity-antidote-extremism): The Vatican Publishing House published Nov. 20 a new Italian-language book by Pope Leo XIV titled “The Power of the Gospel: The Christian Faith in 10 Words,” a compilation of the pontiff’s speeches and addresses that also includes a previously unpublished text in which he invites readers to dream of a “reconciled, peaceful, and harmonious humanity.” The Holy Father affirms that faith “unites us beyond our personalities, our cultural and geographical origins, our language, and our histories” and presents the Church as “a plurality that strives for unity and that does not fall into the disorder of confusion.” In today’s […]
- [Sen. Klobuchar meets Pope Leo XIV to advocate for abducted Ukrainian children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/senator-klobuchar-meets-pope-leo-xiv-ukrainian-children): U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, joined a delegation of Ukrainian mothers, wives, and teenagers forcibly taken to Russia during the war with Ukraine who met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Friday. The audience highlighted ongoing humanitarian and diplomatic efforts to secure the return of abducted civilians. In a statement from her Senate office, Klobuchar said: “Pope Leo is a true moral force for peace and justice and a champion for children around the world. It was an honor to meet him as part of our mission to bring home the Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and chart […]
- [Pope Leo XIV visits Augustinian nuns he has known for years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-visits-augustinian-nuns-montefalco): “A moment of great familiarity” is how Abbess Maria Cristina Daguati of the Augustinian convent in Montefalco, Italy, described Pope Leo XIV’s visit on Thursday. After visiting the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi and meeting with the Italian bishops on Nov. 20, the pope traveled to the Italian city of Montefalco to celebrate Mass at the monastery of the Augustinian nuns, erected in the 13th century and one of the oldest and most significant spiritual centers in the Umbria region. After meeting with the Italian bishops in Assisi, Pope Leo XIV traveled to the Augustinian monastery of St. Clare of Montefalco, […]
- [Pope Leo's Zoom Call and First Apostolic Journey](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leos-zoom-call-and-first-apostolic-journey): Last week, we partnered with the Vatican to bring Pope Leo on a Zoom call to 16,000+ teenagers in the U.S. for the Pope’s first “digital visit.” We also premiered a mini docuseries in the Vatican on Christ the King, a Feast instituted only 100 years ago. The EWTN series investigates the roots of Christ’s Kingship in a world wrestling with power, authority, and hope.  In a Europe losing sight of its Christian roots, the Church asks not just how to arrest decline—but how to re-imagine its role in a new cultural landscape. In Rome, continuing the theme of hope […]
- [Liturgical singing requires 'a deep spiritual life,' Pope Leo XIV says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/liturgical-singing-and-spiritual-life): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday praised the “precious” ministry of liturgical music and told choir members from around the world that their service at the altar must be sustained above all by a deep life of prayer. He later used his pre-Angelus remarks to appeal for the release of hostages kidnapped in Nigeria and Cameroon and to encourage young people on World Youth Day.  The pope celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Square for the Jubilee of Choirs on the Solemnity of Christ the King, telling choristers and musicians that their vocation is to lead God’s people into the mystery of worship.  “Dear […]
- [Why Pope Pius XI established the feast of Christ the King in 1925](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/feast-of-christ-the-king-in-1925): The feast of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 following his encyclical Quas Primas. Today it is celebrated on the final Sunday before Advent.  Quas Primas Quas Primas was Pope Pius XI’s profound response to the rising tide of secularism and nationalism in the early 20th century.  In his introduction, Pope Pius wrote: “Manifold evils in the world were due to the fact that the majority of men had thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law out of their lives; that these had no place either in private affairs or in politics; and we said further that as […]
- [FULL TEXT of Pope Leo’s Apostolic Letter “In unitate fidei”](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-of-pope-leos-apostolic-letter-in-unitate-fidei): The PDF version of the Apostolic Letter In unitate fidei by Pope Leo XIV can be downloaded here. This is the text of the document: LEO XIV APOSTOLIC LETTER IN UNITATE FIDEI ON THE 1700th ANNIVERSARY OF THE COUNCIL OF NICAEA 1. In the unity of faith, proclaimed since the beginning of the Church, Christians have been called to walk in harmony, guarding and transmitting the gift they have received with love and joy. This is expressed in the words of the Creed, “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God… for our salvation he came down from […]
- [The Jubilee of the Poor Becomes a Day of Service](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-jubilee-of-the-poor-sant-egidio): Rome’s celebration of the Jubilee of the Poor unfolded as a living reminder that the Church’s mission begins with encounter. In continuity with the 9th World Day of the Poor, established by Pope Francis in Misericordia et Misera, the Vatican hosted Mass with Pope Leo XIV and a shared lunch inside its walls. Across the city, one of the most moving gatherings took place in Trastevere, where the Community of Sant’Egidio welcomed 150 homeless people and struggling families into the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. Paolo Stifano, who is a student serving Sant’Egidio, described their approach. “We talk with […]
- [The Church and Europe in Conversation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/secularization-europe-and-the-church): To strengthen dialogue between the Church and society across Europe, the Holy See relies on the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE). Bringing together bishops’ representatives from EU member states, COMECE serves as a bridge between the Church and European institutions, offering guidance on social, ethical, and cultural issues shaping public life. Shortly after his election, Pope Leo met with a COMECE delegation on May 23, underscoring the importance of this mission. In a time marked by rapid secularization, individualism, and cultural change, COMECE works to support bishops in engaging society and promoting a renewed sense […]
- [New Christ the King Video Series](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christ-the-king-video-series): This year marks 100 years since Pope Pius XI first instituted the Feast of Christ, King of the Universe.  To commemorate the centenary, EWTN Ireland has produced a new four-part series exploring what the kingship of Christ truly means — in Scripture, in history, and in the lives of believers today. The series premieres from the Vatican to the whole world, bringing its message from the heart of the Church. Fr. Bernard McGuckin explains how the idea of kingship has shaped human life and Christian faith: “After the French Revolution, the kingships disappeared pretty well all over the world with […]
- [Pope Leo XIV’s Historic First Apostolic Journey to Turkey and Lebanon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-historic-first-apostolic-journey-to-turkey-and-lebanon): From November 27 to December 2, Pope Leo XIV will make the first apostolic journey abroad of his pontificate, traveling to Turkey and Lebanon. The trip carries both historical and spiritual weight. Pope Leo has chosen to complete a journey originally envisioned by Pope Francis, who had hoped to visit Turkey to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea.  Pope Leo XIV’s first stop is Turkey, beginning with meetings with national leaders in Ankara on November 27. From there, he will spend three days with Christian communities and religious leaders. He will meet the local community at […]
- [Nicene Creed at 1700: The Christian Profession of Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/nicene-creed-at-1700-the-christian-profession-of-faith): “I believe in one God…” — just a few words that, for two thousand years, have shaped the faith of billions of people. But what does it really mean to recite the Creed? And how did it begin? The Creed Christians recite every Sunday is not a random text. It was forged in the life of the first Christian communities and stood at the center of the earliest disputes about the faith. By the second century, those preparing for baptism were already professing a simple Trinitarian formula: “I believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Here in […]
- [Vatican news: Pope Leo XIV Mourns Violence in Nigeria](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-mourns-violence-in-nigeria): The most important news from the Vatican this week: Pope Leo XIV Mourns Violence in Nigeria and Calls for Global Solidarity Pope Leo XIV has expressed profound sorrow over the escalating violence in Nigeria, where both Christian and Muslim communities have recently suffered devastating attacks. Condemning the brutality affecting innocent families, he urged the international community to respond with urgency, encouraging dialogue, reconciliation, and concrete efforts to protect the vulnerable. The Holy Father emphasized that peacebuilding requires courage and unity, calling on world leaders and the faithful alike to work tirelessly to safeguard human life. Liturgy Should Remain Sober, Sacred, […]
- [Belarus pardons 2 Catholic priests after talks with Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/belarus-pardons-two-catholic-priests-vatican-talks): Two Catholic priests in Belarus will be released from prison in an act of “goodwill” after national leaders engaged in talks with the Vatican. The state media organ BelTA reported on Nov. 20 that Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko “pardoned two Catholic priests convicted of serious crimes against the state.” The pardons of Father Henrykh Akalatovich and Father Andzej Yukhnevich came after “intensification of contacts with the Vatican, as well as the principles of goodwill, mercy, and the jubilee year proclaimed by the Roman Catholic Church,” the government media organization said.  A separate press release from the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Belarus expressed […]
- [What do we know about the presentation of Mary?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-we-know-presentation-of-mary): It’s easy to conceptualize the presentation of the Lord because we find it in Scripture. Luke’s Gospel tells of the Holy Family’s journey to the Temple when Jesus was 8 days old. According to Jewish custom, Jesus was to be circumcised and Mary purified.  There Mary and Joseph meet the prophets Anna and Simeon, who recognized the child as the Messiah who would bring about the fall and rise of many and become a sign of contradiction and the cause of a sword that would one day pierce Mary’s heart. We celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Lord […]
- [Pope Leo XIV prays at tomb of St. Francis of Assisi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prays-tomb-st-francis-assisi): Pope Leo XIV traveled to Assisi on Thursday to meet with Italian bishops and pay homage to St. Francis in a visit marked by silence and prayer, part of the celebrations for the eighth centenary of the death of the “saint of the poor.” According to Vatican News, the pontiff traveled from the Vatican by helicopter and arrived in the Italian city shortly after 8 a.m. local time. He landed at the Bastia Umbra stadium and from there traveled by car to the heart of Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio adopted his name upon becoming […]
- [Pope Leo XIV Live with Catholic Youth: NCYC 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ncyc-2025-pope-leo-xiv-digital-visit): Join Pope Leo XIV live from the Vatican as he participates in a first-ever digital visit to the United States for a real-time dialogue with 5 American teenagers about their concerns in front of over 15,000 youth in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.
- [UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV meets with his home state’s governor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-illinois-governor-pritzker): Pope Leo XIV met with the governor of his native Illinois, JB Pritzker, on Wednesday at the Vatican. The first lady of the U.S. state known as “The Land of Lincoln,” MK Pritzker, accompanied the governor during his visit. “It was an honor for MK and me to meet with @Pontifex — a son of Illinois — to express the pride and reverence of the people of this great state,” Pritzker, who is Jewish, said following the meeting in a social media post.  A statement from the governor’s office said: “As the first American pope, a native Illinoisan, and an advocate […]
- [How Pope Leo XIV typically spends his day off](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-pope-leo-xiv-spends-his-day-off): In reply to journalists’ questions last night as he left Castel Gandolfo, which he now regularly visits, Pope Leo XIV described what his typical Tuesday day off is like. The pontiff shared that he does “a little reading, a little work. Every day there is correspondence, phone calls; there are some matters that are perhaps more important, more recent. A little tennis, a little swimming.” A passionate tennis fan since childhood, the Holy Father in May receivedat the Vatican Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, currently ranked second in the world (behind Carlos Alcaraz) and at that time was ranked first. When […]
- [Pope Leo XIV says he hopes to visit Portugal, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-hopes-to-visit-portugal-mexico-latin-america): Pope Leo XIV told reporters he would love to travel and that his top destinations are the Marian shrines of Fátima in Portugal and Guadalupe in Mexico. He also said he would “of course” like to return to Peru as well as visit Argentina and Uruguay. The pope shared his hopes during an impromptu press conference as he left the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday evening, Nov. 18. When asked when he would return to Peru and Latin America, the Holy Father explained that in 2025, “during the jubilee year, we’re going ahead living each day with activities, […]
- [Pope Leo appoints Nigerian priest assessor for general affairs of the Secretariat of State](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-appoints-nigerian-priest-secretariat-state): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday appointed Nigerian priest Father Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo as assessor for general affairs of the Vatican Secretariat of State. Ekpo, 44, succeeds Father Roberto Campisi, who was appointed permanent observer of the Holy See to UNESCO in September. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the activities of Catholic international organizations connected to the Vatican. The Nigeria-born priest first began his service with the Holy See in 2016. He worked with the Vatican’s Section for General Affairs for six years between 2016 and 2023. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him undersecretary of the […]
- [Synod on Synodality reports reveal continued study on women, but not female diaconate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-on-synodality-women-roles-not-female-diaconate): Reports from the Synod on Synodality published this week reveal that expert groups continue to discuss women’s participation in the Church but not the specific question of a possible female diaconate, which has been turned over to a newly-revived 2020 commission. The reports also show that a new group on the liturgy, requested by Pope Leo XIV, is not addressing the Vatican’s controversial restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass. According to a report published Nov. 17, during the second session of the Synod on Synodality in October 2024, Pope Francis “reactivated the work” of a papal commission on the female […]
- [Abuse of consecrated women: ‘The first words should be: I believe you, you are not alone’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/i-believe-you-abuse-consecrated-women-church): The challenge of addressing abuse within consecrated life — in all its dimensions: sexual, power, conscience, and also economic — was the focus of an international meeting organized by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors held at the Maffei Marescotti Palace in Rome. Under the theme “Building Communities that Safeguard Dignity,” representatives of religious institutes from some 20 countries are gathering Nov. 17–19 to share experiences, examine structural shortcomings, and work on the preparation of the third annual report, which will involve 40 communities. The commission’s president, Archbishop Thibault Verny, thanked the nearly 60 participants from various countries […]
- [Pope Leo XIV calls for ecological conversion and support for contemplative life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ecological-conversion-contemplative-life): At his Nov. 19 general audience, Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to “connect faith with reality,” saying that the death and resurrection of Christ form the foundation of an integral ecology and the Christian call to care for creation. “The death and resurrection of Jesus, therefore, are the foundation of a spirituality of integral ecology, without which the words of faith remain unconnected to reality and the words of science remain outside the heart,” he said. Continuing his catechesis series on the Resurrection and the challenges of the contemporary world, the pope rooted his reflection in the Gospel of John, […]
- [Virgin Mary doesn’t have ‘the role of holding back God’s wrath,’ Vatican expert says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-expert-mary-not-co-redemptrix-mediatrix): Following the reaction to the new Vatican document Mater Populi Fidelis(“Mother of the Faithful People”), Father Maurizio Gronchi, a Christology expert and consultant to the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, warned that considering the Virgin Mary as “Co-Redemptrix” or “Mediatrix” distorts the Christian faith and leads to a superstitious view. “It is superstition to think that the Virgin Mary has the role of holding back God’s wrath. Whoever thinks this way is not in accordance with the Gospel,” Gronchi told ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. The expert spoke about the new document this week alongside Cardinal Víctor […]
- [Pope Leo XIV on Nigeria: ‘Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-christians-muslims-slaughtered-nigeria): Both Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered in Nigeria, where there is terrorist activity over economic questions, Pope Leo XIV told journalists as he left his Castel Gandolfo residence on Tuesday evening. “I think in Nigeria, in certain areas, there is certainly a danger for Christians, but for all people. Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered,” he said, addressing a question from EWTN News about the safety of Nigerian Christians on Nov. 18. “There’s a question of terrorism. There’s a question that has to do a lot with economics, if you will, and control of the lands that they have,” […]
- [‘Dignitatis Humanae’ at 60: Vatican II’s Decisive Stand for Religious Freedom](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dignitatis-humanae-60-vatican-ii-religious-freedom): COMMENTARY: The early history of the landmark document manifests the significant doctrinal development, which led the Catholic Church to proclaim the vital importance of religious liberty for modern society. On Dec. 7, 1965, on the penultimate day of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI gave his official approval to the Council’s declaration on religious freedom, Dignitatis Humanae, along with three other documents. This document is brief and, as a “declaration,” is more limited in scope than the four constitutions. Nonetheless, the text was the fruit of an intense process of elaboration and forms a key part of the Council’s teaching.  The topic […]
- [3 things to know about the 2 papal basilicas dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/three-things-st-peter-st-paul-basilicas-rome-2): Nov. 18 is celebrated in the Catholic Church as the feast day of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul. Here are three things to know about the historical, architectural, and spiritual significance of these two papal basilicas: 1. Historical significance of the Nov. 18 feast day  In the fourth century, the world’s first Christian Roman emperor, Constantine, commissioned the construction of two separate basilicas over the burial sites of St. Peter and St. Paul to enable the public veneration of the two great apostles, martyrs, and evangelizers of Rome. After Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire […]
- [Pope Leo XIV encourages stronger climate actions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-stronger-climate-actions): Pope Leo XIV said ”stronger climate actions will create stronger and fairer economic systems” in a video message to the local Churches of the Global South gathered at the Amazonian Museum in Belém, Brazil, for the United Nations climate conference (COP30). The Holy Father greeted the representatives of bishops’ conferences from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia on Nov. 17, joining “the prophetic voice of my brother cardinals who have taken part in COP30, telling the world with words and gestures that the Amazon region remains a living symbol of creation with an urgent need for care.” COP30, which […]
- [Pope Leo XIV says missionaries ‘become a presence everywhere of the whole Church’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-missionaries-presence-of-the-church): In an audience with members of the diplomatic service at the papal missions, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that they have been chosen to “become a presence everywhere of the whole Church and, in particular, of the pastoral solicitude of the pope, who presides over it in charity.” Within the context of the Jubilee of Hope, the Holy Father recalled that the holy year is “a providential opportunity to rediscover and deepen the beauty of our vocation, that is, our common call to holiness, which commits us each day to be witnesses of Christ, the living hope for the world.” Reflecting […]
- [Pope Leo XIV holds protection of minors ‘deep in his heart’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-protection-of-minors-message): Pope Leo XIV sent a message Nov. 17 to participants in the meeting for “Building Communities that Protect Dignity,” promoted by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. The Holy Father said that efforts to build communities where the dignity of minors and the most vulnerable is protected and promoted are a matter that he holds “deep in his heart.” The pontiff explained that “dignity is a gift from God” and that it is not something obtained through merit or force but rather “a gift that precedes us: It is born from the loving gaze with which God has loved us […]
- [Pope Leo asks for liturgy that is ‘sober in its solemnity’ while respecting popular piety](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-sober-reverent-liturgy-popular-piety): Pope Leo XIV urged parishes to invest in liturgical formation, especially for lectors, while also encouraging people to pray the Liturgy of the Hours and calling for attention to be paid to popular piety. While receiving participants in a course organized by the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of St. Anselm in Rome at the Apostolic Palace for diocesan liturgical pastoral workers, the Holy Father said that “in the dioceses and parishes there is a need for such formation” and encouraged the creation of “biblical and liturgical courses” in places where such formation programs are lacking. Through such courses, the pope said the institute […]
- [Lebanese Catholics abroad await Pope Leo XIV’s visit to their homeland with hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lebanese-catholics-await-pope-leo-xiv-visit): Members of the Lebanese Catholic diaspora are anticipating Pope Leo XIV’s three-day visit to Lebanon, taking place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, with great hopes the new pontiff will continue his papal predecessors’ solidarity with the Middle East’s most Christian country. While Lebanon’s current population currently stands at 5.8 million people, an estimated 14 million to 18 million people of Lebanese origin live in other countries, according to a 2024 Australian National University Migration Hub report. Since the mid-1970s, millions of Lebanese have left the country after witnessing decades of instability and destruction brought about by the 1975–1990 Lebanese […]
- [Pope Leo XIV laments distortion of the Gospel for ‘particular interests’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-distortion-of-the-gospel): Pope Leo XIV lamented that there are cultural spaces where the Gospel is “distorted by particular interests” during a meeting with the Catholic Biblical Federation at the Vatican on Monday. “New generations inhabit new digital environments where the word of God is easily overshadowed. New communities often find themselves in cultural spaces where the Gospel is unfamiliar or distorted by particular interests,” the pope said Nov. 17. The Catholic Biblical Federation is an international organization — led by Cardinal Luis Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization — whose main goal is to promote the knowledge, dissemination, study, and pastoral […]
- [3 things to know about the 2 papal basilicas dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/three-things-st-peter-st-paul-basilicas-rome): Nov. 18 is celebrated in the Catholic Church as the feast day of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul. Here are three things to know about the historical, architectural, and spiritual significance of these two papal basilicas: 1. Historical significance of the Nov. 18 feast day  In the fourth century, the world’s first Christian Roman emperor, Constantine, commissioned the construction of two separate basilicas over the burial sites of St. Peter and St. Paul to enable the public veneration of the two great apostles, martyrs, and evangelizers of Rome. After Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges ‘thinking the faith’ amid risk of cultural emptiness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-thinking-the-faith-cultural-emptiness): Pope Leo XIV on Friday urged academics to “think the faith” in order to confront what he called an increasingly pervasive “cultural emptiness.” The pope spoke at a ceremony inaugurating the academic year at Rome’s Pontifical Lateran University, the ecclesiastical university under the direct control of the Holy See, an event that brought together more than a thousand students and professors.  In his address, Pope Leo XIV highlighted what he called the Lateran University’s unique and “altogether special” bond with the successor of Peter, a characteristic that he said has shaped its identity and mission from the beginning. He recalled […]
- [Pope Leo XIV praises the ‘silent and hidden love’ of cloistered nuns](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-praises-hidden-love-of-nuns): Pope Leo XIV praised the “silent and hidden love” of cloistered nuns who, he said, are free from the slavery of society’s focus on outward appearances. Focusing on the contemplative dimension of the Augustinian nuns, Pope Leo recalled that their founder, St. Augustine, reflected in his book “Confessions” on the joy granted “to those who serve the Lord out of pure love.” In his address, delivered from the Paul VI Audience Hall on Nov. 13, the pope offered his reflection during an audience at the Vatican with participants in the Ordinary Federal Assembly of the Federation of Augustinian Monasteries of Italy. He […]
- [Pope Leo XIV visits new health clinic for the poor under St. Peter’s colonnade](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-new-health-clinic-for-the-poor): Pope Leo XIV on Nov. 14 visited a new outpatient clinic in the Vatican, built beneath the colonnade of St. Peter’s Square, in the lead-up to the ninth World Day of the Poor, which will be celebrated on Sunday, Nov. 16. The new health center aims to strengthen assistance and increase health care services for those in need, according to a statement from the Office of the Papal Almoner, also known as the Dicastery for the Service of Charity.  The center was made possible through the collaboration of the Health and Hygiene Directorate of the Governorate of Vatican City State and […]
- [Pope Leo XIV presents 62 indigenous artifacts to Canadian bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-indigenous-artifacts-canada): In a Saturday meeting, Pope Leo XIV received Monsignor Pierre Goudreault, Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière and president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, at which the Holy Father gifted dozens of artifacts that originated with Indigenous peoples of the North American country.  Leo at the meeting donated 62 pieces from the ethnological collections of the Vatican Museums to the Canadian bishops. Bishop Goudreault was accompanied by Archbishop Richard Smith of Vancouver and Father Jean Vézina, secretary general of the Canadian bishops. “It is an act of ecclesial sharing, through which the Successor of Peter entrusts to the Church in Canada […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to movie makers: Film can portray ‘longing for the infinite’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-film-longing-for-the-infinite): Pope Leo XIV told representatives of the global film industry on Saturday that cinema is far more than entertainment, calling it a vehicle capable of expressing humanity’s deepest spiritual search and its longing for the infinite. The pope received a group of filmmakers, actors, and producers at the Apostolic Palace Nov. 15. Among those greeting him were Academy Award–winning Australian actress Cate Blanchett, American actor Chris Pine, Italian actresses Monica Bellucci and Maria Grazia Cucinotta, and Oscar-winning director Spike Lee. Ahead of the audience, the Vatican released a list of some of the pope’s favorite films, including “The Sound of Music” […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Where the world sees threats, the Church sees children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-church-sees-children-not-threats): Celebrating Mass for the Jubilee of the Poor on the Ninth World Day of the Poor, Pope Leo XIV urged Christians not to retreat into a closed or “religious” world of their own, but to help make human society “a space of fraternity and dignity for all, without exception.” Presiding in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, the pope reflected on the “day of the Lord” and the upheavals of history, saying that Christ’s promise remains secure even amid war, violence, and deep social wounds. Quoting the prophet Malachi, he described the “day of the Lord” as the dawn of a […]
- [Pope Leo XIV shares lunch with more than 1,300 people in need at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-lunch-world-day-of-the-poor): Pope Leo XIV had lunch on Sunday with more than 1,300 people experiencing poverty and social exclusion, gathering with them in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall for a festive meal marking the World Day of the Poor. The hall was transformed into a vast dining room for the occasion. The event was organized by the Congregation of the Mission on behalf of Vincentian missionaries worldwide, who this year celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of their congregation and of the Daughters of Charity. Volunteers served lasagna, breaded chicken with potatoes, and the traditional Italian dessert babà. As on similar […]
- [A Journalist’s Eyewitness to the Second Vatican Council](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/journalists-eyewitness-second-vatican-council): VATICAN CITY — Sixty years ago, on December 8, 1965, the Catholic Church concluded one of the most transformative events in its modern history: the Second Vatican Council. For nearly four years, thousands of bishops and theologians gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica to discern how the Church could speak to a world in rapid social and cultural change. Among those who witnessed it firsthand was Gianfranco Svidercoschi, a young journalist who would later become Vice Director of L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican’s official newspaper. At just 25 years old, Svidercoschi experienced the Council up close — and today remains one of […]
- [Pope Benedict XVI and His Search for Truth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-benedict-xvi-relativism-and-truth): HAMBURG, GERMANY / VATICAN CITY — On April 18th, 2005, German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger delivered a memorable sermon in St. Peter’s Basilica. It was shortly after the death of John Paul II — and no one knew that Ratzinger would be elected Pope the next day: “Today, having a clear faith based on the Creed of the Church is often labeled as fundamentalism. Whereas relativism, that is, letting oneself be ‘tossed here and there, carried about by every wind of doctrine,’ seems the only attitude that can cope with modern times. We are building a dictatorship of relativism that does […]
- [Blessed Eduard Profittlich: Uniting Estonia in Faith and Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/blessed-eduard-profittlich-uniting-estonia-in-faith-and-hope): VATICAN CITY / TALLINN, ESTONIA — Once known as one of the most secular nations in Europe, Estonia is quietly witnessing a renewal of faith. The country’s small but growing Catholic community has been inspired by the witness of its first blessed — Blessed Eduard Profittlich — a German-born priest who gave his life for the Church during the Soviet occupation. Born in Germany, Profittlich served as Apostolic Administrator of Estonia, ministering to Catholics across the Baltic nation. When Soviet forces occupied Estonia, he refused to abandon his flock, declaring that a shepherd must share the fate of his people. […]
- [Builders AI Forum: A.I. at the Church's Service](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/builders-ai-forum): ROME, ITALY — From November 6th to 7th, experts in artificial intelligence, technology companies, and investors gathered at the Pontifical Gregorian University for the Builders AI Forum — a landmark event dedicated to exploring how artificial intelligence can serve the mission of the Catholic Church in education, health care, media, and evangelization. The gathering brought together voices from both the Church and the tech world in a shared effort to ensure that technology remains a tool for good. EWTN’s Andreas Thonhauser reflected on the significance of this collaboration: “you also have a lot of speakers or participants here from the […]
- [Pope Leo Warns on AI and Modern Addictions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-warns-on-ai-and-modern-addictions): In this week’s Vatican updates, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful reminder that the Church must be anchored in the person of Christ rather than in worldly measures of success. Addressing a record number of pilgrims at his weekly general audience, the Holy Father cautioned against trends that prioritize popularity, influence, or institutional power over the Gospel itself. “Faith must remain rooted in the Gospel,” he affirmed, emphasizing that the strength of the Church comes not from external acclaim but from spiritual integrity and the steadfast witness of believers. A Call for Ethical Leadership in Artificial Intelligence Looking ahead to […]
- [Why 3 Popes Say the Antichrist Novel ‘Lord of the World’ Predicted Our Times](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-popes-say-lord-of-the-world-predicted-our-times): In Benson’s prophetic vision, the Church persists amid a godless world obsessed with progress, pleasure and power. In 2015, on a flight back to the Vatican from the Philippines, Pope Francis told journalists: “There is a book … it is called Lord of the World. The author is Benson … I suggest you read it. Reading it, you’ll understand well what I mean by ideological colonization.” He went on to describe the novel as prophetic, especially in regard to modern developments such as secularism, relativism and the notion of “progress” detached from any spiritual or moral anchor.  The book in question — Lord […]
- [Pope Leo calls for ‘prudent’ evaluation of supernatural phenomena to avoid superstition](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prudence-supernatural-phenomena): Pope Leo XIV during an address at the Vatican on Thursday called for the “prudent” evaluation of supernatural phenomena to avoid falling into superstition. “To avoid falling into superstitious illusion, it is necessary to evaluate such events prudently, through humble discernment and in accordance with the teachings of the Church,” the Holy Father said to participants in a Nov. 13 meeting organized by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints that reflected on the relationship between mystical phenomena and holiness of life. The conference focused on the theme “Mysticism, Mystical Phenomena, and Holiness.” Upon receiving the participants at the Vatican, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV highlights example of Argentine businessman Enrique Shaw](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-highlights-example-enrique-shaw): Pope Leo XIV honored the late Argentine businessman Enrique Shaw as one whose life demonstrates that “one can be both an entrepreneur and a saint” and that “economic efficiency and fidelity to the Gospel are not mutually exclusive.” In a message to participants of the 31st Industrial Conference of Argentina, taking place Thursday in Buenos Aires, Leo emphasized the harmony between Shaw’s Christian faith and his business practices, which he said showed that Catholic social teaching “is not an abstract theory or an unworkable utopia but a possible path that transforms the lives of individuals and institutions by placing Christ […]
- [Vatican bank reinstates couple fired for violating prohibition on married employees](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-bank-reinstates-couple-fired-over-marriage-rule): The Vatican bank has rehired a married couple fired last year for breaking the financial institution’s internal regulations forbidding workplace marriages. The Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR) — which manages financial assets entrusted to it by the Holy See, the Vatican City State, and Catholic institutions globally — rehired the couple in a negotiated settlement following the couple’s filing of a wrongful termination lawsuit in January, a union for Vatican lay employees announced Wednesday. Silvia Carlucci and Domenico Fabiani married on Aug. 31, 2024. The IOR fired the couple a month later, on Oct. 2, citing a rule introduced […]
- [Vatican declares alleged apparitions of Jesus in France ‘not supernatural’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dozule-apparitions-not-supernatural): The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) has declared that the alleged apparitions of Jesus in Dozulé, France, do not have an authentic divine origin and are therefore “not supernatural.” The prefect of the dicastery, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, confirmed the declaration based on the Norms for Discerning Alleged Supernatural Phenomena in a document released Nov. 12 and addressed to the bishop of Bayeux-Lisieux, Jacques Habert. In 1972, Madeleine Aumont claimed that Jesus had appeared to her, asking the Church to build a giant “glorious cross” in Dozulé, next to a “shrine of reconciliation.” Furthermore, the alleged visionary claimed that Jesus had […]
- [In Turkey and Lebanon, Pope Leo Will Find Ruins and Roots of Catholic Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-turkey-lebanon-visit): COMMENTARY: Turkey is largely bereft of Christianity, while Lebanon still has a vibrant Christian presence. Pope Leo XIV’s first overseas trip will take him to two ancient, historic lands, both lands of the Bible and of the early Church. But Turkey and Lebanon are connected to each other by a difficult, shared past and present sharp contrasts today.  Ottoman Turkey ruled what is now Lebanon for more than 400 years, and Ottoman rule on Mount Lebanon ended in 1918, amid a wartime famine that killed hundreds of thousands of people, most of them Maronite Christians.   Turkey today is a […]
- [Pope Leo XIV proposes 19th-century Indian religious as a model of women’s emancipation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mother-elisva-vakhai-beatification): Pope Leo XIV spoke of the beatification this week of Mother Elisva Vakha’i, a 19th-century Indian religious and founder of the Third Order of the Teresian Discalced Carmelites, highlighting her “courageous commitment to the emancipation of the poorest girls.” “The witness of Mother Elisva Vakha’i,” the pope affirmed during his greetings in Italian at the end of his general audience on Nov. 12, “is a source of inspiration for all who work in the Church and in society for the dignity of women.” The beatification ceremony on Nov. 8 was held in the square in front of the Basilica-Shrine of Our Lady […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Fraternity is ‘one of the great challenges for contemporary humanity’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-fraternity-humanity-challenge): Pope Leo XIV reflected Wednesday on the world’s need for fraternity — a gift from Christ that frees us from selfishness and division. Fraternity “is without doubt one of the great challenges for contemporary humanity, as Pope Francis saw clearly,” the pope said during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Nov. 12. “The fraternity given by Christ, who died and rose again, frees us from the negative logic of selfishness, division, and arrogance,” he added. Continuing his meditations on Christ’s death and resurrection, Leo said “to believe in the death and resurrection of Christ and to live paschal […]
- [Pope asks Benedictines to confront modern challenges with prayer, study, holiness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-benedictines-modern-challenges): Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday celebrated Mass at a Benedictine monastery in Rome, where he urged the monks to confront modern challenges with prayer, study, and personal holiness. Sant’Anselmo Church, located on the Aventine Hill, was consecrated on Nov. 11, 1900. It is part of a residential college and offices of the Benedictine Confederation, the governing body of the Order of St. Benedict. St. Anselm was a Benedictine monk and doctor of the Church. Upon his arrival at Sant’Anselmo Church, Leo was welcomed by the abbot primate of the Benedictines, Jeremias Schröder, who symbolically handed over the keys of the […]
- [Spreading the Faith under Communist Regime](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/spreading-the-faith-under-communist-regime): Central Asia’s first laywoman, who spread the faith under Soviet occupation, up for beatification. The connection between Cardinal John Henry Newman and AI, and, how the Jubilee of Education celebrates him as Doctor of the Church. In an ever-evolving age of technology, we explore what St. John Henry Newman would have to say about artificial intelligence. With the declaration of Newman as Doctor of the Church, the Jubilee of the World of Education was celebrated as one of the longest Jubilee events. Celebrations at Rome’s Colosseum and inside the Vatican also commemorated the 60th anniversary of Nostra aetate, the declaration that addresses the Catholic Church’s […]
- [Vatican confirms investigation into alleged antisemitic act of Swiss Guard](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/swiss-guard-antisemitism-investigation): The Pontifical Swiss Guard this week opened an internal investigation to clarify an alleged act of antisemitism committed by one of its guards against two Jewish women in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican confirmed.  “The Pontifical Swiss Guard received a complaint regarding an incident that occurred at one of the entrances to Vatican City State in which elements interpreted as antisemitic were allegedly detected,” Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni stated on Monday. The reported incident took place during Pope Leo XIV’s Oct. 29 general audience commemorating the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the 1965 declaration on the Church’s relations […]
- [Pope Leo XIV warns AI could fuel ‘antihuman ideologies’ in medicine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-ai-medicine-warning): Pope Leo XIV warned Monday that artificial intelligence could exacerbate “antihuman ideologies” in medicine as Catholic doctors and moral theologians raise alarms about the future of AI in health care. In a message on Nov. 10 to an international congress on “Artificial Intelligence and Medicine: The Challenge of Human Dignity,” hosted by the Pontifical Academy for Life, the pope said that ensuring “true progress” in medicine depends on keeping the dignity of every human at the forefront. “It is easy to recognize the destructive potential of technology and even medical research when they are placed at the service of antihuman ideologies,” […]
- [Vatican releases ‘Leo from Chicago’ biopic](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-from-chicago-documentary): The Vatican has officially released the documentary “Leo from Chicago” about the life of Pope Leo XIV in the United States, coinciding with the sixth month of the pontificate of the first American and Peruvian pope in the history of the Catholic Church. The documentary premiered Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. Rome time and was screened at the Vatican Film Library for journalists accredited to the Holy See Press Office. At 6 p.m. Rome time it was published on the Vatican News YouTube channels in English, Italian, and Spanish, according to a statement from the Dicastery for Communication. The documentary was produced by the Dicastery for Communication […]
- [Pope Leo XIV may visit Sri Lanka, Vatican diplomat says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-sri-lanka-visit): A top Vatican diplomat has raised the possibility of a papal visit to Sri Lanka as the two nations marked 50 years of diplomatic relations this month, a milestone reached as the island nation emerges from years of political turmoil and economic crisis. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, visited Sri Lanka Nov. 3–8 to commemorate the diplomatic ties established Sept. 6, 1975. During meetings with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and other key officials, Gallagher said Pope Leo XIV may consider visiting the country in recognition of its progress toward peace and […]
- [‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ among Pope Leo XIV’s favorite films](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-favorite-movies): The Vatican has revealed the names of Pope Leo XIV’s favorite films, including “The Sound of Music” and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” upon announcing the Holy Father’s upcoming meeting with the world of cinema on Saturday, Nov. 15. In total, the Vatican shared four titles of the “most significant films” for Leo XIV: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946) by Frank Capra The Christmas classic stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has sacrificed his dreams because of his sense of responsibility and generosity but feeling like a failure, he contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve. This prompts the intervention […]
- [New book recounts anecdotes from Pope Leo XIV’s life, including the day he was reported dead](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-biography-book): His voice reveals, above all, the gratitude he feels toward his friend, Pope Leo XIV. From this friendship, forged over more than three decades, comes the Spanish-language book “From Robert to Leo,” published by Mensajero, in which Armando Lovera, originally from Iquitos, Peru, recounts various little-known episodes from the pontiff’s life, like the day many parishioners in Trujillo, Peru, thought that Father Robert Prevost had died. “In reality, it was a young man, an aspiring Augustinian, who died in a bus accident while traveling to Lima for the new year,” Lovera explained in an interview with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news […]
- [Pope Leo XIV appoints Augustinian from Nigeria as official of Papal Household](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-appoints-augustinian-from-nigeria): Pope Leo XIV has appointed a longtime confrere and friend, Nigerian priest Edward Daniang Daleng, OSA, as vice regent of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, the second-highest position in the Vatican office that organizes audiences with the pope.  The prefecture also takes care of the preparations related to papal ceremonies, the spiritual exercises of the Holy Father, and gatherings of the College of Cardinals and the Roman Curia. Furthermore, it handles the necessary arrangements whenever the Holy Father leaves the Apostolic Palace to visit places within Rome or Italy. Daniang has been a general councilor and, most recently, procurator […]
- [Pope Leo XIV revives tradition during first Christmas of his pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-revives-christmas-traditions): Pope Leo XIV celebrates his first Christmas at the Vatican by reviving the tradition of offering Christmas Mass on Dec. 25 in St. Peter’s Basilica, something no pope has done since 1994. The Christmas celebrations — which will be marked by the closing of the Holy Doors — will begin on the evening of Dec. 24, when the pontiff will celebrate Christmas Eve Mass at 10 p.m. local time in St. Peter’s Basilica. The schedule represents a change from recent years, when during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Christmas vigil Mass was moved to 7 p.m. Before 2009, it took place […]
- [Full text: Pope Leo XIV’s Christmas night homily](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-christmas-night-homily): Pope Leo XIV celebrated Christmas Mass during the Night in St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday. The Mass was attended by an estimated 6,000 people inside the basilica, while around 5,000 people gathered outside in St. Peter’s Square, according to the Vatican. Below is the full text of the pope’s Christmas night homily: Dear brothers and sisters, For millennia, across the earth, peoples have gazed up at the sky, giving names to the silent stars, and seeing images therein. In their imaginative yearning, they tried to read the future in the heavens, seeking on high for a truth that was absent […]
- [Where does the ‘Feast of the 7 Fishes’ Christmas Eve tradition come from?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/feast-of-the-seven-fishes-christmas-eve-origin): There are numerous Christmas Eve traditions families around the world take part in, whether it’s watching a certain movie together, baking cookies for Santa, opening one present before going to bed, or eating a specific meal for dinner. The Feast of the Seven Fishes — in Italian “La Vigilia,” which means “The Eve” — is one of these Christmas Eve traditions. So, where does this tradition come from? This feast stems from the southern part of Italy and spans generations. Before 1861, Italy was made up of different regions. Each had its own government, however, and the southern regions were […]
- [UPDATED: Pope asked Illinois governor to veto assisted suicide bill](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-illinois-assisted-suicide-veto): Pope Leo XIV appealed to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to veto a bill legalizing assisted suicide during a Vatican meeting last month, the pope told reporters Tuesday. The pope, responding to a question from Rudolf Gehrig of EWTN News, said he made his opposition to the bill clear in the November conversation with the governor.  Leo told Pritzker it was important to defend the value of life and that every life is sacred, the pope told reporters outside the papal villa of Castel Gandolfo before his return to Rome. The Vatican had not earlier provided details of the meeting. Pritzker […]
- [Trafficking victims rise worldwide as experts, survivors call for stronger action](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/human-trafficking-victims-rise-worldwide): Fifty million people are currently being trafficked around the world, according to the 2023 Global Slavery Index, driving over $236 billion into the hands of criminals, with numbers continuing to rise. The 2024 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report documented that between 2019 and 2022 the number of identified trafficking victims increased by 25%, forced labor rose by 47%, and the number of child victims rose by 31%, with a dominating 38% increase in girls.  Earlier this month, the Sovereign Order of Malta, Praeveni Global, the Santa Marta Group, and the Institute of Anthropology of the Pontifical […]
- [Christ at the Center: How Tradition Anchors the Development of Doctrine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christ-at-the-center-development-of-doctrine): COMMENTARY: The only true metric for the authentic exercise of ecclesial authority is Christological — grounded in the cross and the Crucifixion. In a previous article, I wrote about the need for the Catholic Church to foster in the faithful a proper sense of ecclesial tradition. In that first essay, I argued against a false dialectic between a runaway progressivism that treats tradition like a Rorschach inkblot onto which one can project any interpretation one desires, and a moribund traditionalism that rejects most modern magisterial developments of doctrine on controverted matters as “modernist novelties.” I stand by that claim and hold […]
- [Lessons From the Christmas Gospels](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lessons-from-the-christmas-gospels): COMMENTARY: The first witnesses to the messianic birth are not the great and the good but the lowly shepherds. The Roman Missal provides four distinct Mass texts for the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord: the “Vigil Mass,” the “Mass During the Night,” the “Mass at Dawn,” and the “Mass During the Day.” The Gospel readings for these Christmas Masses teach important lessons at Christmas 2025.  The Vigil Mass Gospel, Matthew 1:1-25, includes the evangelist’s “genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” and concludes with the story of Joseph’s angelic vision and his decision […]
- [Pope Leo in apostolic letter calls for renewed priestly formation, fraternity, and mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-renewed-priestly-formation): Pope Leo XIV calls for renewed priestly formation, stronger priestly fraternity, and a more missionary focus in pastoral ministry in an apostolic letter released by the Vatican on Monday. The document, “A Fidelity That Generates the Future,” reflects on two decrees of the Second Vatican Council: Optatam Totius — on priestly formation — and Presbyterorum Ordinis — on the ministry and life of priests — both promulgated in 1965. Leo urges Catholics to keep reading the two conciliar texts in Christian communities and to study them “particularly in seminaries and in all places of preparation and formation for ordained ministry.” An apostolic letter is a formal papal document, typically addressed to the Church, meant […]
- [Pope Leo XIV tells Vatican employees doing work well gives glory to God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-vatican-employees-work-glory-god): Pope Leo XIV told Vatican and Holy See employees to see their daily work as part of the Church’s mission, saying that doing one’s job well “gives glory to the Lord.” Meeting the workers for a Christmas greeting on Dec. 22, the pope said he is still getting to know the Vatican and experiences it as “a great mosaic” made up of many offices and services. He said he hopes, with God’s help, to meet employees as he visits different workplaces. Reflecting on the Nativity scene, Pope Leo pointed to the many figures shown at work — each carrying out a task — as a […]
- [FULL TEXT of Pope Leo’s Apostolic Letter “A fidelity that generates the future”](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-a-fidelity-that-generates-the-future): The PDF version of the Apostolic Letter A fidelity that generates the future by Pope Leo XIV can be downloaded here. This is the text of the document: APOSTOLIC LETTERA FIDELITY THAT GENERATES THE FUTUREOF THE HOLY FATHERLEO XIVON THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONCILIAR DECREESOPTATAM TOTIUS AND PRESBYTERORUM ORDINIS 1. A fidelity that generates the future is what priests are called to today. Appreciating the value of perseverance in the apostolic mission gives us the opportunity to reflect on the future of our ministry and to help others experience the joy of the priestly vocation. The sixtieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, which occurs […]
- [Saints of Christmas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saints-of-christmas): I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! As this holy day approaches, we look back on the month and see how St. Lucy’s Day traditions prepare us for the coming of Christ. And we explore inside the Vatican to witness the Christmas preparations, including the Nativity Scene inspired by St. Alphonsus’ well-known Christmas hymn: Tu scendi dalle stelle.  To learn more about this hymn, we travel to Puglia to discover its very origins. As gifts are exchanged this Christmas, we recall the saintly origins of this practice in St. Nicholas of Bari. Thank you for your continued support, […]
- [These are Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intentions for 2026](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prayer-intentions-2026): The pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network has released Pope Leo XIV’s list of prayer intentions for the year 2026. Every month, Pope Leo asks Catholics around the world to pray for a particular intention. This initiative is accompanied by a video in which the pontiff expresses the reasons why he has chosen that particular intention. Below is the complete list of Pope Leo’s prayer intentions for 2026. January: For prayer with the word of God Let us pray that praying with the word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a […]
- [The ‘most valuable’ gift to give this Christmas, according to Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-most-valuable-christmas-gift): Pope Leo XIV told the young people of Italian Catholic Action that they can perform a simple gesture that would be the best gift this Christmas: make peace. “Before the holy night of Christmas, think of someone with whom you can make peace,” the pontiff urged members of the organization, founded in 1868, which has established itself as one of the main lay organizations of the Church in Italy. ‘A gift more valuable than those you can buy in stores’ “It will be a gift more valuable than those you can buy in stores, because peace is a gift that […]
- [St. Francis and the story of the first Nativity scene](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-francis-first-nativity-scene): It’s a well-known origin story: how the young and wealthy Francis of Assisi freely abandoned his noble patrimony to serve Christ’s Church as a poor, itinerant preacher. One of the world’s most beloved saints, the founder of the Franciscan order cared deeply for God’s creation. He also loved Christmas, the solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. St. Francis’ meditations on the life of Christ led him to create the first-ever Nativity scene in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. From the Holy Land to Italy It is believed Francis’ inspiration to do a live representation of the birth of Jesus came […]
- [Pope Leo XIV writes preface to book that shaped his spiritual life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-book-shaped-spiritual-life): Pope Leo XIV has written the preface to a new Vatican edition of the book “The Practice of the Presence of God,” a spiritual work he says is “one of the texts that has most shaped my spiritual life.” “The Practice of the Presence of God” is a 17th-century spiritual classic written by the Carmelite friar Lawrence of the Resurrection. The pontiff shared the personal importance of this work during the return flight to Rome at the end of his first international trip to Turkey and Lebanon earlier this month. “It’s a very simple book, by someone who doesn’t even […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: The person and families must be at center of labor system](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-families-center-of-labor): Pope Leo XIV advocated for a labor system that serves individuals and families so that the dignity of each employee is recognized and his or her real needs are met. During a Dec. 18 audience at the Vatican with members of the Order of Employment Consultants, the Holy Father highlighted three aspects that he considers particularly important in the business world: the dignity of the person, mediation, and the promotion of safety. At the beginning of his address in the Apostolic Palace, the pontiff emphasized that at the heart of any work dynamic “should neither be capital, nor the laws of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV strengthens legal protections for employees of the Vatican and Holy See](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-vatican-labor-reforms): Pope Leo XIV approved new labor regulations at the Office of Labor of the Apostolic See (ULSA, by its Italian acronym), the Holy See’s body responsible for managing labor relations for personnel working in the Roman Curia, the Governorate of Vatican City State, and other entities directly administered by the Apostolic See. The reform, established through a pontifical rescript signed on Nov. 25, introduces significant changes that strengthen institutional representation, improve internal coordination, and underscore the pontiff’s care for employees and the application of the Church’s social doctrine. The document that has been released — corresponding to the ULSA’s new statute — details, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV highlights key virtues for final days of Advent](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-advent-virtues-st-joseph): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday highlighted four virtues of St. Joseph — “piety and charity, mercy and trust” — as guides for Catholics in the final days of Advent leading up to Christmas. Speaking during his Angelus address from the window of the Apostolic Palace on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the pope said the day’s liturgy invited the faithful to reflect on St. Joseph, especially “at the moment when God reveals his mission to him in a dream.” Calling the Gospel episode “a very beautiful page in salvation history,” Leo described Joseph as a man who is “fragile and fallible — […]
- [From Saint to Santa: The True Story of St. Nicholas of Bari](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/santa-claus-the-true-story-of-st-nicholas-of-bari): Everyone knows Santa Claus—the jolly, gift-bearing figure who arrives on Christmas Eve to delight children around the world. Yet behind the red suit and sleigh stands a real historical figure: Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop whose legacy is deeply rooted in faith, generosity, and courage. In Bari, the vibrant capital of Italy’s Puglia region, Saint Nicholas is far more than a legend. His name echoes through streets, alleyways, and along the seaside, uniting believers and skeptics alike in a devotion that blends religious faith with cultural identity. At the heart of this devotion stands the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV warns against destructive spiral of autonomous weapons and escalation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-autonomous-weapons-warning): Pope Leo XIV warned against the destructive spiral fueled by the arms race and the development of autonomous weapons, and called for an “unarmed and disarming” peace — one that springs from the resurrection of Christ — as the only answer to the world’s challenges. “The peace of the risen Jesus is unarmed, because his was an unarmed struggle in the midst of concrete historical, political, and social circumstances,” the pontiff wrote in his message for the 59th World Day of Peace, which will be celebrated on Jan. 1, 2026. Its text was released Dec. 18 by the Holy See Press Office. […]
- [Pope Leo makes surprise visit to children’s Christmas concert at Castel Gandolfo school](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-surprise-christmas-concert): Pope Leo XIV enjoyed a special Christmas concert this week dedicated to him by students of the Paul VI Pontifical School in Castel Gandolfo. During his surprise visit to the school, which has about 300 students, the Holy Father listened attentively to the children and applauded enthusiastically at the end of their concert. The pontiff delivered an impromptu greeting to the children, who sang Christmas carols in several languages for him. “It was wonderful to hear the Christmas carols in Italian, Latin, English, and Spanish,” he said at the end of the concert, as reported by Vatican News. “Hearing these […]
- [Christmas Comes to Life in Vatican City](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christmas-in-vatican-city): Christmas has arrived at the Vatican, transforming Vatican City into a place of light, beauty, and reflection as pilgrims and tourists gather to experience the season’s traditions. St. Peter’s Square has been filled with festive symbols, including a life-size Nativity Scene, an 80-foot-tall Christmas tree, and the return of the international exhibition “100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican.” Now in its eighth edition, the exhibition features 132 Nativity scenes from 23 countries, displayed beneath the left-hand colonnade of Bernini as part of the cultural initiative “Jubilee is Culture.” Visitors from around the world paused to admire the craftsmanship on display. […]
- [St. Lucy's Day Shines Light on Christmas ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-lucys-day-shines-light-on-christmas): Candles, processions, and songs of light mark one of Scandinavia’s most cherished traditions. In the heart of winter, when darkness dominates the Nordic landscape, St. Lucy’s Day transforms December into a luminous celebration of hope. A Festival of Light in the Darkest Days Although Nordic societies today are largely secular, the figure of St. Lucy — the “bearer of light” — continues to hold a special place, particularly in Sweden. Each year on December 13, the early Christian martyr is honored with candlelit processions in schools, town squares, and churches. The celebration is embraced by believers and non-believers alike, offering […]
- [Updates: Final Jubilee Events and Pro-Life Christmas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/final-jubilee-events-and-pro-life-christmas): Welcome to this week’s Vaticano Updates, bringing you the most important news from Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican as the Jubilee Year of Hope draws to a close. Jubilee of Prisoners: Justice as Reconciliation Pope Leo XIV celebrated a special Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on the occasion of the Jubilee of Prisoners, addressing inmates, prison guards, and their families. In his homily, the Holy Father emphasized that no human being should be defined solely by his or her actions. He stressed that justice must always be understood as a path toward reparation and reconciliation, rather than punishment alone. […]
- [End of the Jubilee: When will the Holy Doors in Rome close?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/when-will-the-holy-doors-in-rome-close): Just a few weeks remain until the closing of the holy year, which was inaugurated by Pope Francis on Dec. 24, 2024. On Jan. 6, 2026, Pope Leo XIV will be the one to close the enormous bronze door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, through which nearly 30 million pilgrims have passed during the last 12 months seeking a plenary indulgence.  This Holy Door is slated to be reopened in 2033, when the Church celebrates the Extraordinary Holy Year of the Redemption. The schedule for closing rites of the Holy Doors of the main papal basilicas in Rome […]
- [Here’s Some Good News: The Jubilee of Hope Isn’t Over Yet](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-hope-continues): EDITORIAL: Just how desperately we need hope in today’s troubled world was made apparent though the darkness of the events that occurred in the middle of this Advent season. From a Catholic perspective, clearly the biggest news story of the year was the death of Pope Francis in April and the subsequent election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope in the Church’s 2,000-year history. Arguably, though, Pope Leo’s elevation to the papal office was only the second-biggest Catholic event of 2025. In terms of our faith lives, the Jubilee Year of Hope might hold even more significance — […]
- [Three Anniversaries to Relaunch the Catholic Church’s Missionary Zeal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/three-anniversaries-renew-church-missionary-mission): COMMENTARY: ‘Ad Gentes,’ ‘Evangelli Nuntiandi’ and ‘Redemptoris Missio’ offer a potent reminder that the faithful are a key component of the Church’s mission to evangelize the world. Advent, the beginning of the Catholic Church’s year, is not just a time for personal resolutions, but also ecclesial ones. It’s an opportunity for the pilgrim Church on earth, having finished another nourishing journey through the liturgical year, to examine herself, focus anew on the essentials, and recommit herself to the mission Christ has entrusted to her.   She does this within the threefold dynamism of Advent, as she ponders the Incarnation and […]
- [Pope Leo Picks Fellow Chicagoan with ‘Missionary Spirit’ as New York’s Next Archbishop](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-appoints-bishop-hicks-new-york-archbishop): Bishop Hicks has a diverse and impressive skillset. But how will his Midwestern sensibilities fare in the Big Apple? In his most significant U.S. episcopal appointment to date, Pope Leo XIV is going back to his Chicago roots, tapping a young prelate with a remarkably similar background to his own as the next archbishop of New York. The Pope’s pick for the Big Apple is Bishop Ronald Hicks, 58, the current ordinary of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, and a fellow native of Chicago’s south suburbs. Bishop Hicks’ impending appointment was first reported by Spanish outlet Religión Digital on Dec. 15, and EWTN […]
- [Vogue magazine includes Pope Leo XIV on its list of best dressed of 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vogue-best-dressed-pope-leo-xiv-2025): Although “papal fashion,” meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail, has evolved over time, the popes’ attire still holds profound symbolism that continues to capture the attention of many. Proof of this is the recent naming of Pope Leo XIV as one of the 55 best-dressed people of 2025 by Vogue magazine, one of the most prestigious and recognized fashion and beauty publications in the world. Pope Leo XIV shares this distinction with athletes, actors, singers, politicians, and models, including Rosalía, Rihanna, Bad Bunny, actress Jennifer Lawrence, and tennis player Venus Williams. The American magazine, founded in 1892, highlights in its annual […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: True treasure is found in the heart, not ‘too much doing’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-true-treasure-heart): Pope Leo XIV said Wednesday true satisfaction is found not in the accumulation of money or things, or by “too much doing,” but by returning to Jesus Christ, the source of hope, love, and joy. “We are absorbed by many activities that do not always leave us satisfied … We have to assume responsibility for many commitments, solve problems, face difficulties,” the pope said at the general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 17.  “Yet,” he added, “we often perceive how too much doing, instead of giving us fulfillment, becomes a vortex that overwhelms us, takes away our serenity, […]
- [UPDATE: New York’s new archbishop-designate vows to ‘serve faithfully’ while remaining a Cubs fan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-yorks-new-archbishop-designate-vows-to-serve-faithfully): The newly announced leader of the Catholic Church in New York expressed “heartfelt gratitude” on Dec. 18 for having been appointed to the post by Pope Leo XIV. Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks, who will head the Archdiocese of New York after leading the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, said at a Thursday press conference that he accepted the Holy Father’s appointment “with great humility” and “an open heart.”  Hicks addressed media at St. Patrick’s Cathedral alongside outgoing Cardinal Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who turned 75 earlier this year, the customary age at which a prelate submits his resignation to the Holy See.  The […]
- [“Tu Scendi dalle Stelle”: Story of a Christmas Carol](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/tu-scendi-dalle-stelle-story-of-a-christmas-carol): In the rolling hills of southern Italy, tucked away in the region of Puglia, stands a sanctuary steeped in centuries of prayer, silence, and sanctity. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Consolazione in Deliceto has quietly welcomed remarkable saints whose spiritual legacy continues to resonate far beyond its stone walls. Today, the sanctuary’s doors are opened by Father Luca Preziosi, its rector, who guides visitors through a place where holiness once took flesh in the lives of hermits, pastors, and poets of faith. Father explains: “Blessed Felice da Corsano, an Augustinian hermit who lived here for thirty years in this […]
- [BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV to appoint next archbishop of New York](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-appoint-next-archbishop-of-new-york): Pope Leo XIV has chosen Bishop Ronald Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, to be the next archbishop of New York — the most consequential U.S. episcopal appointment of Leo’s pontificate thus far. The appointment was confirmed by EWTN News with two independent sources with direct knowledge of the appointment. Hicks, 58, will succeed Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who has led New York, the second-largest U.S. archdiocese by population — with 2.5 million Catholics — since 2009. The choice of Hicks for one of the most important U.S. archdioceses is likely to be heavily scrutinized for the insight it may […]
- [Tourism operators celebrate religious dimension of work at jubilee pilgrimage in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-of-tourism-pilgrimage-rome): About 400 people participated in a Jubilee of Tourism pilgrimage in Rome on Monday evening, celebrating the unique role the industry plays in supporting the faith and religious experience of millions of pilgrims and tourists. Isabella Ruggiero, president of the Associazioni Guide Turistiche Abilitate (Associations of Qualified Tourist Guides), who helped organize the jubilee dedicated to tourism workers, said the Dec. 15 pilgrimage was a way to bring together the professional community that daily supports visitors to Italy and the Vatican. “This special jubilee is dedicated not only to tourist guides but to all those who work in the world […]
- [Miracle of the liquefaction of blood of St. Januarius is repeated in Naples, Italy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/miracle-st-januarius-blood-naples): The miracle of the liquefaction of the blood of St. Januarius, patron saint of the Italian city of Naples, occurred again on Tuesday, Dec. 16. According to the Archdiocese of Naples, the miracle took place after Mass in the Royal Chapel of the Treasure of St. Januarius on the feast of the patronage of St. Januarius. “At 9:13 a.m. local time, the blood already appeared semi-liquid. At 10:05 a.m., the complete liquefaction was announced,” the archdiocese reported. “Dec. 16 is the third of three annual celebrations in honor of the martyred saint. This date commemorates the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in […]
- [When the Vicar of Christ Joins the Media Scrum](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-media-scrums-commentary): COMMENTARY: What are the advantages, perils and unwanted consequences of Pope Leo XIV’s Tuesday evening ‘doorstep’ exchanges with the press at Castel Gandolfo? It has become a new papal convention. Every Tuesday evening, as Pope Leo XIV departs for the Vatican after his now routine day of rest at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo just outside Rome, he will stop and chat with the press.  Reporters ask the Holy Father questions relating to whatever is in the news, usually to do with world politics or the Catholic Church, and the Pope spontaneously responds with unrehearsed answers. The format […]
- [‘Seeking Beauty’ travel show with David Henrie premieres at Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/seeking-beauty-david-henrie-vatican-premiere): The first episode of a new travel show, hosted by Catholic actor and director David Henrie, premiered at the Vatican’s movie theater on Monday evening. “Seeking Beauty,” which will debut on EWTN’s free streaming platform EWTN+ on Jan. 19, 2026, is a series documenting Henrie’s exploration of the beauty of art and culture in six Italian cities. Henrie and executive producer Edmundo Reyes, with other crew members, were present for the airing of Episode 1 inside Vatican City on Dec. 15. The premiere was followed by a Q-and-A with Henrie, Reyes, and Peter Gagnon, president of EWTN Studios, moderated by Andreas Thonhauser, chief […]
- [With special permission, prisoners travel to Rome for the jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/prisoners-travel-rome-jubilee-special-permission): The last major event of the Jubilee of Hope was dedicated to prisonersaround the world, some of whom during the past weekend were able to experience freedom and fulfill a dream: to go see Pope Leo XIV. Víctor Aguado, director of prison ministry in Valencia, Spain, accompanied a group of prisoners to the Eternal City, many of whom had spent more than 12 years behind bars. Thanks to special permission, they were able to travel and become living witnesses that “hope breaks down walls and that dignity cannot be taken away.” In a conversation with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, […]
- [The Beauty And Power Of The O Antiphons](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/beauty-and-power-of-the-o-antiphons-4039): Every year, from Dec. 17 to Dec. 23, the Church’s liturgy enters a more intense and proximate preparation for Christ’s coming at Christmas.
- [Pope Leo XIV condemns attack on Sydney’s Jewish community, prays for victims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-condemns-sydney-jewish-attack): Pope Leo XIV on Monday condemned a deadly attack on the Jewish community in Sydney and entrusted the victims to God in prayer. “Today I wish to entrust to the Lord the victims of the terrorist attack carried out yesterday in Sydney against the Jewish community,” the pope said Dec. 15, referring to a shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that left at least 15 people dead and some 40 others injured. The Holy Father expressed his spiritual closeness to those affected by the violence, which occurred as more than 1,000 people had gathered to mark the start […]
- [Pope thankful for pro-life Nativity scene that ‘represents a life preserved from abortion’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-pro-life-nativity-scene-vatican): Pope Leo XIV on Monday thanked Costa Rican artist Paula Sáenz Soto for donating a pro-life Nativity scene to the Vatican, named “Gaudium” (“Joy”), which features a pregnant Virgin Mary. “I thank the Costa Rican artist who, along with the message of peace of Christmas, also wanted to make an appeal for protecting life from conception,” the pope said during the audience he granted Dec. 15 to the delegations that prepared this year’s Christmas tree and Nativity scenes that will adorn the Vatican during the Christmas season. The artwork from the Central American country has been on display since Dec. 15 […]
- [Pope Leo XIV, in meeting with award committee, calls for concrete acts of charity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-concrete-charity-human-fraternity): Pope Leo XIV urged concrete acts of charity and solidarity in a world marked by conflict as he met with the committee that chooses recipients of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. “In a time marked by increased conflict and division, we need authentic testimonies of human kindness and charity to remind us that we are all brothers and sisters. Words are not enough,” the pope told the delegation at the Vatican on Dec. 11. Leo praised the committee for continuing the legacy of Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb in promoting compassion and fraternity, calling their work a […]
- [The Most Important Trips of Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-most-important-trips-of-pope-francis): From the very first months of his pontificate, Pope Francis turned travel into a defining pastoral gesture. His journeys were never diplomatic formalities, but deliberate encounters with suffering, hope, and forgotten peoples. Step by step, flight by flight, his trips traced the spiritual geography of a Pope determined to reach the world’s peripheries. Lampedusa: Where It All Began Just months after his election, Pope Francis made a choice that would set the tone for everything that followed. On July 8, 2013, instead of a carefully planned pilgrimage, his first trip outside Rome took him to the tiny Mediterranean island of […]
- [Pope warns about risks to Church when intelligence agencies ‘act for nefarious purposes’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-warns-intelligence-agencies-church): Pope Leo XIV warned that intelligence agencies in some countries work against the Catholic Church, “oppressing its freedom” by using confidential information for “nefarious purposes.” In an audience at the Vatican on Friday with people who work in Italy’s intelligence sector, the pope recalled the importance of conducting their jobs both ethically and morally. “We must be vigilant to ensure that confidential information is not used to intimidate, manipulate, blackmail, or discredit politicians, journalists, or other actors in civil society. All of this also applies to the ecclesial sphere,” he said on Dec. 12. Speaking in the Hall of Blessings, Leo urged […]
- [Pope Leo praises Christian archaeology, capable of ‘bringing to light anonymous holiness’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-christian-archaeology-hidden-holiness): On the centenary of the founding of the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology, Pope Leo XIV published a new apostolic letter in which he praised Christian archaeology as a work capable of “giving a voice to the silence of history” and of “bringing to light the anonymous holiness of many faithful who have contributed to building up the Church.” “In today’s fast-paced world, there is a tendency to forget and to consume images and words without reflecting on their meaning. The Church, on the other hand, is called to educate people in memory, and Christian archaeology is one of its […]
- [Pope Leo XIV entrusts pontificate to the Virgin of Guadalupe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-entrusts-pontificate-our-lady-of-guadalupe): On Dec. 12, Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Mass on the solemnity of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whom he asked to come to his aid “so that she may confirm in the one true path that leads to the blessed Fruit of your womb all those who have been entrusted to me.” A large number of the faithful, mostly from the Mexican community residing in Rome as well as clergy and members of the Roman Curia, attended the ceremony held in St. Peter’s Basilica at 4 p.m. local time. The Holy Father delivered a homily in Spanish in […]
- [Swedish choir honors St. Lucy with songs in St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/swedish-choir-st-lucy-vatican-mass): A Swedish youth choir marked the feast of St. Lucy by singing at a Mass at the Vatican on Thursday, Dec. 11. Students from Nordiska Musikgymnasiet — The Nordic Music High School — in Stockholm performed traditional Swedish “Lucia songs” during an afternoon Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of the Italian saint’s Dec. 13 feast day. “It was just really amazing” singing in St. Peter’s Basilica, choir member Alfio Tota told EWTN News after the Dec. 11 Mass. “It’s so enormous … And the acoustics are very interesting.” The student recalled that though Sweden is a very secular country, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges mercy, reform as Jubilee of Prisoners closes Holy Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-jubilee-of-prisoners-vatican): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday presided over the final major celebration of the Holy Year, calling for renewed commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and hope as he celebrated a Jubilee Mass dedicated to prisoners in St. Peter’s Basilica. About 6,000 pilgrims from some 90 countries took part in the Jubilee of Prisoners, including detainees and their families, prison chaplains, correctional officers, police, and prison administrators. Participants came from across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, the United States, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Australia. In his homily, the pope […]
- [Vatican to unveil Nativity scene, light up Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 15](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-nativity-christmas-tree-dec-15): The Governorate of Vatican City State has announced the origins of the fir tree and Nativity scenes that will adorn St. Peter’s Square and the Paul VI Audience Hall this Christmas as well as those who prepared the tree’s decorations. The decorations in St. Peter’s Square will once again have an Italian touch. The chosen tree, an imposing 80-foot Norway spruce, comes from the town of Val d’Ultimo in Ultental, one of the most picturesque and lesser-known valleys of South Tyrol in the Alto Adige region of Italy. Along with the large tree, 40 smaller trees destined for Vatican offices and […]
- [Pope Leo XIV voices concern over renewed fighting in eastern Congo, urges dialogue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-congo-fighting-dialogue): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday voiced deep concern over renewed fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, urging an immediate end to violence and a return to dialogue in line with ongoing peace efforts. After leading pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square in praying the Angelus on the Third Sunday of Advent, the pope said he was “following with deep concern the resumption of fighting in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.” “While expressing my closeness to the people, I urge the parties in the conflict to cease all forms of violence and to seek constructive […]
- [The Francis Connection: How a Name Shaped a Pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-francis-connection-how-a-name-shaped-a-pontificate): When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in 2013, he introduced himself to the world not only as a new Pope, but under a new name. By choosing “Francis,” he offered an early and unmistakable clue to the spiritual compass of his pontificate—a compass pointing toward poverty, peace, creation, and dialogue. Why the Name Francis Mattered From the very beginning, Pope Francis made clear that his chosen name was not incidental. It was not inspired by Francis Xavier, the great missionary, but by Francis of Assisi, the saint of poverty, peace, and care for […]
- [The First Latin American Pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-first-latin-american-pope): When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope in 2013, the Catholic Church crossed a historic threshold. For the first time, the Bishop of Rome came from Latin America, carrying with him the faith, wounds, and hopes of an entire continent. Pope Francis did not simply arrive from the New World—he brought a new way of seeing, speaking, and walking with the people of God. White Smoke and a New Sound Never before had a Pope come from Argentina. Never before had the Catholic Church chosen a pontiff from the New World. For many in Latin America, the moment the […]
- [Pope Leo calls for promoting ‘cultural diplomacy’ to overcome borders and prejudices](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-cultural-diplomacy-archaeology): Pope Leo XIV on Dec. 11 emphasized the academic, cultural, and ecclesial value of archaeology and called for the promotion of “cultural diplomacy” to overcome borders and prejudices. Receiving members of the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeologyin an audience, the pope emphasized that its literary and monumental sources constitute an essential part of the “roots” of European society and nations. “Take part through your studies in that cultural diplomacy that the world so desperately needs in our day,” the pope urged, addressing the faculty, students, and staff of the center. To introduce his reflection, he referenced the motu proprio I Primitivi Cemeteri (“The […]
- [Vatican conference: Our Lady of Guadalupe in light of doctrinal note on titles of Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/guadalupe-vatican-conference-marian-doctrinal-note): “Do not let your heart be troubled. Am I not here, I who am your mother?” With this consolation — with which Our Lady of Guadalupe of Mexico addressed St. Juan Diego in December 1531 — a devotion was kindled that, almost five centuries later, continues to shape the spiritual identity of Mexico and all of the Americas. That same message, simple and profoundly consoling, still has a singular power today, especially “in the context of war and difficulties in the world we live in today,” said Father Stefano Cecchin, OFM, president of the Pontifical International Marian Academy, in an interview with ACI Prensa, […]
- [Female Diaconate: The Vatican Says No, but the Discussion Remains Open](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/female-diaconate-the-vatican-says-no-but-the-discussion-remains-open): This week brought a series of notable developments from the Vatican, where Pope Leo XIV addressed questions at the heart of Church life while engaging with some of today’s most urgent global challenges. From clarifying the Church’s position on the female diaconate to renewing calls for peace during his first apostolic journey abroad, the Pope also met with Ukraine’s president and implemented significant internal reforms. Together, these actions signal a pontificate moving with clarity and purpose. Vatican: No Female Diaconate The Study Commission on the Female Diaconate, created by Pope Francis, has concluded that women cannot be admitted to the […]
- [Pope Benedict’s Childhood Letter Inspires Today’s Advent Resolutions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/advent-resolutions-pope-benedict-letter): 10 prominent Catholics offer ways to tap into the wonder of a child this Advent. In 1934, a young 7-year-old Joseph Ratzinger penned a letter to Jesus requesting threee gifts for Christmas.  “Dear Baby Jesus, you will soon descend to earth,” the words written in German read. “You want to bring joy to children. You will also bring joy to me.” The young Ratzinger, who would one day be pope, concluded: “I would like a Volks-Schott, a green chasuble, and a Heart of Jesus. I always want to be good. Greetings from Joseph Ratzinger.” The words were written just before Christmas, […]
- [60 Years After Its Conclusion, Vatican II Still Speaks to Us](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-ii-60-years-still-speaks): COMMENTARY: The Church continues to be inspired by the rich insights and vitality of the last ecumenical council. On that windy Wednesday morning, Dec. 8, 1965, the Second Vatican Council came to an end.  In the presence of more than 2,300 Council Fathers, mostly bishops, and some 300,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding streets, Pope St. Paul VI presided over the solemn ceremony in which he formally declared the grand undertaking to be over and called for its decisions to be “religiously observed by all the faithful.” The moment was a festive one for the crowds who gathered […]
- [Lebanese Twins Capture Historic Papal Visit for Popular Instagram Account](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lebanese-twins-document-pope-leo-visit): Giovanni and Charbel Lteif, 21-year-old Maronite Catholic brothers, documented Pope Leo’s journey via their social-media apostolate. When Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon on Nov. 30, more than 100,000 people lined the streets of Beirut to welcome him. Among them were Giovanni and Charbel Lteif, 21-year-old Maronite Catholic twins who came not as passive bystanders but as documentarians of “Eastern Christians,” the social-media apostolate they founded two years ago to share the stories of Christians across the Middle East and North Africa. “Our story goes back 21 years to the moment we were born here,” they told the Register in a […]
- [Pontifical Yearbook goes digital: What is it and what does it contain?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-yearbook-goes-digital): The Vatican this week launched the first-ever digital version of its annual directory, creating an easier way to find reliable and up-to-date information about the Church’s structures and members all around the world. The red-covered Pontifical Yearbook — known in Italian as the “Annuario Pontificio” — is an important reference updated every year with Church statistics, the names and contacts of bishops, information about the departments of the Holy See, and more. The Pontifical Yearbook, in its current form, started in the early 20th century, though other versions of a book with information about the Catholic hierarchy and the Roman […]
- [Pope Leo XIV criticizes transhumanism: ‘Death is not opposed to life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-criticizes-transhumanism): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday rejected technological promises to indefinitely prolong human existence — such as those proposed by “transhumanism”— and said the resurrection of Christ “reveals to us that death is not opposed to life.” Speaking on a cold morning in St. Peter’s Square Dec. 10, the pontiff warned that numerous current anthropological visions “promise immanent immortality [and] theorize the prolongation of earthly life through technology.” That outlook, he said, is characteristic of “the transhumance scenario,” a phenomenon that “is making its way into the horizon of the challenges of our time.” In response, Leo urged people to consider […]
- [The pope urges ‘continued dialogue’ after receiving Zelenskyy in Castel Gandolfo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-zelenskyy-dialogue-castel-gandolfo): Pope Leo XIV received the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in audience today at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, the Holy See announced in a statement. The meeting, described as “cordial,” focused on the situation of the war in Ukraine and the prospects for the diplomatic initiatives currently underway. During the conversation, the Holy Father reiterated “the need to continue the dialogue” and renewed his “pressing desire” that diplomatic efforts might lead to “a just and lasting peace,” according to the statement released by the Vatican. The meeting also addressed particularly sensitive humanitarian issues. During the discussions, reference was […]
- [Former Hungarian ambassador reflects on 10-year term at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/eduard-habsburg-10-years-vatican-ambassador): Archduke of Austria Eduard Habsburg, who served as Hungary’s ambassador to the Holy See since 2015, described his post at the Vatican as “the greatest 10 years of my life.” Shortly before his farewell meeting with Pope Leo XIV on Nov. 21, Habsburg told EWTN News reporter Colm Flynn that after a decade on the job, he has “seen it all” and now wants to dedicate more time to his family, particularly his parents. “I felt that 10 years is a good term. It’s far longer than ambassadors usually have here,” he said in the exclusive interview. “I think I’ve […]
- [Benedict XVI’s former secretary hopes the pope’s beatification process will open soon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/gaenswein-benedict-xvi-beatification-hopes): Archbishop Georg Gänswein, former secretary of Pope Benedict XVI, said he hopes the beatification process will begin soon for the German pontiff, who died on Dec. 31, 2022. “Personally, I have great hopes that this process will be opened,” the archbishop and current apostolic nuncio to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia said in an interview with the television channel K-TV, which aired Dec. 7. According to current Church regulations, a potential beatification process for Pope Benedict XVI could only begin five years after his death unless the current pope grants special authorization before then, as Joseph Ratzinger himself did with John Paul II, waiving […]
- [Mariologists publish scathing critique of Vatican note on Mary’s titles](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mariologists-critique-vatican-mater-populi-fidelis): One of the Catholic Church’s foremost associations of Mariologists has issued a strongly critical response to Mater Populi Fidelis, a recently published Vatican doctrinal note that has been criticized for its diminution of some long-established devotional Marian titles. In a 23-page document published Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the International Marian Association Theological Commission (IMATC) points to various elements of Mater Populi Fidelis(“The Mother of the Faithful People of God”) that it calls erroneous, “unfortunate,” and says are in need of “substantial clarification and modification.”  They describe a significant element of the document as resembling Protestant rather than Catholic theology and urge, “in a […]
- [On solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, pope encourages renewing our ‘yes’ to God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-renew-yes-immaculate-conception-angelus): Pope Leo XIV led the Angelus prayer Dec. 8 from the window of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican on the occasion of the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Addressing the faithful and pilgrims in attendance in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff commented that on Dec. 8 we express our joy because the Father of heaven wanted her to be “preserved immune from all stain of original sin.” “The Lord has granted to Mary the extraordinary grace of a completely pure heart, in view of an even greater miracle: the coming of Christ the Savior,” he added. The pope also noted […]
- [Indigenous artifacts from Vatican welcomed in Montreal ceremony](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-returns-indigenous-artifacts-canada): Vancouver Archbishop Richard Smith said the 62 Indigenous cultural items received from the Vatican marks “a gift freely given” and an important step in rebuilding trust between the Catholic Church and Indigenous peoples. The artifacts, including a rare century-old Western Arctic kayak, were formally transferred to Indigenous leaders in Montreal as part of the Jubilee of Hope declared by Pope Francis. Before his death, the pope expressed his wish that the items be returned. Pope Leo XIV carried out that intention, gifting them from the Vatican Museums’ Anima Mundi collection to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) for immediate […]
- [What is ‘papal infallibility?’ CNA explains an often-misunderstood Church teaching](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-papal-infallibility-catholic-teaching-explained): On Dec. 8 the Catholic Church celebrates the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception — a paramount feast in the Church’s liturgical calendar and one that indirectly touches on a regularly misunderstood but important piece of Church dogma. The solemnity is the patronal feast of the United States and marks the recognition of the Blessed Mother’s freedom from original sin, which the Church teaches she was granted from the moment of conception. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that Mary was “redeemed from the moment of her conception” (No. 491) in order “to be able to give the free assent of her faith to […]
- [You heard of the popemobile, now meet the papal lawn mower](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-lawn-mower-vatican-garden-gift-swardman): The Vatican’s gardeners have a new tool for maintaining the papal grounds: a custom-designed electric lawn mower bearing the Holy See’s coat of arms. Pope Leo XIV received the white Electra 2.0 mower during a general audience in mid-November, a gift from Czech manufacturer Swardman. The specially commissioned model features leather-lined handles and was hand-assembled at the company’s facility in Šardice, Czech Republic. “It was an incredibly powerful experience full of humility and respect,” Jakub Dvořák, the company’s sales manager who personally presented the gift, told CNA. “The pontiff appreciated the Vatican’s coat of arms placed on the appliance, listened […]
- [‘Peace is possible,’ Pope Leo XIV says after visits to Turkey and Lebanon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-peace-possible-turkey-lebanon-angelus): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday said his apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon showed that “peace is possible,” pointing to renewed steps toward Christian unity and powerful encounters with the Lebanese people still seeking justice after the 2020 Beirut port explosion. Speaking after the Angelus to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square on Dec. 7, the pope recalled praying in İznik, ancient Nicea, with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, considered first among equals among Eastern Orthodox bishops, and representatives of other Christian communities on the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea.  Marking Sunday’s 60th anniversary of the Common Declaration between Pope […]
- [How can AI serve the common good and not just the powerful? Pope Leo XIV responds](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ai-human-dignity-common-good): Pope Leo XIV reflected Dec. 5 at the Vatican on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence during a meeting with members of the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation and participants in the Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities. In his address, the Holy Father pointed out that artificial intelligence affects certain essential characteristics of the human person, “such as critical thinking, discernment, learning, and interpersonal relationships.” For the pontiff, this has a real impact “on the lives of millions of people, every day and in every part of the world.” “How can we ensure that the development of artificial intelligence truly […]
- [Michael Bublé calls meeting Pope Leo XIV ‘one of the greatest moments of my life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/michael-buble-meets-pope-leo-xiv): Michael Bublé called meeting Pope Leo XIV on Friday “one of the greatest moments of my life,” adding that as he prepares to headline the Vatican’s annual Christmas concert for the poor, he hopes his example will encourage more people to speak openly about their faith. The Grammy-winning singer, known for his velvety voice and popular Christmas albums, said faith “changes everything in my life, every single interaction.” “When you say that you have strong faith, this is shocking to people, which is sometimes hard for me to understand,” Bublé said in response to a question from CNA at a Vatican press […]
- [Pope Leo XIV among the most viewed and searched on Wikipedia and Google in 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-top-wikipedia-google-searches-2025): The profile of Pope Leo XIV is among the most viewed pages on the digital encyclopedia Wikipedia, and his names — both the one he took upon beginning his pontificate on May 8 and his given name, Robert Francis Prevost — are among the most searched terms globally on Google during 2025. The Wikimedia Foundation, which supports Wikipedia, presented on Dec. 2 its list of “most read articles” in English. Pope Leo XIV in English holds fifth place. Wikimedia highlighted that one of the deaths that had the biggest impact during 2025 was that of Pope Francis, whom they remembered as “the first Latin American to become pope” […]
- [New Slovak Virgin Mary mosaic highlights spiritual bonds between Slovakia and Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/slovak-virgin-mary-mosaic-vatican-gardens): Just before the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a mosaic of Our Lady of Sorrows, Protectress of Slovakia, was inaugurated in the Vatican Gardens. Archbishop Bernard Bober of Košice, president of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, blessed the artwork during a ceremony attended by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, whom Pope Leo XIV received in audience the day before. Among other bishops and diplomats, two cardinals took part: the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Re, and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. The Slovak president said he was happy to see the Slovak Virgin […]
- [Christ Pratt to release documentary on tomb of St. Peter](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chris-pratt-documentary-st-peter-tomb): American actor Chris Pratt, best known for his roles in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Jurassic World,” is currently filming a documentary on the Vatican Necropolis, which lies underneath Vatican City containing tombs dating from the first to fourth century A.D., at depths varying between 16 and 39 feet below St. Peter’s Basilica.  The film, which is being produced by Vatican Media, the Fabric of St. Peter, and AF Films, will be released in 2026 for the 400th anniversary of the inauguration and dedication of the basilica.  Pratt will guide viewers on a journey to discover the tomb of St. […]
- [Relic of the Most Precious Blood of Christ Travels to Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/relic-of-the-most-precious-blood-of-christ-travels-to-rome): For the first time in over twelve centuries, the relic of the Most Precious Blood of Christ has left Mantua. Traditionally guarded in the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, the relic was brought to Rome to the Shrine of San Salvatore in Lauro, thanks to an initiative led by its rector, Monsignor Pietro Bongiovanni. Fr. Pietro Bongiovanni, parish priest of San Salvatore in Lauro, explained the significance of the visit, and what conditions led to it. “The occasion of the Jubilee provided, so to speak, a favorable opportunity. It is the first time that the Most Precious Blood has left the territory […]
- [Latvian Centennial Pilgrimage Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/latvias-pilgrimage-to-rome-during-jubilee-year): Latvia marked a significant milestone as Prime Minister Evika Siliņa joined a national pilgrimage from Latvia to Rome, commemorating 100 years since the country’s first official visit to the Eternal City. The historic journey brought together Latvian faithful to celebrate their Christian heritage and strengthen ties with the Holy See. At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV received the Latvian pilgrims, acknowledging their fears amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. He encouraged them not to lose hope and urged them to seek the peace that only God can give. Following the audience with the pope, Prime Minister Siliņa met with Fr. […]
- [RECAP: Pope Leo in Lebanon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-in-lebanon-recap): Following his historic visit to Turkey, Pope Leo XIV embarked on his first apostolic journey to Lebanon, a nation known as the land of cedars. Lebanon has been deeply marked by conflict and crisis, including recent bombings and years of economic collapse. Its people are looking to the pope’s visit with great hope, seeing in it a symbol of unity, peace, and renewal. For many Lebanese, the pope’s presence represents a source of enduring encouragement, “to bring hope, Christian hope that is for everybody, for Christians and not Christians, hope that never dies, that never lets you down. I expect […]
- [RECAP: Pope Leo in Türkiye](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/recap-of-pope-leos-trip-to-turkey): On his first trip abroad as pope, Pope Leo XIV chose a destination that physically and culturally lies between continents: Turkey. The visit opened in Ankara, the country’s capital, where he honored the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, at his mausoleum before meeting with political officials at the Presidential Palace. There, Pope Leo urged the country to embrace its unique vocation as a connector of civilizations. “Indeed, a society is alive if it has a plurality, for what makes it a civil society are the bridges that link its people together.” President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized religious coexistence […]
- [The kitchen friar’s book that inspires Pope Leo’s spirituality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/brother-lawrence-book-pope-leo-xiv): On the papal plane on the way home from his first international trip, Pope Leo XIV referenced a book that has greatly influenced his spirituality after being asked by a journalist about the conclave and what it’s been like becoming the pope. “Besides St. Augustine,” Pope Leo said that “The Practice of the Presence of God” by a 17th-century Carmelite friar named Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection is a book that can help anyone to understand his spirituality. “It’s a very simple book by someone who doesn’t even give his last name,” the pope told journalists on the papal plane Dec. 2. […]
- [Vatican commission rejects female diaconate, although without a ‘definitive judgment’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-panel-rejects-female-diaconate-proposal): The Vatican published on Dec. 4 the summary of the work carried out by the commissions studying the possibility of admitting women to the diaconate, presented to Pope Leo XIV by Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi. Petrocchi, the president of the Study Commission on the Female Diaconate created by Pope Francis, stated that — with seven votes in favor and one against — the possibility of admitting women to the diaconate as a degree of the sacrament of holy orders is ruled out. However, he emphasized that for the moment it is not possible “to formulate a definitive judgment, as in the […]
- [Leo XIV eliminates commission for donations to Holy See created by Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-eliminates-vatican-donations-commission): The Vatican announced on Dec. 4 a new decision by Pope Leo XIV regarding fundraising for the Holy See. Through the new chirograph Vinculum Unitatis et Caritatis, the Holy Father is eliminating the current Commissio de Donationibus (Donations Commission) structure created in February by Pope Francis to raise funds, which was approved “ad experimentum” (for temporary or provisional use) for three years. This commission was tasked with encouraging donations through specific campaigns among the faithful, bishops’ conferences, and other potential benefactors. The pontiff thus repealed the rules in force until now and established that they will no longer have “any canonical or legal force,” as […]
- [Powerful moments from Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Turkey and Lebanon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-trip-turkey-lebanon-powerful-moments): Pope Leo XIV’s first official papal trip from Nov. 27–Dec. 2 to Turkey and Lebanon has just ended. The wide-ranging international visit included historic ecumenical encounters, deeply symbolic gestures of prayer, and pastoral visits to Christian communities under pressure. Pope Leo highlighted the importance of unity, peace, and fraternity, and brought encouragement to a region marked by ancient faith and present suffering. Here are some of the most powerful moments from Pope Leo’s trip: Turkey Upon landing at the Esenboğa International Airport in Ankara, Turkey, Pope Leo was greeted by Turkish authorities and members of the military. Outside of the […]
- [Pope Leo reveals Mideast peace talks with Trump, Netanyahu, other regional players](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-middle-east-peace-talks): Pope Leo XIV has begun conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the need to halt violence and seek solutions in the Middle East, the pope told journalists on his Tuesday flight from Beirut to Rome. The wide-ranging news conference also touched on Ukraine, the Catholic Church in Germany, and Leo’s own election as pope, among other topics. In response to a question referring to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed political party and militia that holds significant influence in Lebanon, the pope said that during the trip he also held personal meetings with representatives of unnamed […]
- [Official Vatican documents can now be drafted in languages ​​other than Latin](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-curia-documents-non-latin-languages): The pope has approved the new General and Personnel Regulations of the Roman Curia, which come into effect Jan. 1, 2026, and which adapt the internal functioning of the Vatican bodies to the apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium, promulgated by Pope Francis in 2022. The document, approved “ad experimentum” (for temporary or provisional use) for five years, seeks to consolidate “an ecclesial service marked by a pastoral and missionary character.” Documents in Latin… or in other languages Among the most significant innovations is a historic change in linguistic matters. For the first time, the regulations stipulate that “the curial institutions will, as a general rule, […]
- [UPDATED: Pope Leo XIV calls Lebanon to stand up, be a home of justice and fraternity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-lebanon-calls-justice-unity): Beirut heard a different kind of voice on Tuesday morning. In a city still marked by the sounds of the 2024 escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, Pope Leo XIV urged Lebanon to rise above violence and division. “Lebanon, stand up. Be a home of justice and fraternity. Be a prophetic sign of peace for the whole of the Levant,” he said at a Mass attended by about 150,000 people at Beirut Waterfront. The liturgy closed the final day of the pope’s visit to a nation strained by intermittent political paralysis, economic freefall and persistent instability. The Waterfront itself carries symbolic […]
- [Aid to the Church in Need welcomes appointment of Cardinal Koch as its new president](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-kurt-koch-new-acn-president): The executive director of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Regina Lynch, thanked Pope Leo XIV for appointing Cardinal Kurt Koch as the new president of the pontifical foundation. “We very much look forward to having Cardinal Koch as our president and for the guidance he can bring to our mission to persecuted and suffering Christians all over the world. We are grateful to Pope Leo XIV for this appointment and for his interest in our work,” Lynch said. Koch is 75 years old and replaces Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, who is 81 years old and has led the institution […]
- [The Holy See closed the 2024 fiscal year with a surplus of $1.86 million](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-see-2024-financial-surplus): The Holy See closed the 2024 fiscal year with a surplus of 1.6 million euros ($1.86 million), according to the 2024 Consolidated Financial Statement published Nov. 26 by the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy. This result represents a substantial change compared with the deficit of 51.2 million euros ($59.5 million) recorded in 2023, according to the Vatican. The last public report from the Holy See was from 2020 — published in 2021 — and showed a deficit of 66.3 million euros ($77 million). The current report indicates that the financial improvement is based on a reduction in the operating deficit, […]
- [Pope Leo prays at Beirut blast site, meets families seeking justice](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-beirut-blast-site-prayer): Pope Leo XIV paused on the final morning of his trip to Lebanon before the ruins of the Beirut port explosion, praying in silence and placing a wreath in memory of the victims. He also met families of those killed and survivors still carrying the wounds of the 2020 blast. The pope lit a candle and laid down a wreath of red flowers at the site, and seemed at one point to hold back tears. Afterwards, he spoke with family members of victims, some of whom who were holding photographs of their relatives killed in the blast. The pope’s silent […]
- [Pope Leo urges Lebanon to place the sick at the center of society](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-lebanon-sick-center-society): Pope Leo XIV told hospital patients and caregivers in Lebanon that he had come to “where Jesus dwells,” adding that Christ is present “in you who are ill, and in you who care for the ailing.” He delivered the message during a Tuesday morning visit to De La Croix Hospital in Jal el Dib, one of the final stops of his trip to Lebanon as the country continues to struggle with the wounds of conflict and economic collapse. The Holy Father addressed staff, patients, and the Franciscan Sisters of the Cross who operate the institution. Pointing to the hospital’s founder, […]
- [Pope Leo to Lebanese youth: Love, not retaliation, is the real answer to evil](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-lebanese-youth-love-not-retaliation): Pope Leo XIV told thousands of young people in Lebanon on Monday that love, not retaliation, is the real force capable of transforming their country as it continues to grapple with the wounds of conflict and social instability. “The true opposition to evil is not evil, but love,” he said, calling the nation’s youth to rebuild their homeland through reconciliation, service, and a renewed rooting in faith. The gathering took place in the square before the Maronite Patriarchate of Antioch, in Bkerké, where the pope was welcomed by Patriarch Cardinal Béchara Boutros Raï. After greeting the crowd in a brief […]
- [Brother of Beirut explosion victim speaks ahead of Pope Leo IV’s visit to blast site](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/brother-of-beirut-explosion-victim-speaks-ahead-of-pope-leo-ivs-visit-to-blast-site): As part of his visit to Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV will pray at the site of the Aug. 4, 2020, Beirut port explosion — the largest nonnuclear blast in modern history. For William Noun, the brother of a victim, this initiative is crucial and a continuation of what Pope Francis began.  The explosion left more than 200 dead and 6,000 injured — 800 hospitalized in regular wards, 130 in intensive care. It particularly devastated East Beirut’s predominantly Christian neighborhoods. The scale of devastation surpassed anything Lebanon had experienced in decades: bloodied streets, collapsed buildings, and entire districts destroyed. The word most used by witnesses […]
- [Pope Leo tells Lebanese religious leaders unity and peace are possible](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-tells-lebanese-religious-leaders-unity-and-peace-are-possible): Pope Leo XIV told Lebanon’s religious leaders on Monday that their country remains a sign to the world that fear and prejudice do not have the final word. At an ecumenical and interreligious meeting in Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square, the pope said Lebanon shows that unity, reconciliation, and peace can take root even amid profound differences. In his address, the Holy Father recalled Pope Benedict XVI, who wrote in 2012 that the Church’s mission is to dialogue with followers of other religions, guided not by political interests but by theological truths rooted in faith. Pope Leo said Lebanon proves this kind […]
- [Pope Leo offers Lebanon a way to hope ‘even when surrounded by the sound of weapons’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-meets-lebanon-bishops-priests-religious): Pope Leo XIV told Lebanon’s bishops, clergy, and pastoral workers on Monday that Christians can remain steadfast in hope “even when surrounded by the sound of weapons,” urging them to look to the Virgin Mary as a model of faith in dark and uncertain times. Meeting them at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa on the second day of his apostolic visit, the pope said that Mary teaches believers how to persevere when daily life becomes a struggle. “It is in being with Mary at the foot of Jesus’ Cross that our prayer, that invisible bridge which […]
- [Finding God in Beauty: EWTN’s New Series Takes Viewers Across Italy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/finding-god-in-beauty-ewtns-new-series-takes-viewers-across-italy): Seeking Beauty is a new original documentary series from EWTN Studios, in partnership with Digital Continent and an association with Novo Inspire and Sacred Arthouse, that invites the audience to experience Italy through the transformative language of beauty — not simply as an artistic ideal, but as a pathway to encountering the divine. Hosted by actor, director, and producer David Henrie, widely recognized for his role in Wizards of Waverly Place and for his recent faith-centered filmmaking, the series breaks away from the conventions of traditional travel programming. Rather than positioning the host as an authoritative guide, Seeking Beauty presents Henrie as a fellow traveler — curious, reflective, […]
- [Pope Leo entrusts Lebanon to Saint Charbel’s intercession, prays at his tomb](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-prays-at-saint-charbels-tomb): Pope Leo XIV began his second day in Lebanon on Monday with a deeply symbolic pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint Charbel Makhlouf, entrusting the country and the wider Middle East to the intercession of the saint whom many Lebanese, Christians and Muslims alike, invoke as the “heavenly physician.” The pope traveled roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) by car from the Apostolic Nunciature in Harissa to the hilltop monastery of St. Maron in Annaya, where thousands of pilgrims come each year seeking healing and consolation. The monastery’s archives record nearly 30,000 miracles attributed to Saint Charbel’s intercession, including many reported […]
- [Don’t let Christmas take you by surprise: Advice on Advent from the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/advent-advice-from-the-church): The first Sunday of Advent 2025 is tomorrow, Nov. 30, less than four weeks before Christmas this year, and while the Church provides this time to allow you to be caught by the joy of the Incarnation, you can be easily caught by surprise that it is Christmas. To help remedy this surprise, the Church provides songs, signs, and symbols to enter into the season of Advent more fruitfully. Here are three ways the Church teaches us about the meaning of the season: Advent hymns Many of the customary hymns for Advent highlight the movement of the soul toward what […]
- [Advent: What is it and how should it be celebrated?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-advent-how-to-celebrate): Advent begins this year on Sunday, Nov. 30. Most Catholics — even those who don’t often go to Mass — know that Advent involves a wreath with candles, possibly a “calendar” of hidden chocolates, and untangling strings of Christmas lights. But Advent is much more than that. Here’s an explainer of what Advent is really about. What is Advent? The people of Israel waited for generations for the promised Messiah to arrive. Their poetry, their songs and stories, and their religious worship focused on an awaited savior who would come to them to set them free from captivity and to […]
- [Pope Leo says Erdogan talks focused on Gaza and Ukraine, sees Turkish role in peace efforts](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-erdogan-talks-gaza-ukraine-peace-role): Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that he discussed both the Gaza war and the conflict in Ukraine directly with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying that the two leaders found common ground on key points and that Ankara could play a significant role in new peace efforts. Leo told journalists on his flight from Turkey to Lebanon that Erdogan agrees with the Holy See’s long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and could help advance emerging proposals aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. “We spoke about both situations,” the pope said. “The Holy See has publicly […]
- [Pope Leo XIV calls Lebanon to tenacity, hope, and reconciliation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-lebanon-tenacity-hope-reconciliation): Pope Leo XIV urged Lebanon’s leaders to embrace tenacity, dialogue, and a renewed commitment to the common good during an address at the Presidential Palace in Baabda on Sunday, continuing his weeklong apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon.  The trip, focused on Christian unity, regional stability, and the Church’s mission in the Middle East, has taken the Holy Father from historic encounters in Istanbul to a nation still recovering from political crisis and the 2023–2024 war. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” the pope began, adding that peace “takes tenacity” and “perseverance to protect and nurture life.” His remarks came as Lebanon […]
- [Pope Leo XIV arrives in Lebanon, bringing a message of peace to a nation scarred by war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-arrives-lebanon-message-peace-2): The sky over Lebanon — once dominated by missile exchanges and relentless air raids during the 2023–2024 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel — opened Sunday not to warplanes, but to the aircraft carrying Pope Leo XIV. Touching down in the Land of the Cedars, the Holy Father begins a mission to preach the Gospel of peace to a nation long wounded by conflict and instability. Fighting along Lebanon’s southern border reignited in October 2023 as a spillover of the Gaza war. Hezbollah, a Shia militia supported by Iran and formed after the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, became the principal […]
- [Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2026): From January 18 to 25, Christians across the globe observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an annual invitation to pray together, encounter one another, and renew hope for the full communion of all who believe in Christ. One Body, One Spirit: Praying for Christian Unity This year’s theme is drawn from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.” According to Father Martin Browne, an official of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, the passage captures the biblical heart of the […]
- [Saint Nicholas of Bari: A Bridge Between East and West](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/basilica-of-saint-nicholas-in-bari-ecumenism): The Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari stands as one of the most significant places in Christianity, uniquely uniting Catholic and Orthodox pilgrims. Since the relics of Saint Nicholas were brought from Myra in 1087, Bari has become a destination known throughout Europe and beyond. Even today, pilgrims from every nation arrive daily to venerate the saint often described as the “saint of interreligious dialogue.” Devotion to Saint Nicholas of Bari After the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Nicholas is the saint who has received the most widespread devotion in the history of the Church. According to Father Emmanuel Albano, Coordinator […]
- [The Vatican Diplomat Advancing Interreligious Dialogue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-vatican-diplomat-advancing-interreligious-dialogue): Vatican diplomatic work happens in silence. You may not know his name, but this cardinal has spent most of his career working discreetly.  Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad is 52—among the youngest living cardinals. A Holy See diplomat, he served in postings abroad, from Algeria and Iran to Venezuela. Then Pope Francis put him in charge of something even more delicate—the papal journeys office—earning him a reputation as the Pope’s behind-the-scenes “travel agent,” helping organize 12 papal trips across 18 countries, where every trip is part pastoral mission and part high-stakes diplomacy.  Now, Cardinal Koovakad leads the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious […]
- [Liturgical Feast of Epiphany in Warsaw, Poland](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/liturgical-feast-of-epiphany-in-warsaw-poland): At the Angelus prayer concluding the celebration of the Epiphany, Pope Leo XIV turned his attention to the thousands gathered in Poland for one of the country’s most beloved public expressions of faith: the Procession of the Three Kings. A Papal Greeting for Poland “I greet the Polish pilgrims, as well as the many participants in the Three Kings’ Procession that is taking place today in Warsaw and in many cities of Poland, and also in Rome,” the Pope said. “I wish every good to all of you!” For years, this tradition has drawn extraordinary crowds, transforming city streets into […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges prayers for peace in Democratic Republic of the Congo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prayers-peace-congo): The pope marked the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity by asking for prayers for those suffering from violence in the African nation.  Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged prayers for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as violence in the country’s east continues to drive families from their homes and across borders. “Many have been forced to flee their country – especially to Burundi – due to violence, and they are facing a serious humanitarian crisis,” the pope said after praying the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on Jan. 18. “Let us pray that […]
- [Former U.S. ambassador to Holy See weighs in on Vatican diplomacy in Venezuela, U.S. ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/former-us-ambassador-vatican-diplomacy-venezuela): The Vatican’s engagement with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, Francis Rooney said, likely had diplomatic intentions to strengthen her standing. Francis Rooney, former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, said Pope Leo XIV’s papacy marks a period of opportunity for the Church in the U.S. in an interview this week with “EWTN News In Depth.” The former diplomat and congressman highlighted Leo’s measured approach to diplomacy in light of U.S. involvement in Venezuela. “He’s always calm, he’s always careful, and he’s very judicious in his comments,” Rooney said in a report that aired Jan. 16. “The Holy See has […]
- [Nigeria accounts for 72% of Christian killings worldwide, new report finds](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/nigeria-christian-killings-worldwide-report): Of the 4,849 Christians killed for their faith worldwide, 3,490 were in Nigeria, according to Open Doors’ World Watch List 2026. More Christians were killed in Nigeria last year than anywhere else in the world combined, a new report has found, placing the country at the center of a growing global persecution crisis. Of the 4,849 Christians killed for their faith worldwide, 3,490 were in Nigeria, according to Open Doors’ World Watch List 2026. Open Doors is a Netherlands-based international Christian mission that tracks global persecution and supports persecuted Christians worldwide. The organization’s annual World Watch List ranks 50 countries […]
- [‘Our Lady of Arabia’ in Kuwait elevated to minor basilica in presence of Cardinal Parolin](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/our-lady-of-arabia-elevated-to-minor-basilica): The elevation of Our Lady of Arabia Church in Kuwait to a minor basilica is a historic first for the Arabian Peninsula. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin arrived in Kuwait on Thursday for a visit of both ecclesial and diplomatic significance and on Friday presided over a ceremony formally proclaiming the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Ahmadi a minor basilica. Granting this title to the church underscores closer ties between Kuwait and the Holy See. The basilica is called to serve as a model of prayer, liturgical life, and ecclesial communion, and to become a pilgrimage […]
- [EWTN launches unified Catholic news brand: CNA and ACI Group become EWTN News](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-launches-unified-catholic-news-brand): EWTN has rolled out a major rebrand, bringing multiple affiliate outlets and coverage brands into “one global news organization.” The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) has rolled out a major rebrand of its EWTN News services, bringing multiple outlets and coverage brands under “one global news organization” committed to coherently covering the Catholic Church both regionally and globally.  In a Jan. 15 press release, EWTN — which was launched as a Catholic television network in 1981 by Mother Angelica, PCPA — announced that it was bringing Catholic News Agency and its affiliated international outlets under “a single, unified identity.”  Catholic News […]
- [Mexico’s Cardinal Aguiar: Pope Leo XIV would like to visit Mexico ‘soon’ ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-visit-mexico-soon): In a meeting with the primatial archbishop of Mexico, Cardinal Carlos Aguiar, Pope Leo XIV expressed his desire to visit Mexico soon to entrust his pontificate to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The primatial archbishop of Mexico, Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, has invited Pope Leo XIV to visit the country. The cardinal extended the invitation during their Jan. 14 meeting at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, shortly before the Wednesday general audience. According to a statement released later by the Archdiocese of Mexico, during the audience Aguiar renewed the invitation he had first extended to the pope a few days […]
- [Cardinal Roche Doubles Down on ‘Traditionis Custodes’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-roche-traditionis-custodes-liturgy): In an undelivered consistory address, the prefect for the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments reiterated that the 1969 Missal of Paul VI should be ‘the sole expression’ of the Roman Rite liturgy. In an undelivered address to cardinals last week, Cardinal Arthur Roche planned to voice opposition to the traditional Roman Rite, which he sees as a concession that needs to be eventually phased out in favor of the post-Vatican II liturgy as the unique expression of the Latin Rite.  In a two-page text on Traditionis Custodes (Guardians of the Tradition), Pope Francis’ 2021 decree restricting the […]
- [Pope’s Speech to Vatican Diplomatic Corps Sets the Basis of Leo XIV’s Diplomacy, Ambassadors Say](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-diplomacy-speech-ambassadors): In interviews with EWTN News, ambassadors representing the European Union, Slovenia and Ukraine said they appreciated the Holy Father’s insights into some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises. Pope Leo XIV’s speech last week outlining his vision of international relations made a deep impression on some of the diplomats accredited to the Holy See who attended the Jan. 9 event. In interviews with EWTN News, ambassadors representing the European Union, Slovenia and Ukraine said they appreciated the Holy Father’s insights into some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises. Every year, the Pope meets the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy […]
- [Archbishop Gallagher: Surrogacy is a ‘new form of colonialism’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-gallagher-surrogacy-new-colonialism): Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher spoke at the event “A Common Front for Human Dignity: Preventing the Commodification of Women and Children in Surrogacy.” Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for relations with states and international organizations of the Holy See, described the practice of surrogacy as a “new form of colonialism” in which the interests of adults prevail over the rights of children. The Italian Embassy to the Holy See hosted the Jan. 13 event “A Common Front for Human Dignity: Preventing the Commodification of Women and Children in Surrogacy” with the aim of fostering international debate on this practice and […]
- [Mosaic bearing Pope Leo XIV’s portrait readied for St. Paul Outside the Walls](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-mosaic-st-paul-outside-the-walls): A mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV for installation in St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica was presented to the pontiff on Jan. 14. A mosaic bearing the official portrait of Pope Leo XIV was presented to the pontiff on Jan. 14. The mosaic will be placed in St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica at the request of the basilica’s archpriest, Cardinal James Michael Harvey. The artwork, which, according to ancient tradition, is created upon the election of each pope, was made in the Vatican Mosaic Studio of the Fabric of St. Peter, where the basilica’s mosaics are currently being conserved through […]
- [St. Peter’s Holy Door sealed Jan. 16](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-peters-holy-door-sealed-jan-16): The Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, the last of four papal basilicas for the Jubilee of Hope, is sealed shut. With the final sealing on Jan. 16 of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Holy See will complete the closing — which includes the actual masonry work — of the four Holy Doors of the papal basilicas following the Jubilee of Hope. The concluding rite of closing the Holy Door of St. Mary Major Basilica took place Jan. 13. St. John Lateran Basilica’s was closed Jan. 14 and the Holy Door of St. Paul Outside the Walls […]
- [Angola Among African Countries Pope Leo XIV to Visit; Dates Being Finalized](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/angola-among-african-countries-pope-leo-xiv-will-visit): Archbishop Imbamba thanked Pope Leo XIV for accepting the invitation to visit Angola. Angola is one of the countries Pope Leo XIV plans to visit in what will be his first pastoral trip to the continent of Africa as pontiff, the apostolic nuncio in the southern African nation has announced. Addressing journalists during a press conference on Tuesday, Archbishop     Kryspin Witold Dubiel confirmed that the Holy Father had accepted invitations from both the Catholic bishops of Angola and the country’s President João Lourenço, adding that the timelines and itinerary of the visit and program are still being finalized. “At this moment, we are […]
- [Vatican prosecutor steps aside as London property trial appeal moves forward](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-prosecutor-steps-aside-london-property-appeal): The appeal trial is scheduled to resume Feb. 3. The Vatican’s Court of Cassation has cleared the way for the appeal phase of the Secretariat of State funds trial — commonly tied in headlines to Cardinal Angelo Becciu — rejecting last-ditch procedural challenges and accepting the recusal of Vatican Promoter of Justice Alessandro Diddi from the case. In two separate rulings — one brief and another running eight pages — the court closed the remaining disputes that had stalled the appeal proceedings over the Holy See’s investment in a luxury property on Sloane Avenue in London. The Cassation decisions mean the appeal […]
- [Manila’s feast of the Black Nazarene draws 9.6 million devotees](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/manila-black-nazarene-feast-9-6-million-devotees): In a fiery homily at the fiesta Mass for the feast of the Black Nazarene, Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. of the Diocese of Balanga called on politicians implicated in infrastructure corruption to resign. More than 9.6 million Catholics joined the annual feast of the Black Nazarene, one of Asia’s biggest religious events, seeking miracles and hope on Jan. 9 in the Philippines.  In a fiery homily at the fiesta Mass, Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. of the Diocese of Balanga called on politicians implicated in infrastructure corruption to resign, declaring “shame on you” as devotees braved a record-breaking 30-hour procession through […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges making time ‘to speak with God’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-make-time-for-prayer): Pope Leo XIV urged Christians Wednesday to set aside time in their daily lives to speak with God in prayer and warned about the harm to one’s relationship with him when this is ignored. “Time dedicated to prayer, meditation and reflection cannot be lacking in the Christian’s day and week,” the pontiff said during the catechesis at his general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall Jan. 14. The pope devoted the second week of his series of teachings on the documents of the Second Vatican Council to a closer examination of the dogmatic constitution “Dei Verbum,” dedicated to divine […]
- [What Paul VI Said — and Didn’t Say — About the ‘Smoke of Satan’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/paul-vi-smoke-of-satan-meaning): COMMENTARY: The famous phrase from Pope St. Paul VI is widely invoked in discussions about the Catholic Church. But what did he actually have in mind? In recent weeks, as the Church marked the 60th anniversary of the close of the Second Vatican Council, a quotation from Pope St. Paul VI — “from some fissure the smoke of Satan has entered the temple of God” — began circulating widely online. The line, drawn from a 1972 homily, is often taken as a frank admission that Vatican II was a big mistake — that in the years following the council, the […]
- [Dozens of Charlotte priests query Vatican over bishop’s move to abolish altar rails, kneelers](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/charlotte-priests-vatican-altar-rails): Reacting to Bishop Michael Martin’s Dec. 17, 2025, pastoral letter announcing the impending abolishment of altar rails and kneelers in the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina, 31 of the diocese’s priests have signed a letter to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Legislative Texts containing a set of questions, or “dubia,” related to the matter. According to The Pillar, which obtained a leaked copy of the diocesan priests’ letter last week, the priests directly question “whether a diocesan bishop may prohibit the use of kneelers to assist members of the faithful who, of their own accord, wish to receive holy Communion kneeling.”  […]
- [Pope Leo Walks the ‘Early Francis’ Path — With a New Approach](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-early-pontificate-direction): COMMENTARY: Early signs from Leo’s first consistory suggest continuity with Pope Francis’ original pastoral vision — more in what he said than in how he later governed. The direction of the Leonine pontificate is still not yet clear, but the consistory of cardinals last week gave some further indications.  Pope Leo XIV intends to continue in the direction of his immediate predecessor, but he prefers to do as Pope Francis said, rather than what Pope Francis did. In announcing the topics for the consistory last month, Leo chose four that were central to the Francis pontificate — Evangelii Gaudium, the reform […]
- [Order of Malta seeks greater UN role as hospital in Bethlehem faces operational constraints](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/order-of-malta-seeks-greater-un-role): The Order of Malta’s Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem is facing severe operational constraints and its mobile clinics remain unable to reach Bedouin villages in the West Bank due to movement restrictions and violence, the order’s grand master told diplomats Jan. 10. Fra’ John Dunlap said in his annual address to the diplomatic corps that the 900-year-old Catholic order is committed to help reconstruction efforts in Gaza City led by Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, and other partners. Middle East operations central The ties to the Middle East are central to the order’s mission, particularly in Lebanon and the Holy Land, Dunlap told […]
- [The story behind Pope Leo XIV’s new papal staff](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-new-papal-staff): Last week during the Jan. 6 closing of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV used a new papal staff, or ferula, which is used by pontiffs in solemn ceremonies and represents their leadership as bishop of Rome and supreme pastor of the entire Church. According to the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Holy See, popes have traditionally received this insignia after their election, when they took possession of their see in St. John Lateran Basilica. The papal staff, used only by the pope and topped with a cross or a crucifix, is different from the bishop’s […]
- [Pope Leo XIV proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-franciscan-jubilee-year): Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence. This Franciscan Jubilee Year, considered a gift for the entire Church and an occasion for authentic spiritual renewal, was inaugurated on Jan. 10 with a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See. Until Jan. 10 of next year, the faithful can obtain this grace under the usual conditions — sacramental confession, Communion, and prayer for the intentions of […]
- [These are the 4 Women Doctors of the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-4-women-doctors-of-the-church): Their lives continue to inspire: For centuries, theology was shaped by many voices—most of them male. And yet the Church recognized four women whose teaching is so profound they have been named Doctors of the Church: Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Ávila, and Thérèse of Lisieux. Explore the stories of these women who have illuminated the Church with wisdom. Thank you for your continued support, and always remember: God has a plan for each of us, and He makes no mistakes. Andreas Thonhauser P.S. We can bring the Eternal Word to the ends of the earth. Make […]
- [St. Thérèse of Lisieux: The Little Flower Who Taught the World to Love Simply](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-therese-and-the-little-way): LISIEUX, FRANCE / ROME, ITALY — In the quiet heart of Normandy, in 1873, a child was born who would become one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church: Thérèse Martin. Though her life lasted only twenty-four years, her spiritual legacy continues to inspire millions with her “Little Way” — the path of love and simplicity in everyday life. Thérèse was raised in a profoundly Christian home by her parents, Louis and Zélie Martin, who were themselves canonized saints. Her childhood, however, was marked by both tenderness and trial. When she was only four, she lost her mother […]
- [St. Teresa of Ávila: Doctor of the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-teresa-of-avila-doctor-of-the-church): In the heart of Spain, within the ancient walls of Ávila, faith and history meet in an event that every year draws pilgrims, devotees, and travelers from around the world. It is October 15th, the day the city celebrates its most illustrious daughter: Saint Teresa the Mystic — reformer, writer, and the first woman ever to be proclaimed a Doctor of the Church. In a Spain marked by wars, reforms, and inquisitions, a woman was born in 1515 who would forever change the face of Christian spirituality. Father Emilio Martínez, professor at the Pontifical Theological Faculty Teresianum in Rome, explains: […]
- [St. Hildegard of Bingen: A Medieval Woman Ahead of Her Time](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-hildegard-of-bingen-a-medieval-woman-ahead-of-her-time-6479): St. Hildegard is a multifaceted figure—an abbess and thus a woman of power, as well as a mystic, philosopher, pharmacist, and physician. Above all, she is a holy woman
- [The Small Hand That Moved a Pope: St. Catherine of Siena](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-small-hand-that-moved-a-pope-st-catherine-of-siena): In Piazza Pia, just steps from St. Peter’s Square, a statue quietly points the way forward. It is St. Catherine of Siena—a woman of extraordinary spirituality, courage, and civic engagement, and one of the few women proclaimed a Doctor of the Church. Her presence there is no accident. It reflects a life spent guiding the Church at one of the most turbulent moments in its history. Born in Siena in 1347, Caterina Benincasa emerged as one of the most remarkable figures of the Middle Ages. From an early age, she displayed an intense spiritual sensitivity, nourished by profound mystical experiences. […]
- [At consistory, Cardinal Zen slams synodality as ‘ironclad manipulation’ and ‘insult’ to bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zen-slams-synodality-consistory): Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun delivered a forceful critique of synodality at the extraordinary consistory of cardinals this week, decrying the process as an “ironclad manipulation” that was an “insult to the dignity of the bishops.”  The bishop emeritus of Hong Kong also described the “continual reference to the Holy Spirit” during the 2021-2024 Synod on Synodality as “ridiculous and almost blasphemous.”  The cardinal, 93, made his remarks during one of two free discussion periods during the Jan. 7-8 consistory that drew together 170 of the 245 members of the College of Cardinals in Pope Leo XIV’s first major meeting with […]
- [Pope Leo XIV baptizes 20 infants in Sistine Chapel, tells parents faith is ‘more than necessary’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-baptizes-infants-sistine-chapel): Pope Leo XIV baptized 20 infants, the children of Vatican employees, during Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Sunday for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. In his homily, the pope urged parents to see faith as essential for their children’s lives, comparing it to the basic care no newborn can do without. “When we know that something good is essential, we immediately seek it for those we love,” he said. “Who among us, in fact, would leave newborns without clothes or without nourishment, waiting for them to choose when they are grown how to dress and what […]
- [Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Canary Islands possible destinations for Pope Leo XIV in 2026](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-spain-visit-2026): Spanish Cardinal José Cobo confirmed Jan. 9 in Rome that Madrid, Barcelona, ​​and the Canary Islands are likely destinations in 2026 for an apostolic journey to Spain by Pope Leo XIV. After concluding a meeting with the substitute for general affairs of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Cobo confirmed the pontiff’s interest in visiting Spain: “Yes, I believe the pope is interested [in making the trip]. Madrid, Barcelona, ​​and the Canary Islands are the first locations that have been considered.” The meeting was also attended by the archbishop of Barcelona, ​​Cardinal Juan José […]
- [EXPLAINER: CNA explains: How does the Catholic Church create dioceses and archdioceses?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-catholic-church-creates-dioceses-archdioceses): Catholics in the U.S. were witness to a rare Church decision in 2023 when Pope Francis elevated the Diocese of Las Vegas to a metropolitan archdiocese. Las Vegas had previously been a suffragan diocese of San Francisco, having been created by Pope John Paul II in 1995.  A suffragan diocese operates within an ecclesiastical province subordinate to a larger archdiocese and is led by a suffragan bishop who has the authority to lead his own diocese but works under the metropolitan archbishop. In September 2025, Pope Leo XIV created a new Catholic diocese in northern China; though it goes by the same […]
- [Pope Leo XIV meets Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-venezuelan-opposition-leader-machado): Pope Leo XIV met with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado at the Vatican on Monday in an audience that was not initially included in the official schedule for the day. The meeting was added to the pontiff’s agenda in the Holy See’s noon news bulletin. The Vatican has not released any details about the audience. Machado, one of the leading figures of the Venezuelan opposition, has been a prominent voice in denouncing the institutional, economic, and humanitarian crisis facing the country. The Venezuelan politician, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in December, is also expected to meet with U.S. […]
- [‘Come back to the Holy Land’: Custos calls pilgrims to visit land of Jesus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-world-news-roundup-holy-land-gaza-aleppo): Here is a roundup of Catholic world news from the past week that you might have missed: ‘Come back to the Holy Land’: Custos calls pilgrims to visit land of Jesus Speaking to a group of pilgrims from Rome at the Franciscan headquarters in the Old City of Jerusalem on Jan. 7, Franciscan Father Francesco Ielpo, custos of the Holy Land, called pilgrims back to the Holy Land, saying that the best way to help the Holy Land and the people there is to visit. “Fear is not overcome with words; it is overcome with witness. Seeing Christians from all […]
- [Pope Leo condemns ‘zeal for war,’ weak multilateralism in speech to diplomats](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-condemns-zeal-for-war-diplomats): Pope Leo XIV condemned the weakening of international multilateralism and the increased use of force in a speech to diplomats at the Vatican on Friday. He also said states should respect fundamental human rights, such as religious freedom and freedom of speech, and comply with international humanitarian law in the lengthiest speech to date of his pontificate. “A diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force, by either individuals or groups of allies. War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading,” he told ambassadors and other diplomatic […]
- [Pope Leo XIV condemns violence in Iran, Syria, and Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-condemns-violence-iran-syria-ukraine): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday lamented escalating violence in Iran and Syria and renewed his appeal for peace in Ukraine, while also offering a special blessing for children receiving baptism and praying for those born into “difficult circumstances.” Speaking after the Angelus on Jan. 11, the pope said: “My thoughts turn to the situation currently unfolding in the Middle East, especially in Iran and Syria, where ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives.” He added: “I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society.” The pope’s […]
- [‘Pray with the Pope’: Leo XIV proposes monthly prayer for the challenges of the world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pray-with-the-pope-leo-xiv-monthly-prayer): The Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication has launched a new prayer campaign in which Pope Leo XIV invites Catholics to pray with him for the great challenges facing the world. The “Pray with the Pope” initiative is part of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, which, during the pontificate of Pope Francis, launched the project known as “The Pope’s Video,” through which the faithful were invited each month to unite in prayer for a specific intention. Continuing this mission, the new campaign not only invites people to pray but also offers a specific prayer from Leo XIV, who will present his monthly […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to hold next consistory in June, hopes for annual meetings with cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-june-consistory-annual-meetings): Pope Leo XIV will be hosting a second consistory of cardinals at the end of June and wants to hold such meetings annually. The Vatican made the announcement Thursday evening at the conclusion of the Holy Father’s first extraordinary consistory of cardinals that lasted two days. The next such meeting is expected to be held on June 27–28, the vigil of Sts. Peter and Paul. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope would like to hold annual meetings lasting three to four days, allowing more time for discussion on various topics of importance and for free interventions by the members […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to cardinals: ‘We gather not to promote personal or group agendas’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-consistory-agendas-warning): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday called on cardinals to experience the extraordinary consistory as a time of spiritual discernment in unity and warned against the temptation to put personal interests ahead of the common good. “We gather not to promote personal or group ‘agendas’ but to entrust our plans and inspirations to a discernment that transcends us — ‘as the heavens are higher than the earth’ — and which comes only from the Lord,” he said in his homily for the Mass he celebrated Jan. 8 in St. Peter’s Basilica with the cardinals present in Rome for this important two-day ecclesial meeting […]
- [This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of January ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-january-prayer-intention): Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of January is for the faithful to pray with the word of God. In a video released Jan. 7 on X, the Holy Father said that he is praying “that we may learn, practice, and love praying with the word of God.” “The gift of Scripture is God’s love letter to humankind,” he said. “Let’s pray that we all draw from this gift and get to know Our Lord.” ‘Pray with the Pope’ initiative The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network and the Dicastery for Communication announced Jan. 7 the “Pray with the Pope” […]
- [Cardinals Underscore Peace, Unity and Listening as Pope Leo XIV Opens Extraordinary Consistory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-peace-unity-extraordinary-consistory-leo-xiv): Cardinals who spoke to the Register as they entered the consistory all said they welcomed the Pope’s decision to host the two-day meeting. Participants in the Jan. 7-8 extraordinary consistory in Rome shared their thoughts with the Register Wednesday on Pope Leo XIV’s first major meeting with the College of Cardinals since his election in May. “It will be a moment of grace, of sharing, of deepening, and of listening on various topics,” predicted Cardinal Francis Leo of Toronto, as he walked from his Rome residence to the Synod Hall in the Paul VI Hall to attend the gathering’s opening […]
- [Liturgy sidestepped at Pope Leo XIV’s first consistory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/liturgy-sidestepped-at-pope-leo-xivs-first-consistory): ROME — Some cardinals and faithful who have a devotion to the traditional Roman rite have expressed concern that the liturgy appears to be sidelined in the extraordinary consistory currently underway at the Vatican after the cardinals voted to give priority to other issues on the agenda. In his opening address to the consistory yesterday, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed to the cardinal participants that they will have the opportunity to “engage in a communal reflection” on four themes already preannounced to be on the meeting’s agenda. Those topics, he said, were Pope Francis’ 2013 apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, “that is, the […]
- [As consistory opens, Pope Leo XIV tells cardinals ‘I am here to listen’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-consistory-listen-cardinals): In his opening address at the extraordinary consistory convened for Jan. 7–8, Pope Leo XIV assured the cardinals from around the world gathered at the Vatican that “I am here to listen.” The Holy Father reminded the cardinals, assembled in the Synod Hall, that “as we learned during the two assemblies of the Synod of Bishops in 2023 and 2024,” within the framework of the so-called Synod on Synodality, “the synodal dynamic implies a listening par excellence.” “Every moment of this kind is an opportunity to deepen our shared appreciation for synodality,” Pope Leo said, recalling that in the speech Pope Francis […]
- [Pope Leo XIV emphasizes relevance of Second Vatican Council before meeting with cardinals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-vatican-ii-consistory): Pope Leo XIV began a series of reflections on the Second Vatican Council at his first general audience of 2026 on Wednesday. The public audience, held indoors in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall due to low temperatures, took place shortly before the start of Leo’s first consultation with cardinals, called a consistory, convened for Jan. 7–8. The pope noted that though the Second Vatican Council took place just over 60 years ago, its generation of bishops, theologians, and lay Catholics is no longer alive — necessitating a renewed study of its teachings. “While we hear the call not to let […]
- [Ahead of consistory, priest urges new canonical structure to resolve Latin Mass standoff](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/latin-mass-canonical-structure-consistory): As cardinals gather this week in an extraordinary consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV on Jan. 7–8, a French traditionalist priest has sent a memorandum to members of the Sacred College of Cardinals proposing the creation of an ecclesiastical jurisdiction specifically structured to oversee the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass in an effort to resolve the liturgical crisis that has marked the Church in recent years. The letter, dated Dec. 24, 2025, and made public by U.S. journalist Diane Montagna, was written by Father Louis-Marie de Blignières, founder of the Fraternity of St. Vincent Ferrier in 1979 and a senior figure […]
- [Assessing the Fruits of the Jubilee of Hope in the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/assessing-fruits-jubilee-of-hope): COMMENTARY: Hope helps us to stake our life on what Jesus has told us about this world and the next. The Jubilee of Hope will conclude when Pope Leo closes the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 6. Now is an opportunity for us to begin to assess its notable successes and missed opportunities.  The first great success is that it has given the Catholic Church a year to focus on the most easily forgotten theological virtue. If “faith, hope and love remain,” as St. Paul affirms (1 Corinthians 13:13), hope endures most precariously.  Most Christians readily understand […]
- [Springtime Delayed: Why the Great Jubilee’s Promise Remains Unfulfilled](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/springtime-delayed-great-jubilee-unfulfilled): COMMENTARY: A quarter century after the Jubilee of 2000, the Church is still asking why the evangelical hopes it kindled have yet to bear their full fruit. On the first day of this new year, Pope Leo XIV quoted Pope St. John Paul II, speaking “at the conclusion of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, in terms that resonate with our reflection today.” “‘How many gifts,’ [John Paul] said, ‘how many extraordinary occasions the Great Jubilee has offered to believers!’” Pope Leo recalled. “[John Paul] then concluded: ‘Christ asks of believers, to whom he has given the joy of meeting […]
- [As Holy Door Closes, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ Reflect on How the Jubilee Year Opened Hearts](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-door-closes-pilgrims-of-hope-jubilee): As one pilgrim told the Register: ‘Hope takes on a radiant strength when thousands carry it together.’ As Pope Leo XIV closed the Holy Door today in Rome that was opened by the late Pope Francis last year, stories are being told of the many graces that pilgrims experienced, traversing the path that more than 33 million people crossed, just like the thousands who took part in the first Jubilee proclaimed by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300.  With a great desire for renewal and revival, pilgrims are still basking in the joys and blessings of their own journeys. EWTN News’ […]
- [Pope Leo XIV says God is found in humble places, not in prestige](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-god-found-humble-places): Celebrating the solemnity of the Epiphany in St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV said God’s saving presence is revealed not “in a prestigious location” but “in a humble place” and urged Catholics to protect what is holy and newly born — “small, vulnerable, fragile” — in a world that often seeks to profit from everything. “The child whom the Magi adore is a priceless and immeasurable good. It is the Epiphany of a gift. It does not occur in a prestigious location but in a humble place,” the pope said in his homily, delivered during a Mass that also […]
- [The Extraordinary Consistory — What’s in Store?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/extraordinary-consistory-pope-leo-xiv): Curial reform, synodality, and liturgy are on the agenda in the first such gathering of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate Important issues are on the agenda for Pope Leo XIV’s first extraordinary consistory of his pontificate which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday this week.   But the time allotted to discuss them will be short and it is not clear how much will be achieved during the meeting that will last just one and a half days and be structured around working groups.  The closed-door meeting will focus on four interconnected themes: the role of the College of Cardinals in […]
- [Pope Leo XIV closes St. Peter’s Holy Door, concluding Jubilee of Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-closes-holy-door): Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday closed the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, bringing the ordinary holy year to an end — a time of grace that invited Catholics to conversion, reconciliation, and hope. The pontiff processed toward the Holy Door as the antiphon “O clavis David” was sung. Reaching the threshold, he knelt before the door and remained for a few minutes in silent prayer. He then rose and, at 9:41 a.m., pushed shut the two large bronze doors — a gesture that visibly marked the end of the jubilee season. “With thankful hearts we now prepare to close […]
- [St. Carlo Acutis’ parents helped develop new Vatican City State app](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-carlo-acutis-parents-helped-develop-new-vatican-city-state-app): The parents of St. Carlo Acutis contributed to the development of a new official news application connected to the institutional website of the Vatican City State, www.vaticanstate.va, an initiative presented as part of an ongoing digital renewal and as a tribute to the young saint, often held up as a model for evangelizing through new technologies. After downloading the app, users can read a message of thanks from the Governorate of Vatican City State to Andrea and Antonia Acutis, Carlo’s parents. “The Governorate of Vatican City State thanks Andrea and Antonia Acutis who, on the occasion of the canonization of their […]
- [Vatican says more than 33 million pilgrims took part in jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/more-than-33-million-jubilee-pilgrims): More than 33.4 million pilgrims traveled to Rome to participate in the Jubilee of Hope, surpassing initial projections, the Vatican said Monday. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, said 33,475,369 pilgrims ultimately took part in the jubilee — nearly 2 million more than the Vatican’s initial estimate of 31.7 million. He also said the final group to pass through the Holy Door on Monday will be staff from the Dicastery for Evangelization, the principal organizers of the holy year, at 5:30 p.m. local time. The solemn closing of the holy year will take place Tuesday at 9:30 […]
- [The Legacy of Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/legacy-of-benedict-xvi): Three years ago today, Pope Benedict XVI was laid to rest in the Vatican. Let us pray for his peaceful repose as we look back on his life. Pope Francis led us in prayer during the last days of Pope Emeritus Benedict. To understand his resignation, it requires a look at Pope Benedict’s life from Bavaria to the papacy. Even years after his papacy and death, interest in his theological vision remains strong, as those who were closest to him continue his legacy.  Thank you for your continued support, and always remember: God has a plan for each of us, and He makes no mistakes, […]
- [How to bless your home on the feast of Epiphany 2026](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/epiphany-house-blessing-2026): Have you ever walked past a door and seen what appears to be random letters and numbers written at the top? These letters and numbers actually have a great significance. Traditionally on the feast of Epiphany, Catholics bless their homes by writing the letters C, M, and B and the numbers of the year on either side — so this year it would look like “20+C+M+B+26.” The letters stand for the traditional names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. They also represent the Latin blessing “Christus mansionem benedicat,” which means “May Christ bless this house.” Many Catholic parishes […]
- [Pope Leo XIV calls for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty after U.S. capture of Maduro](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-venezuela-sovereignty-maduro): Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern over the situation in Venezuela and called for the country’s national sovereignty to be fully respected, one day after a U.S. operation ended with the capture and arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. “With a heart full of concern I follow the evolution of the situation in Venezuela,” the pope said, underscoring that “the good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail above any other consideration.” Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the recitation of the Angelus, Leo XIV insisted on the need to “overcome violence” and […]
- [Pope says Christian hope doesn’t depend on human calculations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-christian-hope-human-calculations): Pope Leo XIV said Christian hope “is not based on optimistic forecasts or human calculations,” but on God’s decision to share humanity’s path so that no one is alone on life’s journey. Speaking Jan. 4 from the window of the Apostolic Palace to hundreds of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square despite the rain, the pope said the foundation of Christian hope is “God’s Incarnation,” pointing to the day’s Gospel reading from the Prologue of St. John: “The Word became flesh and lived among us” (Jn 1:14). On the Second Sunday after Christmas, before reciting the Angelus, Leo urged believers to […]
- [Vatican newspaper leads with U.S. attack on Venezuela](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-newspaper-us-attack-venezuela): The Vatican’s daily newspaper L’Osservatore Romano opened its Saturday edition with news of U.S. airstrikes against Venezuela, reporting attacks in the capital, Caracas, as well as on several military bases around the country. The main image on the paper’s front page showed a dense column of smoke rising over an urban area, reflecting what the paper described as the impact of the military offensive and the sudden escalation of the regional crisis. The newspaper said air raids hit Caracas overnight and several military installations, and it referred to a claim by U.S. President Donald Trump that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro […]
- [In the Footsteps of Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/footsteps-of-pope-benedict-xvi): When Pope Benedict XVI died in Rome, the people of the Eternal City said it was the second time he had made Rome weep. The first was nearly ten years earlier, on February 28, 2013, when a snow-white helicopter lifted off from Vatican territory carrying a pope who had made history. With that flight, Benedict XVI became the first pope in almost 700 years to resign from the papacy. To understand why he made that decision, one must journey back to Bavaria, to the small town of Marktl am Inn, where Joseph Ratzinger was born on April 16, 1927. Roots […]
- [The Last Days of Pope Benedict XVI in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/last-days-of-pope-benedict-xvi): When Pope Francis entered the Audience Hall in Rome for the weekly General Audience on December 28, 2022, just days after Christmas, he carried a message that resonated far beyond the faithful gathered before him. Speaking with visible concern, the Holy Father turned to the world with an urgent prayer request. “I ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict,” Pope Francis said. “Remember him, he is very ill. And ask the Lord to comfort and support him in this witness of love to the Church, until the end.” Shortly afterward, the Holy See Press Office issued […]
- [Preserving Pope Benedict XVI’s Legacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-benedicts-legacy): Even after the death of Pope Benedict XVI, interest in his pontificate and theology remains strong. This enduring legacy was clearly visible in July 2024, when theologians, clergy, and faithful gathered in the Bavarian town of Altötting for the second “Benedict XVI Forum.” The town, home to Germany’s most important Marian shrine, lies not far from the birthplace of Joseph Ratzinger, making it a fitting setting for reflection on his life and work. A Conscientious Obligation to Remember One of the central figures at the forum was Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the former private secretary of Pope Benedict XVI. When asked […]
- [God Is Reason and Love: The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/god-is-reason-and-love-the-theology-of-pope-benedict-xvi): Three years after the death of Pope Benedict XVI, interest in his theological vision remains strong. To reflect on his enduring legacy, EWTN Vatican spoke with three people who knew Joseph Ratzinger closely and continue to safeguard his spiritual and intellectual heritage: Archbishop Georg Gänswein, his longtime private secretary; Professor Ralph Weimann, organizer of the Benedict Forum and promoter of his theology; and Cardinal Kurt Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity. Introducing the conversation from the EWTN Vatican office in Rome, Andreas Thonhauser set the tone for the reflection. “Here at the EWTN Vatican office in Rome, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV surprises SEEK26 with message: ‘What do you seek?’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-message-to-focus-catholic-seek-attendees): Pope Leo XIV surprised attendees at SEEK 2026 with a videotaped message encouraging young people to seek after fulfillment they are looking for through personal encounter with Christ. “‘What do you seek?’ Jesus asked the disciples this question because he knows their hearts,” the Holy Father said, reflecting on the Gospel of John. Jesus knew the disciples were restless for God and longing for meaning, he said. “Today, Jesus directs the same question to each one of you. Dear young people, what do you seek? Why are you here at this conference? Perhaps your hearts are also restless, searching for […]
- [Pope Leo XIV mourns for victims of fire in Swiss bar on New Year’s Eve](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-mourns-for-victims-of-fire-in-swiss-bar-on-new-years-eve): Pope Leo XIV expressed his closeness and compassion to the families of the victims of a fire that broke out in the early hours of Jan. 1 at a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana in Switzerland. Nearly 300 people were celebrating New Year’s Eve at the Le Constellation bar when the fire spread rapidly from the basement to the upper part of the establishment, causing a subsequent explosion that left at least 40 people dead and 115 injured. The causes of the tragic incident are still unknown, although authorities believe it was an accident. In a telegram expressing […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges prayers for peace in bloodied nations and wounded families](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prayers-for-peace-2026): Pope Leo XIV on Thursday urged Catholics to pray for peace, “first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering,” and also “within our homes, in families wounded by violence or pain,” during the Angelus address on the first day of 2026. Greeting pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the 59th World Day of Peace, the pope reflected on the start of a new year as a time to renew hope and reconciliation. “While the rhythm of passing months repeats itself, the Lord invites us to renew our times by finally ushering in an […]
- [Leo XIV: The world is saved by welcoming all without fear](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-world-saved-by-welcoming-all): Pope Leo XIV called Catholics to a steadfast openness to other people, warning that peace will not be built through force or exclusion, as he celebrated his first liturgy of the new year on Thursday.  “The world is not saved by sharpening swords, nor by judging, oppressing, or eliminating our brothers and sisters,” the pope said in his homily for the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Rather, he added, it is saved by “tirelessly striving to understand, forgive, liberate, and welcome everyone, without calculation and without fear.”  As is customary for the Jan. 1 Mass, a large group of […]
- [Key dates on the agenda of the pope and Vatican for 2026](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/key-dates-pope-vatican-agenda-2026): Pope Leo XIV is preparing for a very busy year at the Vatican in 2026, with important events such as the conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope and his first consistory of cardinals since his election on May 8, 2025. 1. Closing of the Jubilee of Hope — Jan. 6 On Jan. 6, the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Mass and perform the rite for the closing the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, bringing to an end the Jubilee of Hope that Pope Francis began on Dec. 24, 2024. This liturgical […]
- [Why 2026 Will Be the Year of Leo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-2026-will-be-the-year-of-pope-leo-xiv): AI, electoral politics, and spiritual renewal in America are other themes set to shape the year ahead. While 2025 will forever be remembered as the year the Catholic Church got its first American pope, 2026 is likely to be the year that he begins to fully make his mark. Pope Leo XIV’s impact on the Church and the world is expected to come into fuller focus in 2026, his first full calendar year as pontiff. The Chicago-born successor to Pope Francis will set his own course on everything from Vatican governance and liturgy to papal travel and major teaching documents. […]
- [Te Deum Laudamus! Thanking God for 2025 … and 2026](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/te-deum-laudamus-thanking-god-2025-2026): COMMENTARY: The Church pauses in prayerful awe, looking at the year that has passed in the light of Christ and entrusting the year to come to divine Providence. As the Christmas Octave and the year 2025 draw to a close, the Catholic Church invites us to pause prayerfully and do something that is right and just, our duty and salvation, always and everywhere: to give thanks.  As we approach the end of the civil year, the Church’s liturgy places on our lips one of her most ancient and venerable hymns, the Te Deum, which for 17 centuries has helped form the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV on New Year’s Eve: The future is in God’s hands](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-new-years-eve-future-gods-hands): Pope Leo XIV at a New Year’s Eve prayer service reflected on God’s divine plan of salvation for the world — and the hope of ordinary people. “The world moves forward in this way, propelled by the hope of so many simple people — unknown to the world but not to God — who, despite everything, believe in a better tomorrow, because they know that the future is in the hands of the One who offers them the greatest hope,” the pope said in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 31. Leo presided over first vespers (evening prayer) in anticipation of […]
- [Bosnian Muslims murdered his family, but later as a priest he forgave them ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bosnian-priest-forgives-family-killers): Father Pero Miličević witnessed the cruelest face of war when he was just a child. On July 28, 1993, a group of Muslim militiamen from the Bosnia and Herzegovina army stormed his native village, Dlkani, in the Jablanica district. In just one morning, 39 people were killed, including his father and several members of his family. “It was the experience of the darkness and evil of war,” he summarized to journalists at the Holy See Press Office during the recent presentation for the pope’s message for the 2026 World Day of Peace, which will be celebrated on Jan. 1. Thirty-two […]
- [Pope Leo XIV ends 2025 urging Catholics to examine conscience and entrust new year to God ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ends-2025-examine-conscience): Pope Leo XIV used the Vatican’s final general audience of 2025 on Wednesday to invite Catholics to look back on the past year with gratitude and repentance, and to place what lies ahead in God’s hands. In St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 31, the pope said 2025 brought both joy and sorrow, citing the jubilee pilgrimage of the faithful as well as “the passing of the late Pope Francis” and “the scenarios of war that continue to convulse the planet.” “At its end,” Leo said, “the Church invites us to place everything before the Lord, entrusting ourselves to his providence, […]
- [Courageous witnesses to the faith: 17 missionaries were murdered in 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/missionaries-murdered-2025): A total of 17 missionaries were killed worldwide during 2025, the Jubilee Year of Hope. With these figures, the number of missionaries and pastoral workers who have lost their lives by violence since the year 2000 to the present day has risen to 626. On Dec. 30, Fides News Agency published its annual report, which documents the murders of missionaries and all Catholic Christians involved in pastoral activity who have died by violence. The report includes priests, nuns, seminarians, and laypeople who died because of their faith in contexts often marked by violence, extreme poverty, and injustice. In many cases, they […]
- [PHOTOS: Unforgettable moments from the 2025 papal transition](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/2025-papal-transition-photos): 2025 began with Catholics around the world uniting in prayer for Pope Francis’ health as he entered the hospital on Feb. 14. He was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome for a respiratory infection that progressed to bilateral pneumonia, requiring a prolonged hospitalization that lasted almost six weeks. Soon after, on March 29, the pontiff was readmitted into the hospital with difficulty breathing. On April 21, the day after Easter, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 from a stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiovascular collapse, according to the death certificate published just over 12 hours after his death. […]
- [Pope Leo XIV warns against gambling, which ‘ruins many families’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-warns-against-gambling): Pope Leo XIV warned about the danger that gambling poses to many families during a Dec. 29 audience with members of the National Association of Italian Municipalities. At the beginning of his address, delivered in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, the Holy Father explained that “the incarnation of the Son of God brings us face to face with a child, whose gentle fragility is in stark contrast to the crushing power of King Herod.” In this context, he emphasized that “the massacre of the innocents ordered by him not only represents a loss of a future for society but […]
- [More than 3 million people attended Vatican audiences and ceremonies in 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-attendance-2025): During the year 2025, the participation of the faithful in audiences and liturgical celebrations at the Vatican reached a total of 3,176,620 people. The Vatican released on Dec. 30 the attendance figures for liturgical celebrations in 2025, a year marked by the Jubilee of Hope, the death of Pope Francis, and the election in May of Pope Leo XIV. Under the pontificate of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, a total attendance of 262,820 faithful was recorded. The largest crowds were at the Angelus, with 130,000 people, followed by the liturgical celebrations, which drew 62,000 faithful. The general and […]
- [Enter Into the Holy Silence of the Christmas Octave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-silence-christmas-octave): Pause and ponder the miracle we’re celebrating. There is a ceaseless drone of noise in our modern culture. Smartphones buzz, notifications ping, and advertisements play automatically, adding to a cacophony that at times seems to drown out our very thoughts. Streaming, scrolling, and sometimes merely stepping out our door provides us with an endless loop of content. Though present all year long, the clatter seems to hit a new decibel in December. I invite you to ponder a deeper, more beautiful reality occurring during all this dizzying sound: For every tech-based buzz and every sound vibration, there is an endless […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: To let God work in your life, you have to empty yourself](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-empty-yourself-god-work): Pope Leo XIV on Monday explained that in order to allow God’s action in our personal lives, people must “empty” themselves and cultivate a deep inner life. The pontiff made the observation during a Dec. 29 audience at the Apostolic Palace with a group of pilgrims from St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. The event took place in the context of the Jubilee Year of Hope, which the Holy Father described as “a particularly significant time for the Church.” Leo XIV thanked the pilgrims for their spiritual closeness and support for the successor of Peter “with […]
- [6 Catholic public figures who made major headlines in 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/6-catholic-public-figures-2025): The year 2025 will be etched in the memory of the Catholic Church for various profoundly significant events, including the death of Pope Francis, the election of a new pontiff, and a series of testimonies of faith that resonated throughout the world. Below we take a look back at six Catholic public figures who made major headlines this past year. 1. Pope Francis Pope Francis passed away on April 21, Easter Monday, after a pontificate marked by pastoral closeness, defense of the poorest, and a missionary approach of reaching out to the peripheries. His legacy of mercy and dialogue left […]
- [A New Pontificate Begins in a Holy Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/a-new-pontificate-begins-in-a-holy-year): Sunday, 18 May 2025 — the inauguration of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV — was a moment of profound significance for the Church and for the world. Vast crowds filled St Peter’s Square as the new Successor of Peter formally began his ministry, marking not only the start of a new papal era, but one unfolding within an extraordinary context: the Jubilee Year 2025. It is a Jubilee unlike most others in history. As Fr. Roberto Regoli, Professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University, explains, its very structure has captured the imagination of the faithful. “It is a special Jubilee […]
- [Recap: Pope Francis and the Jubilee](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/recap-pope-francis-and-the-jubilee-2): It was Christmas Eve 2024 when Pope Francis, seated in his wheelchair, firmly knocked on the door of St. Peter’s Basilica before thousands of faithful gathered at the Vatican — and millions more watching around the world. With that simple yet powerful gesture, the great Jubilee Door swung open, inaugurating the 25th Holy Year in the history of the Church. For Professor Francesco Buranelli, former Director of the Vatican Museums, the meaning of the Holy Door reaches to the very heart of the Gospel. “It is one of the most beautiful symbols of Jubilee. And it is our Lord Himself […]
- [Our Christmas Mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/our-christmas-mission): COMMENTARY: Christmas is a celebration when the Church seeks to renew in every baptized Catholic the call to go out, to announce, to witness, to share the joy that Jesus has brought into the world. There are many ways we can approach the nearly inexhaustible mystery of Christmas.  We can meditate on the divine humility of God’s becoming one of us, on his deliberate choice to become a helpless baby, and to number himself among the poor.  We can focus on the holiness of those gathered around a manger, especially Mary and Joseph, and on the quiet strength of the […]
- [Italian family preserves 300-year tradition of handmade Nativity scenes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-family-neapolitan-nativity-tradition): On a small street in the center of Naples, Italy, artisans like Giovanni Giudice work to preserve the custom of handcrafted Neapolitan Nativity scenes, a tradition dating back more than 300 years. “The story of the Neapolitan Nativity scene begins with the Bourbon domination, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and between them … a competition of who made the most beautiful and unique Nativity scene,” Giudice, a third-generation artisan, told Valentina Di Donato of EWTN News. “So from there, the whole story began here in Naples.” Giudice’s Nativity workshop, Bottega Ferrigno, located in the iconic “Christmas Alley,” part of […]
- [Vatican expert: Co-Redemptrix title of Mary not absolutely prohibited](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-expert-mary-co-redemptrix-title-not-banned): Monsignor Maurizio Gronchi, an expert consultant for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican, clarified that the measure established last month regarding the use of the titles “Co-Redemptrix” and “Mediatrix” for the Virgin Mary is “not an absolute prohibition” and that these titles can still be used in popular piety, provided their meaning is understood. “It’s not an absolute prohibition, but it will no longer be used in official documents or in the liturgy. But if used in popular devotion, understanding its meaning, no one will be reprimanded for it,” the expert said in an interview […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges families to keep the flame of love alive](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-lee-xiv-urges-families-keep-love-alive): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged Christian families to “cherish the values of the Gospel” and protect the “flame of love” in their homes against modern myths of success, power, and comfort that he said often leave people isolated and divided. Speaking to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square before the Angelus on Dec. 28, the feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth, the pope reflected on the Gospel account of the family’s flight into Egypt and contrasted the trust of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph with what he called the fear-driven cruelty of King Herod. “It is a moment of trial for Jesus, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV sends 3 truckloads of humanitarian aid to Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-lee-xiv-sends-aid-ukraine): Pope Leo XIV has sent three trucks carrying humanitarian aid to parts of Ukraine hit hardest by bombardments, where residents are facing severe shortages of electricity, water, and heat. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the pope’s almoner, disclosed the delivery to Vatican media on Dec. 27, saying the convoy carried special food that can be dissolved in a small amount of water to produce energy-rich soups with chicken and vegetables. Krajewski described the shipment as a small gesture of closeness from the pope to Ukrainian families on the feast of the Holy Family, celebrated Dec. 28. The trucks, he said, arrived in […]
- [Recap: Interregnum after the death of Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/interregnum-after-the-death-of-pope-francis): Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on April 21st at 7:35 in the morning in his Vatican residence, Domus Santa Marta. As news of his death spread, the world fell silent. In the midst of shock and mourning, a fundamental question emerged: what would happen to the celebrations of the Holy Year? Such a moment was almost without precedent. Only once before in the Church’s long history had a pope died during a Jubilee Year — in 1700, when Pope Innocent XII passed away and was succeeded by Clement XI. Now, more than three centuries later, the […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo meets the tiniest members of the flock — babies](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-lee-xiv-meets-babies-photos): Pope Leo XIV has welcomed and greeted a plethora of babies at the Vatican since his election on May 8. As Christians everywhere celebrate the birth of Jesus, who came into this world as a baby, it’s a perfect time to highlight many of these sweet “pontiff meets babies” moments. This article was originally published by CNA.
- [First Holy Door closed: ‘Special time for the Church is closed, but not God’s grace’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/first-holy-door-closed-jubilee-of-hope): With the closing of the Holy Door of St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, the Vatican began on Dec. 25 the gradual conclusion of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope convened by the Church. The rite was presided over by Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, archpriest of the Marian basilica, who emphasized that “it is not divine grace that is being closed but a special time for the Church, and what remains open forever is the merciful heart of God.” St. Mary Major is the first of the four papal basilicas in Rome to close its Holy Door. This Saturday, Dec. 27, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Christians have no enemies, only brothers and sisters](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-christians-have-no-enemies): Pope Leo XIV on Friday urged Christians to resist the temptation to treat others as enemies, saying the mystery of Christmas calls believers to recognize the God-given dignity of every person, even in their adversaries. “Christians, however, have no enemies, but brothers and sisters, who remain so even when they do not understand each other,” the pope said Dec. 26 during his Angelus address from the Apostolic Palace on the feast of St. Stephen, the Church’s first martyr. Leo acknowledged that “those who believe in peace and have chosen the unarmed path of Jesus and the martyrs are often ridiculed, excluded from […]
- [Pope Leo XIV highlights Gaza, Yemen, migrants in first Christmas urbi et orbi message](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-christmas-urbi-et-orbi-message): In his first Christmas “urbi et orbi” message as pope, Leo XIV urged the world to embrace “responsibility” as the sure way to peace while pointing in particular to the suffering of people in Gaza, Yemen, and those fleeing war and poverty as refugees and migrants. Before an estimated 26,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 25, the pope appeared at the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the traditional Christmas blessing “to the city and to the world,” eight months after his May 8 election. In one of the most evocative passages of the message, the pope […]
- [The story behind Italy’s favorite Christmas carol](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/tu-scendi-dalle-stelle-italy-christmas-carol): If you spend any part of Christmas in Italy, you are sure to hear one of the country’s most beloved carols, “Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle” (“From Starry Skies Descending”). The Christmas song, written and composed by St. Alphonsus Liguori in the mid-18th century, describes Christ, King and Creator, coming into the world as a poor baby. The song was “born from the heart and pen of Alphonsus Maria Liguori — in love with Jesus, but passionate about humanity — and very close to ordinary people,” Father Luca Preziosi told Valentina Di Donato of EWTN News. The saint, from Naples, “wanted […]
- [Pope at Christmas Day Mass says wars fed by falsehoods send young people to their deaths](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-christmas-day-mass-war): Pope Leo XIV on Christmas Day deplored the “falsehoods” used to justify wars that leave young people “forced to take up arms” and “sent to their deaths,” while also drawing attention to the humanitarian suffering of displaced people, including families living in tents in Gaza. In his first Christmas as pope, Leo celebrated Christmas Day Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, reviving a practice not seen since 1994 during the pontificate of St. John Paul II. Reflecting on the prologue of St. John’s Gospel, the pope said in his homily that the Christmas liturgy highlights a striking contrast: God’s Word, which acts with […]
- [The 8 days of Christmas? A look at the Christmas octave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christmas-octave-8-days-of-christmas): The Catholic calendar has several ways to divide the Christmas season. The Church’s Western liturgical tradition sees Christmas as an octave, an eight-day celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The octave of Christmas begins on Christmas itself, the feast of the Nativity of the Lord. It ends on the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on Jan. 1, which this season falls on a Thursday in the new year of 2026. The drama of this time of the Catholic liturgical calendar even includes changes to the liturgical vestments of the clergy. During these eight days of Christmas, clergy wear white during […]
- [St. Stephen: Visiting the spot where the first martyr died](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-stephen-first-martyr-jerusalem): If “Good King Wenceslas” is one of the Christmas hymns you look forward to each year, you probably know which saint is celebrated today — St. Stephen, the first person to die for the risen Christ. Roman Catholics celebrate his feast on Dec. 26, while Eastern Catholics honor him one day later, on Dec. 27.  Stephen was a Jew who likely became a follower of Jesus while he was still ministering on earth. He may have been among the 70 disciples whom Christ sent out as missionaries, who preached the coming of God’s kingdom while traveling with almost no possessions. Famously, Stephen was stoned […]
- [Full text: Pope Leo's Christmas "Urbi et Orbi" Blessing 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-pope-leos-christmas-urbi-et-orbi-blessing-2025): Pope Leo delivers his first Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing as Bishop of Rome, to which is attached a plenary indulgence for all those who hear it live, in person or across the various media services. Here is the full text of the English translation of Pope Leo’s Urbi et Orbi message Dear brothers and sisters,  “Let us all rejoice in the Lord, for our Savior has been born in the world. Today, true peace has come down to us from heaven” (Entrance Antiphon, Christmas Mass during the Night). Thus sings the liturgy on Christmas night, and the announcement of […]
- [Full text: Pope Leo XIV’s Christmas day homily](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-pope-leo-xivs-christmas-day-homily): On Christmas morning at 10 a.m., the Holy Father Leo XIV presided over the Holy Mass during the day on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord in St. Peter’s Basilica. Here is the full text of the English translation of his homily: Dear brothers and sisters,  “Break forth together into songs of joy” (Is 52:9), cries the messenger of peace to those  standing amid the ruins of a city in desperate need of rebuilding. Though dusty and wounded, his  feet are beautiful, writes the prophet (cf. Is 52:7), because, along rugged and weary roads they have  carried a […]
- [Pope Leo XIV on Christmas night: Make room for others](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-on-christmas-night-make-room-for-others): Pope Leo XIV, at Christmas Mass during the Night, said Christ’s birth brings light into the world’s darkness — and where the human person is welcomed, God is welcomed too. “To enlighten our blindness, the Lord chose to reveal himself as a man to man, his true image, according to a plan of love that began with the creation of the world,” the pope said in his homily in St. Peter’s Basilica Dec. 24. “As long as the night of error obscures this providential truth, then ‘there is no room for others either, for children, for the poor, for the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: ‘The Church is the rightful home of sacred Scripture’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-church-home-sacred-scripture): Pope Leo XIV spoke about sacred Scripture during his weekly audience with pilgrims in the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV affirmed Wednesday that sacred Scripture has been entrusted to the Catholic Church — that she preserves and explains it, and supports its purpose of making Christ known to the world. “The Church is the rightful home of sacred Scripture,” the pope said during the general audience on Feb. 11. “With its efficacy and power [sacred Scripture] sustains and invigorates the Christian community. All the faithful are called to drink from this wellspring, first and foremost in the celebration of the Eucharist and […]
- [Archbishop Checchio takes helm in New Orleans as pope accepts Archbishop Aymond’s resignation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-checchio-new-orleans-succeeds-aymond): Pope Leo XIV appointed Archbishop James Checchio coadjutor archbishop of New Orleans in September 2025 to automatically succeed the 76-year-old Archbishop Gregory Aymond upon his retirement. Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Archbishop Gregory Aymond on Wednesday, paving the way for coadjutor Archbishop James Checchio to assume the leadership of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Leo appointed Checchio, 59, coadjutor archbishop of New Orleans in September 2025 to automatically succeed Aymond upon his retirement. After Checchio arrived in mid-November 2025, he has assisted Aymond at the archdiocese of over half a million Catholics in southeastern Louisiana for three months. […]
- [Jubilee 2033: Rift between Moscow and Constantinople patriarchates threatens ecumenical progress](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jubilee-2033-moscow-constantinople-rift): The 2033 Jubilee will commemorate the bimillennium of the Redemption but the main ecumenical obstacle is the rift between the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Pope Leo XIV wants to travel to Jerusalem in 2033 to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. The Jubilee of Redemption is an event that is shaping up to be a historic opportunity to advance toward the full and visible unity of Christians. However, the main obstacle to this goal remains the rift between the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Constantinople, an expert told […]
- [Vatican bank launches 2 new equity indexes aligned with Catholic principles](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-bank-catholic-principles-equity-indexes): Two indexes with 50 companies each that adhere to Catholic social teachings were announced by the Vatican Bank in order to promote ethical Catholic investing. The Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), commonly known as the Vatican Bank, announced the launch of two new equity benchmarks developed in partnership with Morningstar Indexes. The two indexes, the Morningstar IOR Eurozone Catholic Principles and the Morningstar IOR US Catholic Principles, are designed to serve as global reference points for investments that adhere to Catholic teaching, according to a Feb. 10 IOR press release. Each index includes 50 medium- and large-cap companies selected […]
- [EWTN+ docuseries ‘Seeking Beauty’ aims to point viewers to the divine through beauty](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-seeking-beauty-docuseries): The first season of “Seeking Beauty” takes viewers to cities in Italy including Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice, and Vatican City. EWTN+ recently launched “Seeking Beauty,” a first-of-its-kind adventure documentary series that explores culture, architecture, food, art, and music, and aims to point viewers to the beautiful — and ultimately to the divine. The show’s host, David Henrie, who is best known for his role as Justin Russo on Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place,” believes a show like this is needed right now as more and more people are searching for authentic, human experiences. “We live in such a fast-paced society. […]
- [Pope Leo sends 80 generators, medicine, food to Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-sends-80-generators-aid-to-ukraine): Vatican aid is headed to hard-hit areas including Fastiv and Kyiv, with distribution organized through parish networks. Pope Leo XIV has strengthened his support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war by sending new humanitarian aid to areas hardest hit by winter bombings, including 80 electricity generators, along with food and medicine. According to the official Vatican News outlet, the assistance was sent at the pope’s request through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. Three trucks carrying the generators departed Rome to help communities facing severe cold after repeated attacks on energy infrastructure. Nighttime temperatures in Ukraine have fallen as […]
- [‘I will not forget you’: Pope Leo’s theme for sixth World Day of Grandparents and Elderly ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-theme-world-day-grandparents-elderly-2026): “I will not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15) is the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the sixth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, which this year will take place on Sunday, July 26. “I will not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15) is the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the sixth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, which this year will take place on Sunday, July 26. According to a Feb. 10 statement from the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life, the verse chosen by the Holy Father “is meant to emphasize how God’s love […]
- [LIVE MASS: Candlelight Procession from Our Lady of Lourdes, France](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/live-mass-candlelight-procession-from-our-lady-of-lourdes-france): Follow the Candlelight Procession (9 PM Rome time) from the Shine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France on the anniversary of the first apparition to Saint Bernadette at Lourdes. Every evening (from April to November) in Lourdes, as dusk settles over the sanctuary, thousands gather for the candlelight procession—an unbroken river of flame and prayer. Pilgrims lift small candles that glow against the dark, singing the Ave Maria in a chorus that feels both intimate and immense. The light moves slowly through the crowds like a living rosary, reflecting in tired eyes and hopeful faces. In that gentle procession, […]
- [World Day of the Sick in Lourdes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-day-of-the-sick-in-lourdes-2174): Saint Bernadette’s Example to Us Today
- [Pope Leo XIV to visit Australia in 2028, Sydney bishop says ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-visit-australia-2028-eucharistic-congress): Pope Leo XIV has indicated he intends to travel to Sydney in 2028 to preside over the International Eucharistic Congress, which will mark the 100th anniversary of Australia’s first such gathering. Pope Leo XIV has indicated he will visit Sydney in the spring of 2028 to preside over the International Eucharistic Congress, Bishop Richard Umbers, CEO of the organizing body, announced Feb. 9. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese invited the pope to visit Sydney for the International Eucharistic Congress on the day after his installation in May 2025. Since Pope Leo is the head of a foreign government, the Holy See, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV prays for victims of attacks in Nigeria](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prays-for-nigeria-attack-victims): In his Angelus catechesis, the pope said true joy is found in communion with Christ and lived through concrete acts of charity. Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow and prayerful closeness for victims of recent violent attacks in Nigeria on Sunday, calling on authorities to ensure the protection of every citizen. Speaking after the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Feb. 8, the pope said: “It is with sorrow and concern that I learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria leading to a heavy loss of life. I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims of violence […]
- [Pope Leo XIV approves new statutes of Pontifical International Marian Academy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-approves-marian-academy-statutes): Pope Leo XIV approved the new statutes of the Pontifical International Marian Academy, founded to promote and coordinate Mariological and Marian studies worldwide. Pope Leo XIV approved the new statutes of the Pontifical International Marian Academy, an organization founded 80 years ago to promote and coordinate Mariological and Marian studies worldwide. According to the Vatican Press Office, the Holy Father approved the new statutes during an audience with Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, substitute for general affairs of the Secretariat of State. The updating of the statutes is intended to adapt the academy’s organization to the development of its mission and […]
- [Vatican News This Week: SSPX, Newman, Lateran Treaty, Candlemas, Lourdes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-news-sspx-newman-lateran-treaty-candlemas-lourdes): This week in the Vatican, relations with the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) took a serious turn, while we also received the joyful news of Saint John Henry Newman’s entry into the General Roman Calendar. On its anniversary, discover how the 1929 Lateran Treaty established Vatican City State, restoring the Pope’s temporal sovereignty and safeguarding his independence within a unique sovereign territory. As the Winter Olympic Games continue, the Vatican’s Cross stands at the heart of Milan, inviting athletes and visitors to reflect on sport as a sign of unity, faith, and peace. And a look back to the […]
- [Pope calls for Olympic Truce in letter for Winter Games](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-olympic-truce-winter-games): The pontiff warned that profit, doping, and fanaticism can distort sport’s deeper human purpose. As the Winter Olympic Games open in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Pope Leo XIV has issued a wide-ranging letter on the value of sport, urging nations to embrace an “Olympic Truce” and warning against corruption, fanaticism, and a “dictatorship of performance” that can distort athletics’ deeper purpose. The letter, titled “Life in Abundance,” was released by the Vatican on Feb. 6 on the occasion of the XXV Winter Olympic Games (Feb. 6–22) and the XIV Paralympic Games (March 6–15). The pope describes sport as more […]
- [Leo XIV meets with founder of Sant’Egidio Community ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-meets-santegidio-founder-andrea-riccardi-peace): Pope Leo XIV and Sant’Egidio Community founder Andrea Riccardi discussed the role Christians and the Church are called to play in promoting peace in the midst of various world conflicts. Pope Leo XIV and the founder of the Sant’Egidio Community, Andrea Riccardi, met at the Vatican this week and discussed the role Christians and the Church are called to play in promoting peace in the midst of various conflicts around the world. According to a statement, the Feb. 5 meeting took place on the eve of the 58th anniversary of the ecclesial community, which was founded in Rome and has been […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Peace begins with dignity, not weapons](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-peace-begins-with-dignity-human-trafficking): In a message for the Church’s Feb. 8 World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, the pope warns that conflict and inequality fuel exploitation. As the Church marks the 12th World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, Pope Leo XIV renewed what he called the Church’s “urgent call” to end a crime that “gravely wounds human dignity” and undermines authentic peace. The annual day of prayer is observed on Feb. 8, the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, a former slave whose life has become a universal symbol of the Church’s commitment to combating human trafficking. Events […]
- [Cuba’s bishops headed to Vatican this month to meet with Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cuba-bishops-vatican-meet-pope-leo-xiv): The country’s bishops will travel to Rome from Feb. 16–20 to present to Pope Leo XIV “the vicissitudes, sorrows, joys, and hopes of the Church in Cuba.” Cuba’s bishops are scheduled to travel to Rome later this month to meet with Vatican dicasteries and present Pope Leo XIV with a report on the state of the dioceses on the island. In a message that will be read at Masses this weekend, the bishops will announce that they have been “called to Rome during Feb. 16–20 to pray in the four major basilicas, to meet for the first time with the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV will not travel to the United States in 2026, Vatican says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-us-visit-2026): The pontiff is expected to travel to Africa in April, visit Peru later this year, and make a summer stop in Spain. Pope Leo XIV will not travel to the United States in 2026, the director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said Sunday, denying circulating reports that the pontiff might make an apostolic trip to his native country. A U.S. visit had been anticipated by some American Catholics ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary of independence on July 4, 2026. At the same time, papal travel elsewhere is taking shape. Local church authorities in Africa have said […]
- [‘Historic occasion’: Pope Leo XIV meets with same-sex attraction ministry Courage International](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-courage-international): “We talked about the importance of chastity, how it heals and strengthens and restores the person,” said Courage International Executive Director Father Brian Gannon. Pope Leo XIV met with members of Courage International on Feb. 6 in what the ministry called a “historic” and “momentous” event that took place in Vatican City.  The Connecticut-based ministry, which for nearly half a century has ministered to Catholics dealing with same-sex attraction, said in a press statement that leaders associated with the group, including Bridgeport Bishop Frank Caggiano and group Executive Director Father Brian Gannon, met with the Holy Father in a private audience.  “The […]
- [World Day of the Sick: When Suffering Becomes Prayer](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-day-of-the-sick-2026): Each year on Feb. 11—the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes—the Church observes the World Day of the Sick. Established in 1992 by St. John Paul II, the day was created to raise awareness of illness, encourage prayer, and invite Catholics to unite their suffering with Christ for the good of the Church and the world. But for many families, sickness is not confined to one day on the calendar. For 10-year-old Marysia Szlązak, the past eight years have been defined by hospital stays, painful treatments, and repeated diagnoses that have reshaped her childhood and her family’s daily life. A […]
- [The Origins and Meaning of Candlemas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-origins-and-meaning-of-candlemas): Thousands of small flames flicker in the air, dancing beneath the vaulted ceilings of St. Peter’s Basilica. One of the most beautiful liturgical ceremonies of the year is being celebrated — a ritual rich in memory and symbolism. It is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, known to the faithful as Candlemas. Since the 6th century, on February 2, the Church has commemorated the event described in the Gospel of Luke: forty days after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph bring Him to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to God, as prescribed by Jewish law. There, the […]
- [The Church at the Olympics: A Cross of Unity Arrives in Milan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-church-at-the-olympics-a-cross-of-unity-arrives-in-milan): As Milan prepares to welcome the world for the upcoming Winter Games, the Catholic Church is also opening its doors to athletes, visitors, and locals—offering a spiritual home in the heart of the city. Since the London 2012 Games, the Olympic and Paralympic Cross has accompanied athletes at major international events. It has been present at World Youth Day and global sporting moments, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Rio 2016 Olympics, World Youth Day 2023, and the Paris 2024 Olympics. Now, in 2026, the Vatican has sent the cross to Milan, where the Winter Games will take place. […]
- [How the Vatican Became a Country](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-the-vatican-became-a-country): A secretive deal, a historic compromise. February 11, 1929, marked a key moment in the modern history of the Church. On that day, with the signing of the Lateran Treaty—an agreement between the Holy See and Italy—the Vatican City State was officially established. A Historic Agreement That Changed the Church’s Modern History To understand why this mattered, it is necessary to look further back. As Fr. Juan Ignacio Arrieta Ochoa de Chinchetru, Secretary of the Vatican Dicastery of Legislative Texts, explains, the popes once governed far more than a few hectares inside Rome. “From very early on in the first […]
- [Vatican to meet with SSPX after announcement of unauthorized episcopal consecrations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-meeting-sspx-unauthorized-consecrations): Planned consecrations could trigger automatic excommunication and deepen rupture with Rome. The Vatican will receive representatives of the Priestly Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) following the traditionalist group’s announcement that it plans to consecrate new bishops without permission from Rome — a move that could incur automatic excommunication of all bishops involved and deepen the group’s rupture with the Catholic Church. The Vatican meeting will take place Feb. 12 at the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and will be led by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the dicastery. The SSPX delegation will be led by its […]
- [Pope Leo XIV laments lack of progress in protecting children](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-protecting-children-progress): The pontiff told organizers of a Vatican-backed initiative that global crises are still leaving many children in extreme poverty. Pope Leo XIV on Thursday voiced deep concern at a “lack of progress in protecting children from danger” as he met with the organizing committee of the initiative “From Crisis to Care: Catholic Action for Children.” Addressing participants gathered to advance proposals stemming from last year’s International Summit on Children’s Rights, convened by Pope Francis, Leo said: “It is indeed a tragedy that the children and youth of our world, the ones Jesus wanted to come to him, are so often […]
- [Pope Leo XIV, with Eastern Orthodox, urges Christians to strengthen unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-christian-unity-oriental-orthodox): The pontiff said Christians grow closer when they deepen their shared faith in Christ, “the ultimate source of our peace.” Pope Leo XIV on Thursday called on Christians to remove prejudices and “disarm” their hearts in order to strengthen bonds of unity in Christ and advance the cause of Christian communion. The pope made the appeal while receiving priests and monks from the Oriental Orthodox Churches who are participating in a study visit to Rome organized by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity. Greeting representatives of the Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Eritrean, Malankara, and Syriac Orthodox Churches in the Consistory Hall of the […]
- [Church fresco angel that resembled Italian prime minister painted over to end controversy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/angel-fresco-giorgia-meloni-painted-over): The restored fresco in an ancient church in Rome sparked controversy after one of the angels depicted in the restoration bore a striking resemblance to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The recent restoration of a fresco in an ancient baroque church in central Rome, just a short distance from the Spanish consulate and the Italian Parliament, has sparked an unexpected controversy after one of the angels depicted in the restoration bore a striking resemblance to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The figure in question holds a scroll with a map of Italy and is one of a pair of angels […]
- [Monastic-style retreat planned for pope and Roman Curia at start of Lent](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/monastic-lenten-retreat-pope-roman-curia): Trappist Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim will preach the week of spiritual exercises, with two daily meditations beginning Feb. 22. A week of spiritual exercises for Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia at the start of Lent will take on a distinctly monastic character, with the retreat returning to the Apostolic Palace but relocating to the Renaissance-era Pauline Chapel, decorated with frescoes by Michelangelo. In previous years, the retreat was held in the palace’s Redemptoris Mater Chapel, known for mosaics associated with Father Marko Rupnik, who has been accused of sexual and spiritual abuse. The preacher for the exercises […]
- [Pope Leo’s liturgical celebrations for February, March, and Holy Week](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-liturgical-celebrations-lent-holy-week): The Vatican has published the schedule of liturgies that Pope Leo XIV will celebrate in February, March, and the beginning of April, which includes the start of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. The Vatican has published the schedule of liturgies that Pope Leo XIV will celebrate in February, March, and the beginning of April, a period that includes the start of Lent and the preparation for Holy Week and Easter. According to the calendar published by the Office of Liturgical Celebrations, the pontiff will begin his pastoral visits to various churches in Rome on Feb. 15, when he will celebrate […]
- [Pope warns against new arms race](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-warns-new-global-arms-race): At his general audience, Pope Leo XIV appealed for renewed nuclear arms-control efforts and asked Catholics to proclaim the Gospel in ways that speak to people’s real lives. Pope Leo XIV warned Wednesday of the grave danger of a “new global arms race” as the New START nuclear weapons treaty between the United States and Russia reached its expiration, urging world leaders not to allow the agreement to lapse without a credible and effective alternative. Speaking at the conclusion of his general audience at the Vatican, the pope recalled that the treaty — signed in 2010 by then-U.S. President Barack […]
- [Vatican: SSPX, Newman, and the Olympics](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sspx-newman-and-olympics): From gestures of peace ahead of the Winter Games to historic appointments and emerging tensions, this week’s Vaticano Updates highlight key developments shaping the life of the Church under Pope Leo XIV. A Cross of Unity Ahead of the Winter Games A powerful symbol of unity through sport has arrived in Milan. Just days before the Winter Games begin on February 6, the Vatican Sports Cross was welcomed at the Basilica of San Babila. Originally created for Olympic host cities, the cross was received by Archbishop Mario Delpini, who read a message from Pope Leo XIV. In his message, the […]
- [This is the pope’s prayer intention for the month of February](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-february-prayer-intention-children-incurable-diseases): Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of February is for children with incurable diseases. Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of February is for children with incurable diseases. In a video to be released on Feb. 5, the Holy Father prayed that the faithful would realize that “the smiles, even in the midst of pain,” of children suffering from incurable diseases, “are a testimony of [God’s] kingdom.” In the full video shared on the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network website, Pope Leo recites an original prayer written specifically for this month’s prayer intention. Here is the pope’s […]
- [Pope Leo appoints Sister Raffaella Petrini as a member of Commission on Reserved Matters](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sister-raffaella-petrini-vatican-reserved-matters-commission): Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sister Raffaella Petrini as a member of the Commission for Reserved Matters, which is responsible for awarding financial contracts in confidential areas of the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sister Raffaella Petrini as a member of the Commission for Reserved Matters, the Holy See Press Office announced in a Feb. 3 statement. She is the first woman to serve on the commission, created in 2020 by Pope Francis, which is responsible for awarding financial contracts in confidential areas of the Vatican. Petrini, born in Rome on Jan. 15, 1969, is 57 years old and […]
- [St. John Henry Newman is added to the General Roman Calendar: What does it mean?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-john-henry-newman-general-roman-calendar): The English saint, proclaimed a doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV in November 2025, is honored every Oct. 9. St. John Henry Newman, proclaimed a doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV in November 2025, has been added to the General Roman Calendar, establishing his optional memorial on Oct. 9. Since Pope Francis canonized Newman in 2019, the English saint — a convert and a pivotal figure in Catholic thought — has been honored each year on Oct. 9. With his inclusion in the universal calendar, however, his memorial is now proposed for celebration throughout the entire […]
- [Rome events to highlight World Day Against Human Trafficking](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-day-against-human-trafficking-rome): From Feb. 4–8, the Catholic Church will mobilize with a series of activities in Rome in support of human dignity and peace. With the theme “Peace Begins with Dignity: A Global Call to End Human Trafficking,” the Catholic Church will mark this year’s 12th World Day of Prayer and Reflection Against Human Trafficking. In 2026, the observance coincides with the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, a universal symbol of the fight against modern slavery. Established by Pope Francis in 2015, the annual day is coordinated by the international Talitha Kum network, led by women religious and promoted by the International […]
- [A Tale of Fire, Wind, and Healing: The Fascinating Legacy of St. Blaise](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-blaise-blessing-of-throats): The beloved blessing of the throats on the feast of St. Blaise has outlasted empires, plagues and revolutions — proving that some traditions truly stand the test of time. The Feast of St. Blaise is one of the most widespread pieces of popular saintly devotion to survive in contemporary liturgy. From small suburban parishes to basilicas, the practice of blessing throats with a pair of crossed candles bound with a red ribbon remains much as it was 400 years ago. Although the candles are rarely lit today, the priest or deacon places them upon each parishioner’s throat and prays, “Through […]
- [Italian cardinal named president of Vatican bank oversight commission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italian-cardinal-vatican-bank-oversight): Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi, the retired archbishop of L’Aquila, succeeds Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, the retired archbishop of Vienna. Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi, the retired archbishop of L’Aquila, Italy, has been appointed president of the Cardinalitial Commission of the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), commonly known as the Vatican bank. Petrocchi succeeds Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, the retired archbishop of Vienna, who has led the commission since 2014 and is stepping down after reaching the age limit. In a statement, the commission thanked Schönborn “for his valuable leadership and for the commitment with which he supported and accompanied the institute during decisive […]
- [Clerical sexual abuse victim shares story with Pope Leo XIV: ‘I didn’t hold back’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/abuse-survivor-meets-pope-leo-xiv): “I told him about the abuse,” David Ryan said. “I did get a feeling of being listened to and being understood.” A victim of clerical sexual abuse from Ireland shared his story in a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Monday. David Ryan, who was sexually abused by a Catholic priest at Blackrock College in Dublin in the 1970s, told a small group of reporters, including Colm Flynn of EWTN News, after the meeting that the pope “was horrified” by his story during their 40-minute conversation Feb. 2. “I didn’t hold back. I told him about […]
- [Pope Leo XIV tells religious: Be ‘leaven of peace’ and a ‘sign of hope’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-consecrated-life-peace-hope): The pontiff urged consecrated men and women to witness to God’s presence in a world where faith and daily life often drift apart. Pope Leo XIV on Monday urged consecrated men and women to serve as “leaven of peace” and a “sign of hope” as he celebrated Mass for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in St. Peter’s Basilica and marked the 30th World Day for Consecrated Life. The liturgy began with a candlelight procession, recalling Simeon’s words that Christ is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles,” as the pope processed from the basilica’s entrance toward the […]
- [Society of St. Pius X to consecrate bishops without Rome’s approval, courting excommunication ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sspx-bishops-consecration-excommunication): The plan threatens to harden a decades-old split between the traditionalist group and the Vatican. The Priestly Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) announced Monday that it plans to consecrate new bishops on July 1 even without authorization from the Holy See, a move that would likely lead to automatic excommunication of all the bishops who take part and harden a decades-old split with Rome. The SSPX, which exclusively celebrates the Traditional Latin Mass and maintains doctrinal differences with certain teachings and reforms of the Second Vatican Council, has not consecrated new bishops since 1988 when the society’s founder, Archbishop […]
- [Why is St. Blaise's Throat Kept in a Church in Rome?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-is-st-blaises-throat-kept-in-a-church-in-rome-2147): Every February 3rd, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Blaise, the patron saint of throat diseases. What very few know is that part of his own throat is kept as a relic in a church located on one of the most emblematic streets of Rome.
- [Catholic AI and Human Dignity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-ai-and-human-dignity): Happy Feast of the Presentation of the Lord! Strolling through Rome, its grandeur can overwhelm. But for those who slow down, symbols carved in stone—coats of arms—quietly reveal the Church’s faith, history, and identity. That visual language continues in the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where a new mosaic of Pope Leo XIV now stands beside Pope Francis, joining the centuries-old procession of papal portraits that begins with Saint Peter. An exclusive conversation with Archbishop Georg Gänswein also provides insights into the “normality” that Pope Leo is bringing back to the Vatican already in the first year […]
- [Pope voices ‘great concern’ over rising Cuba-U.S. tensions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-cuba-us-tensions): The pontiff echoed Cuban bishops’ call for “sincere and effective” talks after Washington announced new measures tightening economic pressure on the island. Pope Leo XIV on Sunday voiced “great concern” over news of rising tensions between Cuba and the United States of America, urging leaders to pursue “sincere and effective” dialogue to avoid violence and further suffering for the Cuban people. His appeal, delivered after he recited the Angelus from the Apostolic Palace, came after Donald Trump’s administration issued an executive order late Thursday intensifying economic pressure on the island, including the possibility of imposing tariffs on countries that supply […]
- [Italian archdiocese welcomes Vatican ‘Sports Cross’ ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-sports-cross-milan-2026-olympics): Since 2012, the Vatican has entrusted the wooden cross designed and created by British artist Jon Cornwall to dioceses hosting the summer and winter Olympics. The Vatican “Sports Cross” arrived at the Basilica of San Babila in Milan on Thursday evening, one week ahead of the opening of the Feb. 6–22 Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Since 2012, the Vatican has entrusted the wooden cross designed and created by British artist Jon Cornwall to dioceses hosting the Summer and Winter Olympics. “It’s an important gesture,” Bishop Paul Tighe, secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education, told EWTN […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Prayer is an integral part of evangelization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-prayer-evangelization): Leo met with members of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the pontifical organization that publishes the pope’s monthly prayer intention videos. Prayer is an integral part of evangelization, Pope Leo XIV said in an audience with members of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network on Jan. 30. The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network is a pontifical organization whose mission is to mobilize Catholics in prayer. The group publishes the pope’s monthly prayer intention videos and organizes other prayer initiatives. In his address, the Holy Father recalled that each month the network disseminates the prayer intentions he and his predecessors have chosen with “careful discernment” — “intentions […]
- [Hundreds of thousands register to venerate relics of St. Francis of Assisi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/venerate-relics-st-francis-assisi): This will be the first public display of the beloved saint’s bodily remains.  About 350,000 people have registered to venerate the relics of St. Francis of Assisi — the first public display of the bodily remains of the beloved saint. From Feb. 22 to March 22, the Lower Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi will welcome pilgrims from around the world who will come to the Italian city to pray before the body of the man whom ecclesial tradition has described as “the living mirror of the Gospel.” The event marks a moment of great historical and spiritual importance on […]
- [Catholic Heraldry: Rome’s Hidden Language of Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-heraldry-explained): Strolling through the streets of Rome, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the city’s grandeur. Yet for those who slow down and look more closely, another layer of meaning emerges—symbols carved in stone or placed above doorways, quietly telling the story of the church or prelate connected to that place. These are coats of arms, and far from mere decoration, they form a visual language of faith, history, and identity within the Church. For decades, Father Antonio Pompili has been dedicated to preserving and interpreting this tradition. As Vice President of the Italian Heraldic Genealogical Institute, he was entrusted […]
- [Pope Leo's Portrait Among the Popes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leos-mosaic-portrait-in-st-pauls): In keeping with a centuries-old tradition that follows the election of every pontiff, a mosaic bearing the portrait of Pope Leo XIV has now been installed in the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The work has taken its place in the right nave of the basilica, beside the portrait of Pope Francis, at a height of roughly 43 feet above the floor. There, it joins the visual procession of all 266 popes, beginning with Saint Peter, lining the basilica’s walls. This tradition dates back to the fifth century, during the pontificate of Pope Saint Leo the Great, […]
- [New Film Released: St. Pier Giorgio Frassati](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/frassati-film-premiers-in-rome): Known for his joyful faith and tireless service to the sick and the poor, Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati continues to inspire young people around the world. Moved by his witness, a prayer group in Switzerland decided to bring his life to the screen, creating a film that highlights the simplicity, depth, and joy of his holiness. Released just four months after Frassati’s canonization, the film “Ein Leben für Andere” (A Life for Others) premiered at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, drawing an audience eager to encounter the newly canonized saint through cinema. Telling Frassati’s Story on […]
- [Who Answers When We Ask AI About God?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ai-and-the-catholic-church-magisterium-ai): Artificial intelligence can deliver instant answers to almost any question. But when the questions turn to faith, suffering, evil, and God Himself, a deeper concern emerges: who is really answering? Questions such as “If God is love, why do the innocent die?”, “Why does evil exist?”, or “Is free will real?” are no longer asked only in prayer, theology classrooms, or Scripture study. Increasingly, they are posed to machines that sound confident, human, and morally assured. And as AI systems grow more persuasive, the consequences of trusting their answers become real. It is within this context that EWTN Vatican went […]
- [Archbishop Georg Gänswein: A Life at the Heart of the Papacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/exclusive-interview-archbishop-georg-ganswein): For nearly two decades, Archbishop Georg Gänswein stood at the very center of Vatican life. As the private secretary of Pope Benedict XVI, he was not only a close collaborator but also the gatekeeper of the papacy—managing schedules, access, and encounters with the Successor of Peter. He was among the very few who knew of Pope Benedict’s intention to resign in 2012, months before the historic announcement in February 2013 that would shake the Church. After the resignation, Gänswein accompanied Benedict XVI into retirement, continuing to serve the Pope Emeritus while also fulfilling one of the Vatican’s most sensitive roles […]
- [Vatican denies it will open restaurant on terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-denies-restaurant-st-peters-basilica): There is already a small café serving coffee, drinks, and gelato on the roof of the historic church. The Vatican has said it is considering enlarging a small coffee and drinks bar already present on the terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica and has denied reports it plans to open a restaurant atop the historic church, according to Vatican News. Italian newspaper Il Messaggero claimed earlier this week that renovations are being carried out to open a “bistro” on the roof area of the Vatican basilica. “To cope with the increased number of visitors, an extension of the terrace area accessible […]
- [Vatican endorses Journey to Redemption 2033, a global youth renewal movement](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-journey-to-redemption-2033): The Vatican is lending its support to the Journey to Redemption 2033, a youth movement focused on spiritual renewal and culminating in a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to commemorate the Redemption. The Vatican has endorsed the Journey to Redemption 2033 project being promoted by the Spanish Bishops’ Conference as well as other episcopal conferences around the world. The initiative began by encouraging young Christians from across Europe to open up a pathway to faith and hope for a new European generation in preparation for the Jubilee of Redemption, which will be celebrated in 2033. The first stage of the project began in 2025 […]
- [Leo urges doctrine office to give clear guidance in face of new challenges](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-doctrine-office-clear-guidance): The pope received the participants in the plenary session of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) — one of the oldest and most significant offices in the Holy See — on Jan. 29.  Pope Leo XIV on Thursday reminded members of the Vatican’s doctrine office of the urgency of offering clear doctrinal guidance in response to new challenges, especially in a context marked by declining religious belief. The pope received the participants of the plenary session of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) — one of the oldest and most significant offices in the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges Regnum Christi to renew charism, embrace servant leadership](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-regnum-christi-charism): The pontiff urged members to clarify their vocation and strengthen communion across the apostolic movement. Pope Leo XIV met Thursday with members of the Regnum Christi federation’s general assemblies of consecrated women and lay consecrated men, urging them to deepen their sense of identity, embrace leadership as service, and strengthen communion across the apostolic movement’s different vocations. Regnum Christi calls itself a “spiritual family” with four “vocations”: lay members, consecrated women, lay consecrated men, and the Legionaries of Christ, a religious congregation of priests. The federation has undergone years of reform and renewal following revelations about its founder, Legionaries of […]
- [Vatican: Pope Leo warns against "Fake News"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-warns-against-fake-news): This week at the Vatican, Church leaders reflected on the credibility of Christian witness, the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies, and the responsibilities of justice and communication in a rapidly changing world. From celebrations in Denmark honoring a foundational missionary saint, to papal messages addressing judges and journalists, the Holy Father and Vatican officials underscored the need for truth, integrity, and human dignity at the heart of the Church’s mission. Remembering the Holocaust and Defending Human Dignity The Vatican this week marked the 25th anniversary of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, established in 2001 and adapted by the United Nations […]
- [7 Things to Know Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Equatorial Guinea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-equatorial-guinea-visit): Here are key things to know ahead of the Pope’s trip to Equatorial Guinea, which will be part of his 2026 visit to Africa. Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit the Republic of Equatorial Guinea in what will be his first pastoral journey to Africa since his election as pontiff in May 2025, a visit officially confirmed by both the country’s government and the Episcopal Conference of Equatorial Guinea (CEGE). The announcement, which the press department of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) published Jan. 23, has generated anticipation in a nation where Catholicism is deeply woven into culture, language, and public life. Although no official schedule has […]
- [Iran’s Violent Crackdown Strains Diplomatic Relations With the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/iran-crackdown-vatican-relations): ANALYSIS: The Holy See and Iran have had a continuing dialogue in recent years. But the killing of large numbers of Iranian demonstrators by government forces is causing grave concern inside the Vatican. On Jan. 9, Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari, Iran’s ambassador to the Holy See, took part in the traditional exchange of greetings of the diplomatic corps, briefly greeting Pope Leo XIV. At that time, the Holy See had not yet formally addressed the situation in Tehran, where protests and heavy repression were ongoing. The only Vatican comment — informal but meaningful — came from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican […]
- [Vatican’s Ratzinger Foundation names historian Father Roberto Regoli as new board president](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ratzinger-foundation-regoli-president): The foundation promotes the publication, dissemination, and study of Pope Benedict XVI’s writings and thought. The Vatican Secretariat of State has appointed historian Father Roberto Regoli as president of the board of directors of the Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation. Regoli, a professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University, is a specialist in modern Church history and the papacy. A priest of the Diocese of Rome, he is known for his research and teaching on Joseph Ratzinger’s thought. Regoli succeeds Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, a longtime Vatican communications leader who served as director of the Holy See Press Office from 2006 […]
- [Pope Leo XIV taps veteran canon lawyer Archbishop Redaelli for key Vatican post](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-archbishop-redaelli-vatican): The new secretary of the Dicastery for the Clergy exemplifies the pope’s push for rule-of-law governance and seasoned hands in Rome. Pope Leo XIV’s appointment earlier this month of Archbishop Carlo Roberto Maria Redaelli as secretary of the Dicastery for the Clergy places a seasoned canon lawyer and administrator as the No. 2 in a curial office that directly shapes priestly discipline, pastoral ministry, and formation. The choice suggests an emphasis on procedural clarity, canonical competence, and experienced leadership in an area where decisions often involve sensitive, high-stakes situations. Redaelli’s track record also points to a governing temperament that favors […]
- [On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Pope Leo XIV prays for world without prejudice, persecution](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-holocaust-remembrance-day): The Holy Father appealed to communities of nations “to be ever vigilant, so that the horror of genocide may never again befall any people.” Pope Leo XIV said he is praying for a world “without antisemitism, without prejudice, oppression, and persecution of any human being,” during his general audience on Jan. 28. Recalling the Jan. 27 commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, held in memory of the millions of Jews and others who lost their lives during that genocide, the pope called on communities of nations “to be ever vigilant, so that the horror of genocide may never again befall […]
- [What would Thomas Aquinas make of AI?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/thomas-aquinas-artificial-intelligence): According to one German theologian, the Catholic saint and doctor of the Church can contribute to contemporary discussions about AI’s risks and role in society. What would Thomas Aquinas think of artificial intelligence (AI), and what does a large language model think of Thomas Aquinas? According to one German theologian, the Catholic saint and doctor of the Church can contribute to contemporary discussions about AI’s risks and its role in society. In an interview with CNA Deutsch, the German-language sister service of EWTN News, Thomas Marschler, who holds the chair of dogmatics at the University of Augsburg, said: “Of course, Thomas could […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Human voices and faces are sacred; AI requires education and responsibility](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ai-human-voices-faces): The pontiff warns that artificial intelligence and digital technologies can undermine human relationships and distort reality unless they are guided by responsibility and rooted in education. In his first message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, Pope Leo XIV warns that artificial intelligence and digital technologies can undermine human relationships and distort reality unless they are guided by responsibility and rooted in education. The pope’s message, titled “Preserving Human Voices and Faces,” emphasizes the uniqueness of every person and the need to protect what he calls the “sacred” signs of human identity in an era increasingly shaped by AI-generated content. […]
- [Spanish origins of Pope Leo XIV’s maternal family confirmed](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/spanish-origins-pope-leo-xiv-maternal-family): A cathedral archivist has confirmed the Spanish origins of the pontiff’s family on his mother’s side. The canon archivist of Vigo Cathedral in Spain, Father Avelino Bouzón Gallego, has confirmed the Spanish origins of Pope Leo XIV’s maternal family by researching the archives of a parish in Galicia in Spain’s far northwest. After reading on Dec. 14, 2025, in a biography of the pontiff by Rafael Lazcano that Leo XIV has ancestors in towns in Pontevedra province, Bouzón could barely sleep. “At 3 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 15, I woke up, got out of bed in my pajamas, and after putting on […]
- [Vatican doctrinal chief warns against condemnations, urges humility in the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-doctrinal-chief-condemnations-humility): Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández said Church officials with censorious attitudes risks promoting “the same deception that led to the excesses of the Inquisition.” Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, warned Tuesday about a culture of “ex cathedra” condemnations online and called for greater humility in the Church to avoid repeating “the same deception that led to the excesses of the Inquisition.” “Today on any blog, anyone — even without having studied much theology — expresses an opinion and condemns as if speaking ex cathedra,” the cardinal said as he opened the […]
- [What happens when the world’s bishops arrive in Rome for ‘ad limina’ visits](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ad-limina-visits-vatican-bishops): Father Miguel Silvestre explains his role in facilitating the bishops’ ad limina visits to the Holy See and what they entail, with a focus on the recent visit by the bishops of Puerto Rico. Last week, the “ad limina apostolorum” visits began at the Vatican. These official pilgrimages to Rome are undertaken by all the bishops of the world, usually organized by episcopal conferences, to renew their communion with the See of Peter. The expression “ad limina apostolorum” comes from Latin and means “to the thresholds of the apostles.” During this time, the bishops visit the tombs of the apostles […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges Roman Rota judges to seek balance between truth and charity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-roman-rota-truth-charity): Pope Leo XIV received the prelates of the highest appellate tribunal in the Catholic Church at the Vatican on Monday, emphasizing that true justice requires a balance between truth and charity. For the first time in his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV received the prelates of the Roman Rota in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican on the occasion of the opening of the judicial year, emphasizing that true justice requires a balance between the rigor of truth and the compassion of charity. In his welcoming address, Archbishop Alejandro Arellano, dean of the tribunal of the Roman Rota, which is the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to visit 5 Rome parishes during Lent](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-visit-rome-parishes-lent): The visits, which will take place on Sundays in February and March, will include the celebration of Mass. Pope Leo XIV will visit five Catholic parishes of Rome in February and March, in continuity with his predecessors, the Diocese of Rome announced Friday. The visits, which will take place on Sundays during the penitential season of Lent, will include the celebration of Mass. The pope will also meet with Rome’s priests for the second time on Feb. 19 at the Vatican. His first encounter with priests of the diocese took place one month into his pontificate. The pope is not only the […]
- [Pope Leo's First Full Year of His Pontificate in 2026](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leos-first-full-year-of-his-pontificate-in-2026): The latest news from the Vatican and the Holy Father: We have now entered what will be the first full calendar year of Pope Leo’s pontificate. What will 2026 bring for Pope Leo? Where might he travel? What can we expect? Pope Leo XIV held a meeting with leaders of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), a community dedicated to the traditional Roman Rite, as the fraternity undergoes an apostolic visitation following Traditionis Custodes.  As we remember the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz let’s look back to the heroic witness of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Let’s travel to Pompeii to the Shrine […]
- [Vatican rejects claims of widespread worker discontent after internal survey](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-rejects-worker-discontent-claims): The Holy See rejected claims that discontent is widespread among its employees after an internal survey found distrust of managers and alleged workplace harassment. The Holy See’s labor office is pushing back on claims of widespread worker dissatisfaction after an internal survey by the Association of Vatican Lay Employees (ADLV) alleged distrust of leadership and instances of workplace bullying. In an interview with the official Vatican News outlet, Monsignor Marco Sprizzi, president of the Office of Labor of the Apostolic See (ULSA), said his office “always has its doors open” and stressed that its mission is to ensure “there are […]
- [Christian identity vital amid aggressive secularization, ecumenism expert says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christian-identity-unity-ecumenism): If Christians lose their identity they cannot be united, Father Philip Goyret says. Ecumenical dialogue is especially important in a time when Christian belief and practice are on the decline, said one Catholic expert during the Jan. 18–25 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. “What is happening today is that the secularization [of society] is incredibly strong … and the temptation among Christian traditions is to step back,” Father Philip Goyret, an ecclesiology professor at Rome’s Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, told EWTN News. “But if [Christians] step back, we lose our identity, and we cannot be united,” he […]
- [Pope Leo to beatify Guatemalan martyr and Italian religious who founded a new congregation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-beatification-guatemala-italy): Pope Leo XIV approved on Jan. 22 the beatification of Guatemalan martyr Friar Augusto Ramírez Monasterio and Maria Ignazia Isacchi, an Italian religious who founded a new congregation. On Jan. 22, Pope Leo XIV approved the decree recognizing the martyrdom of Servant of God Augusto Ramírez Monasterio, a Franciscan priest murdered in Guatemala in 1983, and the miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Maria Ignazia Isacchi, foundress of the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Asola in Italy. Murdered in the street during the Guatemalan Civil War Monasterio was last seen trying to […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: The Gospel calls us to trust and resist the temptation to withdraw](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-angelus-gospel-trust): At the Angelus, the pope prayed for Ukraine and urged renewed efforts to end the war. Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that the Gospel “calls us to dare to trust,” warning that fear and excessive caution can leave Christians “paralyzed by indecision” rather than ready to follow Christ. In his reflection before the noon Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, the pope returned to the day’s Gospel (Mt 4:12-22), asking two questions about Jesus’ public ministry: When did it begin, and where did it begin? Leo noted that Jesus began preaching “when he heard that John had been arrested,” a moment that might appear “inopportune.” Yet, the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: ‘One in Christ’ is key to the Church’s mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-world-mission-day-2026): In his message for World Mission Day, the pope says missionary renewal depends on spiritual communion and reconciliation among Christians. Pope Leo XIV has set “One in Christ, united in mission” as the theme for World Mission Day 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of the annual celebration established by Pope Pius XI. In his message, released Jan. 25 on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, the pope writes that the Church’s missionary renewal depends first on spiritual communion and reconciliation within Christian communities. “The mystery of union with Christ lies at the heart of mission,” Leo writes, warning that […]
- [Pope Leo XIV highlights synodality as a path for ecumenism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-synodality-ecumenism): The pontiff looked back to the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in 2025. Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged Christians to deepen their common witness by growing in “ecumenical synodal practices,” recalling the shared recitation of the Nicene Creed at Nicaea and thanking the Churches in Armenia for preparing this year’s resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The pope made the appeal during the celebration of Second Vespers for the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, marking the close of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. […]
- [Pope Leo XIV warns against banality and ‘fake news’ ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-warns-against-fake-news): In a message to an Italian public television show on its 30th anniversary, Pope Leo XIV pointed out the benefits but also the risks and dangers of digital media. Pope Leo XIV warned of the risks that go hand in hand with information in the digital age and urged journalists never to succumb “to the temptation of the trivial” or to fake news that creates confusion about what’s true or false. The pope made his comments in a message sent on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of “Porta a Porta” (“Door to Door”), a program on RAI 1 Italian […]
- [The Year Ahead with Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-year-ahead-with-pope-leo-xiv-2026): The Holy Door has closed, but the first full year of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate is just beginning to open. With it come questions about priorities, challenges, and the vision guiding the new Successor of Peter in the months ahead. Pope Leo wasted no time in setting the tone. Just one day after the conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope, he convened an extraordinary consistory in Rome, gathering cardinals from around the world—a bold move not seen since 2014. A Pontificate Takes Shape According to Matthew Bunson, Vice President and Editorial Director of EWTN News, the gathering responded directly to […]
- [The Desert Fathers in a Year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/desert-fathers-in-a-year-with-bishop-varden-vaticano): On January 17, the Church celebrates St. Anthony Abbot, one of the great Desert Fathers whose radical search for God in the wilderness laid the foundations of Christian monasticism. More than sixteen centuries later, the wisdom of the Desert Fathers continues to speak with striking clarity to modern hearts. Bishop Erik Varden and the Wisdom of the Desert For Bishop Erik Varden, Prelate of Trondheim and a Trappist monk, that encounter with the Desert Fathers has been deeply personal. Reflecting on his first experiences with their writings, he recalls how their simplicity revealed a profound spiritual depth. “I’d read about […]
- [St. Maximilian Kolbe: A Witness of Light in the Darkness of Auschwitz](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/maximilian-kolbe-heroic-witness-in-auschwitz): This is a place where humanity touched the deepest abyss of evil. More than one million innocent lives were extinguished in silence. This is Auschwitz. And yet, even in the blackest darkness, the light did not go out. Among the countless martyrs who bore witness to a love stronger than hatred was Saint Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan priest. His act of self-giving charity has become one of the most powerful testimonies of Christian love in the twentieth century. When a fellow prisoner, Franciszek Gajowniczek, cried out in despair for his wife and children, Kolbe stepped forward and offered his […]
- [Wedding Dresses and Works of Mercy at the Marian Shrine of Pompeii](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/wedding-dresses-at-the-marian-shrine-of-pompeii): At the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii, tucked away beyond the basilica and up a flight of stairs, lies a little-known room where charity quietly takes shape. Here, Sister Rosalia Giannotti and the volunteers of the association Friends of Mary dedicate their time to mending, adjusting, and restoring donated wedding dresses for brides who cannot afford them—or who wish to choose a more simple and virtuous path to the altar. As Sister Rosalia explains, generosity is at the heart of the initiative. “Here the dresses are donated to the donation room – because it’s […]
- [The Conversion of Saint Paul and the place of his martyrdom in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/conversion-of-saint-paul-and-the-place-of-his-martyrdom-in-rome-421): Nestled south of Rome’s center, near the historically renowned Aqua Salvia springs, stands the Abbey of the Three Fountains (Tre Fontane). This site’s name, derived from a pivotal event in Christian history, marks the martyrdom of Saint Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Every year on January 25th, the liturgical feast of Saint Paul’s conversion is celebrated, epitomizing the triumph of divine grace. Apocryphal texts compiled between the 4th and 7th centuries recount that Roman soldiers escorted Saint Paul to this site for his execution. Tradition says that when executioners beheaded Paul, his head struck the ground three times, and […]
- [Archbishop Gänswein: With Pope Leo, ‘normality’ returns to the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-ganswein-normality-returns-to-vatican): In an exclusive interview with EWTN News, Pope Benedict XVI’s former secretary said “normality is slowly returning” to the Vatican with Pope Leo XIV. Archbishop Georg Gänswein says last year’s change of popes has brought a “whole new positive dimension” to the Vatican. “Above all, there has been a change for the better in the atmosphere” with Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican’s nuncio to the Baltic states and Pope Benedict XVI’s former secretary told Rudolf Gehrig of EWTN News during a Jan. 20 interview in Vilnius, Lithuania. Gänswein said he met Leo twice last year, most recently in mid-December. “Both meetings went very, very well. […]
- [John Allen: Formidable Vatican Correspondent, Faithful Friend](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/john-allen-vatican-correspondent): COMMENTARY: Perhaps the most valuable trait John will be remembered for was his willingness to put into practice what popes have often taught about journalism: to report truth with charity. John Allen, who died Thursday at age 61 after a lengthy battle with cancer, was a formidable and exemplary Vatican correspondent whose esteemed professionalism was matched by his sincere personal kindness and generosity. Widely respected on all sides of the Church for his coverage, he blazed a trail in reporting on Rome events, conscientiously seeking to inform the wider public about Vatican and papal news at a time when religious-affairs […]
- [Why the Church dedicates a week of prayer for Christian unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity): Dominican Father Nelson Medina explains the purpose of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan. 18–25, as well as the goal and parameters of ecumenism. Friar Nelson Medina, a Colombian Dominican priest who holds a doctorate in fundamental theology, explained why it is important for the Catholic Church to celebrate and promote a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan. 18–25), which in 2026 has the theme “One Body, One Spirit.” “There are two reasons, one theological and one biblical, both extremely important. The theological reason is that the fruit of sin is always division, and therefore the victory over sin […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to French Catholic media: Keep the heart of communication in an age of AI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-catholic-media-ai-communication): The pope urged journalists to refocus on relationships, reconciliation, and the voices of the vulnerable. Pope Leo XIV urged Catholic journalists to double down on truth, human connection, and the voices of the vulnerable as artificial intelligence reshapes the communications landscape. In a message signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on the pope’s behalf, Leo addressed the Fédération des Médias Catholiques ahead of its Saint François de Sales gathering in Lourdes, scheduled for Jan. 21–23. “To face this era marked — including in the world of communications — by the rise of artificial intelligence, we urgently need […]
- [Pope Leo XIV sends message to March for Life 2026](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-message-march-for-life-2026): The Holy Father assured the pro-life demonstration of his “spiritual closeness.” Pope Leo XIV addressed the 2026 March for Life on Jan. 22, sending participants “warm greetings” and urging them to bring about a society that “safeguards the sanctity of human life.”  The Holy Father’s message was published ahead of the March for Life being held in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 23. This is set to be the 53rd year the annual pro-life observance has drawn hundreds of thousands of people to the nation’s capital.  Stressing that the protection of the right to life “constitutes the indispensable foundation of every […]
- [Vatican news: Venezuela, FSSP, and Papal Journeys Ahead](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-venezuela-fssp-future-papal-trips): From high-stakes Vatican diplomacy to renewed liturgical traditions and an expanding horizon of papal travel, this week’s Vaticano Updates highlight the key moments shaping Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. As the Holy See pursues peace in global conflicts, strengthens dialogue within the Church and among Christians, and looks ahead to pastoral journeys across the world, the Vatican continues to balance its spiritual mission with its role on the international stage. Vatican Diplomacy and the Search for Peace The Holy See has confirmed that it attempted to mediate with former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in an effort to avoid possible U.S. military […]
- [Vatican weighing Trump invitation to join Gaza ‘Board of Peace’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-trump-gaza-board-of-peace): The Vatican secretary of state responded to President Donald Trump’s proposal for a body to oversee reconstruction of the enclave. The Vatican has received an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to participate in a proposed “Board of Peace” focused on Gaza and is currently evaluating how to respond, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said Wednesday. “We too have received the invitation to the Board of Peace for Gaza. The pope has received it and we are seeing what to do; we are looking into it in depth,” Parolin told reporters on Jan. 21, according to the official […]
- [Vatican employees report distrust of managers, mistreatment in the workplace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-employees-survey-workplace-mistreatment): A survey finds widespread dissatisfaction among lay employees of the Holy See. A survey of Vatican employees conducted by the Vatican Lay Employees Association (ADLV) found broad dissatisfaction with career advancement, widespread distrust of leadership, and significant reports of workplace mistreatment among respondents. The poll — carried out between Dec. 15, 2025, and Jan. 7 and published on the ADLV website — is being described by the association as the first representative survey of staff working across Vatican offices and entities. The ADLV functions as an internal employee association, though it does not have formal union recognition in the Vatican’s […]
- [Pope Leo XIV receives lambs on feast of St. Agnes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-st-agnes-lambs): The wool of the blessed lambs will be used to make pallia, narrow white vestments worn by metropolitan archbishops. Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday received a pair of lambs to be blessed for the feast day of the Roman virgin and martyr St. Agnes — the first time a pope has welcomed lambs at the Vatican, part of a centuries-old tradition, since 2017. The presentation took place in the 17th-century Urban VIII Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, where the lambs’ bleats punctuated the brief ceremony Jan. 21. The wool of the blessed lambs will be used to make pallia — […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: In Christ, God shows us our true identity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-christ-true-identity): The pope continued his catechesis series on the documents of the Second Vatican Council at Wednesday’s general audience. Pope Leo XIV said Wednesday that the grandeur of the Incarnation cannot be reduced to viewing Jesus as a mere messenger of “intellectual truths,” but must be received as God’s full embrace of the human condition — including Christ’s “true and integral humanity.” Speaking at his general audience on Jan. 21 in the Paul VI Hall, the pope said that divine revelation is not primarily a set of abstract ideas but a living encounter in which God gives himself to humanity and […]
- [Pope Leo XIV receives Czech president, discusses democracy and transatlantic tensions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-czech-president-democracy): “The Church has an extraordinary diplomatic reach, and Pope Leo XIV is trying very actively to moderate disputes and help resolve conflicts,” Czech President Petr Pavel said. Amid international tensions, Pope Leo XIV received Czech President Petr Pavel in an audience on Monday, with both leaders agreeing that “democratic countries are and should be natural partners,” the president said during a brief press conference for Czech media following the meeting. The two leaders discussed “dynamic changes in the contemporary world,” Pavel said. He warned of a possible split in the European Union if some member states “will prefer the principles […]
- [Why will Chiclayo, Peru, host the World Day of the Sick?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-day-of-the-sick-chiclayo-peru): The solemn celebration will take place in the northern Peruvian city Feb. 9–11. Cardinal Michael Czerny explained the reasons for choosing the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace in Chiclayo, Peru, as the international site for the solemn celebration of the 34th World Day of the Sick, which will take place there Feb. 9–11. “The choice of Chiclayo is not due primarily to the pope, but to a practical reason,” Czerny told reporters at the Vatican during the presentation of the pope’s message for the day. “We needed a place where, given the climate in February, it would be less likely […]
- [Pope Leo XIV meets FSSP leaders amid visitation, ‘Traditionis Custodes’ fallout](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-fssp-leaders): The FSSP leaders called the meeting “an opportunity to present to the Holy Father in greater detail the foundation and history of the fraternity.” Pope Leo XIV and leaders of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), a community dedicated to the traditional Roman rite, held a “cordial half-hour meeting” on Monday, Jan. 19, at the apostolic palace. The priestly fraternity said in a Jan. 20 statement that the Holy Father received in private audience its superior general, Minneapolis-born Father John Berg. Also present was Father Josef Bisig, a co-founder of the FSSP and its first superior general, who now serves as rector […]
- [Pope Leo XIV highlights ‘valuable contribution’ of Neocatechumenal Way ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-neocatechumenal-way-praise): Pope Leo recognized how members of the Neocatechumenal Way have “rekindled the fire of the Gospel” and accompany many people in “rediscovering the beauty of knowing Jesus.” Pope Leo XIV received the leaders of the Neocatechumenal Way — including Kiko Argüello, who along with the late Carmen Hernández founded the apostolate — and members of the international team, María Ascensión Romero and Father Mario Pezzi, in an audience at the Vatican on Monday. In his Jan. 19 address, the Holy Father highlighted the missionary zeal of the families that make up this ecclesial movement of Catholic initiation, founded in Madrid, Spain, in 1964, […]
- [Pope Leo to celebrate Holy Thursday Mass at St. John Lateran after hiatus under Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-holy-thursday-mass-lateran): The pope’s move restores a long-standing Roman tradition that his predecessor set aside. Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Basilica of St. John Lateran on April 2, restoring a long-standing Roman tradition that Pope Francis set aside throughout his 12-year pontificate. The announcement appeared last week in the calendar of papal liturgies published by the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household. In his first Holy Thursday as pope on March 28, 2013, Pope Francis chose to celebrate the Mass in Coena Domini in the chapel of the Casal del Marmo juvenile detention […]
- [Vatican confirms it tried to mediate with Maduro to avoid military intervention in Venezuela](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-mediation-maduro-venezuela): The pope’s “prime minister” says the Holy See tried to negotiate with the Venezuelan leader before his capture. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin confirmed Saturday that the Holy See attempted to mediate to avert U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, which culminated Jan. 3 with the capture of Nicolás Maduro. “We had tried precisely — as, among other things, has appeared in some newspapers — to find a solution that would avoid any bloodshed, trying perhaps to reach an agreement even with Maduro and with other figures in the regime, but this was not possible,” Parolin told reporters on […]
- [Vaticano Updates: A Franciscan Jubilee and a Call for Peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/a-franciscan-jubilee-and-a-call-for-peace): The latest news from Rome and the Vatican: A Franciscan Jubilee and a Call for Peace Pope Leo XIV has inaugurated a special Franciscan Year, marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. The jubilee will run until January 2027 and offers the faithful the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence through pilgrimage, participation in the sacraments, and prayer. In launching the commemorative year, the Holy Father emphasized the enduring witness of St. Francis as a man of peace, proposing the saint’s example as a response to a world increasingly marked by conflict, division, and violence. […]
- [The EWTN Travel App - Your Mobile Guide to Rome & Beyond](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-travel-jubilee-app-your-mobile-guide-to-rome-and-beyond-3353): Discover the beauty and history of Rome’s Catholic treasures with the EWTN Travel Jubilee App, your free, interactive guide for pilgrims and travelers.
- [David Henrie's "Seeking Beauty”: Now streaming on EWTN+](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/david-henries-seeking-beauty-now-streaming-on-ewtn): “Seeking Beauty” premieres on January 19, 2026, on EWTN+, EWTN’s free streaming platform. Produced with EWTN Studios, the new travel and culture series takes viewers through the heart of Italy, exploring architecture, cuisine, music, and sacred art—revealing how beauty itself can become a path to the divine. The series follows actor David Henrie on a journey of discovery and inspiration, inviting audiences to see familiar masterpieces and historic places with new eyes. For Edmundo Reyes, Executive Producer of Seeking Beauty and the mind behind the original concept, the project begins with a shift in how art is perceived. “To stand […]
- [Pope Leo tackles topic of domestic abuse on International Women’s Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-violence-against-women): Responding to a woman writing to the Vatican magazine Piazza San Pietro, Pope Leo decried violence against women and emphasized that educating young people in respect is the key to preventing it. In the context of International Women’s Day, celebrated March 8, Pope Leo XIV responded to a letter from a reader of Piazza San Pietro magazine who asked what can be done about femicides, and the pope shared that violence against women causes him “great suffering.” Femicide is defined as a man killing a girl or a woman for the very reason that she is female.  Pope Leo replied to a […]
- [Pope Leo expresses sorrow over death of Maronite priest in Israeli bombing](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/death-of-maronite-priest-in-israeli-bombing): Father Pierre El Raii, a Maronite parish priest, was a revered leader among Christians in the area. Pope Leo XIV has expressed his sorrow over the death of a priest in southern Lebanon, a victim of an Israeli bombing on Monday, March 9. “Pope Leo XIV expresses his profound sorrow for all the victims of the bombings in the Middle East these past few days, for the many innocent people, including numerous children, and for those who were helping them, such as Father Pierre El-Rahi, a Maronite priest killed this afternoon in Qlayaa,” reads a statement released by the Holy […]
- [Cardinal Zen urges Society of St. Pius X to trust Pope Leo](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-zen-sspx-trust-pope-leo): The 94-year-old Chinese prelate weighed in on the ongoing discussions between the Holy See and the Society of St. Pius X in a post on X. Cardinal Joseph Zen, a prominent supporter of the Traditional Latin Mass, has urged the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) to avoid schism by listening to Pope Leo XIV’s explanations of the Second Vatican Council. In a comment posted to X in Italian on Friday, the 94-year-old Chinese prelate weighed in on the ongoing discussions between the Holy See and the society, which has said it will consecrate bishops without papal approval. Zen’s comment follows those […]
- [Pope Leo XIV warns of wider Middle East conflict](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-middle-east-conflict-warning): At his Sunday Angelus, the pope voiced alarm over violence and fear spreading from Iran across the region. Pope Leo XIV on Sunday appealed for peace as violence and fear continue to spread in Iran and across the Middle East, praying in particular for Lebanon and warning that the conflict could widen. Speaking after the Angelus on March 8, the pope said “deeply disturbing news continues to arrive from Iran and the entire Middle East.” “In addition to the episodes of violence and devastation as well as the widespread climate of hatred and fear, there is also the concern that the […]
- [Large family with 13-year-old in seminary and a baby named Leo touches pope’s heart](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/large-family-with-13-year-old-in-seminary-and-a-baby-named-leo-touches-popes-heart): When their 13-year-old son entered the minor seminary, his parents had no idea that one day the whole family would meet Pope Leo XIV, an encounter that was a special blessing for them all. Thirteen-year-old Fernando Bejarano Calvo — the second of seven children — felt the desire to become a priest in preschool. “He started talking about the seminary when he was 6,” recalled his mother, Nerea Calvo. At first, she thought it was just a passing childhood whim. “We thought he was saying it somewhat unconsciously,” she explained in a phone conversation with ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister […]
- [Pope Leo says parishes should reflect a Church that ‘cares for her children’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-parish-cares-for-her-children): The pontiff encouraged a Rome parish facing poverty and social challenges to show its closeness to those wounded and searching for hope. Pope Leo XIV continued his pastoral visits to parishes on the outskirts of Rome Sunday, traveling to the Santa Maria della Presentazione parish in the Torrevecchia neighborhood, where he encouraged Catholics to ensure parish activities reflect a Church that “cares for her children.” The pope arrived at the parish at 4 p.m., when he was welcomed by Cardinal Vicar Baldo Reina and the pastor, Father Paolo Stacchiotti. The warmest welcome, however, came from catechism students, young people, and […]
- [Father Pasolini at the Vatican: Conversion and humility are paths to peace in times of conflict](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/father-pasolini-lenten-sermon-humility-conversion): In a Lenten sermon to the pope, Roman Curia, and Vatican employees, Capuchin friar Father Roberto Pasolini drew the connection between humility, conversion, and peace in life of St. Francis of Assisi. The Lenten sermons began March 6 in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, delivered by the Capuchin friar and preacher to the papal household, Father Roberto Pasolini, and inspired by the conversion of St. Francis of Assisi. In the first of the meditations, which will take place every Friday until March 27, Pasolini reflected in the presence of Pope Leo XIV, members of the Roman Curia, […]
- [Pope to Italian newspaper: In age of AI, respect role of journalists and dignity of readers ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-journalists-ai-age): Pope Leo XIV congratulated the Corriere della Sera on its 150th anniversary and offered advice on how to continue to fulfill its service to society. “To respect the role of journalists and the dignity of readers,” Pope Leo XIV described the particular task of the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera (Evening Courier) on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. In his letter, addressed to editor-in-chief Luciano Fontana, the Holy Father also warned of the challenge posed by the technological revolution and urged the newspaper to “keep pace with the times.” In the age of artificial intelligence, the pope emphasized, “there […]
- [St. Hildegard of Bingen in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-hildegard-of-bingen-in-rome): In the traffic-clogged streets of central Rome, far from the noise that often surrounds the modern concept of “care,” there is a place where medicine rediscoveres the unhurried rhythm of listening. The home of the Opera dei Santi Angeli serves as a quiet refuge for laypeople, priests, families, and pilgrims searching for silence, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Here, the auxiliary sisters welcome guests with a disarming simplicity, offering hospitality that feels more like family than lodging. Removed from the bustle of Rome’s tourist crowds, they prepare meals themselves and provide treatments inspired by the healing tradition of Saint Hildegard of […]
- [Evangelizing through Beauty](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/evangelizing-through-beauty): On the occasion of International Women’s Day, EWTN Vatican spoke with Sister Emanuela Edwards, a Missionary of Divine Revelation whose life journey has taken her from the financial world of London to the spiritual heart of Rome. When asked what she values most about being a woman, Sister Emanuela responded with disarming simplicity: “I was born that way.” From the City of London to Religious Life Her path to religious life was far from conventional. Once a successful businesswoman driving BMWs and Mercedes through the City of London, she eventually left behind the comforts of a professional career to follow […]
- [Women’s Growing Role in the Life of the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/womens-role-in-the-life-of-the-church): The number of women working in and with the Vatican continues to rise. Motivated by a shared mission to live and proclaim the Gospel, women are increasingly contributing their talents and experience to the work of the Church—both within Vatican institutions and in Catholic communities around the world. Sister Nathalie Becquart, Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, says this development has unfolded gradually over time. As she explains, “It’s an ongoing journey. But it’s true that with Pope Francis, he has appointed more and more women in leadership positions at the Vatican.” According to Sister Becquart, this shift is not […]
- [Churches of Women Saints in the Eternal City](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/churches-of-women-saints-in-the-eternal-city): Rome’s skyline is crowned with domes and bell towers, and among the more than 900 churches scattered across the Eternal City, some of the most remarkable are dedicated not to apostles or popes, but to women whose stories continue to echo through stone, fresco, and mosaic. Three such churches—Santa Brigida, Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, and Sant’Anna dei Palafrenieri—offer a glimpse into different models of holiness: the mystic reformer, the early Christian martyr, and the quiet matriarch of the Holy Family. Saint Bridget of Sweden: A Pilgrim in Rome Tucked into the narrow streets near Campo de’ Fiori stands the Church […]
- [Holy See to UN: Christians are the most persecuted community in the world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-see-un-christians-most-persecuted): The Holy See’s permanent observer to the UN provided statistics demonstrating the extent of the persecution of Christians worldwide. Speaking at a conference in Geneva on March 3, Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, the permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations since 2023, decried the fact that Christians are the most persecuted community in the world. His address was titled “Standing with Persecuted Christians: Defending the Faith and Christian Values.” Balestrero, who is also the Holy See’s representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), stated that during 2025 “almost 5,000 faithful were […]
- [This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of March](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-march-prayer-intention-peace): In a video released on X, the Holy Father posed a question to the faithful: “Would you imagine what a world without wars would be like? A world without the terror of approaching explosions?” Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of March is for disarmament and peace. In a video released on X, the Holy Father posed a question to the faithful: “Would you imagine what a world without wars would be like? A world without the terror of approaching explosions? Without rocket alarms shattering the silence of the night?” “Please join me in prayer this month for […]
- [A pope’s magnificent bet on a young Bernini](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bernini-urban-viii-st-peters-baldachin-exhibition): An exhibition in Rome traces how Pope Urban VIII backed the 25-year-old artist behind St. Peter’s soaring bronze canopy — and the decade-long project that helped define Baroque Catholicism. ROME — A new exhibition in Rome is spotlighting the pivotal moment Pope Urban VIII entrusted a 25-year-old Gian Lorenzo Bernini with one of the most ambitious artistic commissions in Church history: creating the massive bronze canopy over the tomb of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica. The show — hosted by the Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica at Palazzo Barberini and running through June 14 — explores the close relationship […]
- [Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace Through Dialogue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-peace-through-dialogue): In this week’s Vaticano updates, Pope Leo XIV issued a strong appeal for global peace, urging world leaders to seek solutions rooted in diplomacy rather than weapons. Addressing the international community, the pope lamented what he described as the growing normalization of armed conflict. He emphasized that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military escalation, but through what he called political creativity and the courage to pursue dialogue. Pope Leo encouraged nations to recommit themselves to diplomatic engagement and humanitarian action, insisting that dialogue remains the only sustainable path forward in a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions. New Statutes […]
- [Vatican secretary of state warns of Iran escalation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-iran-escalation-warning): Cardinal Pietro Parolin says sidelining international law and embracing “preventive war” could ignite a broader conflict and deepen civilian suffering. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, is warning that U.S. and Israeli bombings against Iran — and Tehran’s ensuing military response — could trigger a global spiral of violence with unpredictable consequences. In an interview with Vatican News, the Holy See’s official news outlet, on March 4, Parolin lamented what he described as a troubling weakening of international law. “Might has replaced justice; the force of law has been replaced by the law of force,” he said. Parolin […]
- [Vatican synod report urges women’s input in preparing future priests](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-synod-priestly-formation-women-input): The report also warns seminaries must not become an “artificial environment” detached from the ordinary life of the faithful. The General Secretariat of the Synod has published a preliminary report urging that women’s “views and assessments” be given due weight in the discernment of candidates for priesthood and warning against seminary models that separate future priests from the ordinary life of the people of God. The text gathers conclusions from a synod study group tasked with examining priestly formation in a synodal key. The proposals are not definitive and have been forwarded to Pope Leo XIV for review. One central concern in […]
- [International Theological Commission: Human life is a vocation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/international-theological-commission-human-life-vocation): New Vatican-approved document weighs challenges posed by AI and social media. The International Theological Commission has released a new document arguing that “the life of the human being is vocation,” while warning that unprecedented scientific and technological developments must be matched by a corresponding growth in responsibility so that progress is directed toward the good of the person. The text, titled “Quo vadis, humanitas? Thinking Christian anthropology in the face of some scenarios concerning the future of the human,” was published Wednesday and was drafted by the International Theological Commission, which is chaired by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV explains the Church’s ‘human and divine dimensions’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-church-human-divine-dimensions): The pope’s catechesis focused on the dogmatic constitution Lumen Gentium, one of the pillars of Vatican II. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV said Wednesday that the Church cannot be understood solely from a human perspective but rather as the fruit of God’s plan of love for humanity realized in Christ. He also emphasized that this does not imply the spiritual superiority of the Church’s members. “An ideal and pure Church, separated from the earth, does not exist; only the one Church of Christ, embodied in history,” the Holy Father affirmed at the general audience in St. Peter’s Square on March 4. […]
- [Order of Malta Launches Operating Theater in Kenya to Boost Surgical Care among Vast Refugee Community](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/order-of-malta-kakuma-surgical-center): The Sovereign Military Order of Malta has launched a new operating theater in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening humanitarian and health services for vulnerable communities in the East African country. In a statement shared with ACI Africa on Wednesday, February 25, the Catholic religious order and charity says that once complete and fully operational, the new surgical center at Kakuma Mission Hospital will help bridge gaps in the provision of emergency surgical services. Bishop John Mbinda of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar, in the company of the Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, who arrived in Kenya on February 20 for […]
- [Order of Malta Grand Chancellor Lands in Kenya to Review Refugee Camp Healthcare Projects, Deepen UN Engagement](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/order-of-malta-grand-chancellor-kenya-visit): Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, has arrived in Kenya for a five-day official visit to the East African nation, underscoring the Order’s expanding humanitarian and diplomatic engagement in the country.  The February 21-25 visit combines high-level institutional meetings with on-the-ground assessment of relief operations, particularly in Kakuma refugee camp, where the Order of Malta, through its operational branch Malteser International, facilitates the realization of maternal and child health programmes “The primary objective of the mission is to visit the humanitarian projects carried out by the Order in the country, particularly in the Kakuma refugee camp, […]
- [Vatican synod study group warns of online polarization](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-synod-digital-polarization-report): The group urged new oversight and formation for online evangelization. A final report from the Synod on Synodality study group on “mission in the digital environment” proposes the possible creation of a dedicated Vatican body to accompany and oversee the theological, pastoral, and canonical challenges that arise online. The digital mission group is one of 10 study groups established by Pope Francis in 2024 at the conclusion of the first session of the Synod on Synodality, tasked with further examining issues seen as important to the Church’s mission through a synodal lens. Among its recommendations, the report suggests forming a […]
- [Trump’s ambassador to the Vatican defends deportation policies criticized by pope, U.S. bishops](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/brian-burch-vatican-trump-deportation-policies): In an interview with EWTN News, Ambassador Brian Burch pushed back on widespread criticism of U.S. immigration enforcement and rejected the suggestion that the Vatican is anti-American. ROME — United States Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch has defended President Donald Trump’s deportation policies amid criticism from Pope Leo XIV and the U.S. bishops. “The larger question of immigration is something that will constantly be a source of debate and conversation between the U.S. and the Holy See,” the ambassador acknowledged in an interview with EWTN News’ Colm Flynn and Hannah Brockhaus. He added that Trump “had the courage […]
- [American Catholics launch crowdfunding effort to gift Pope Leo XIV papal tiara ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/american-catholics-crowdfund-papal-tiara-leo-xiv): A nonprofit hopes to generate enough small donations to construct a papal tiara for Pope Leo XIV as a gift from American Catholics. A newly established nonprofit launched a crowdfunding effort to construct a papal tiara that will contain Catholic and American symbolism, with the plan to offer it to Pope Leo XIV as a gift from American Catholics for the first pontiff from the United States. “Historically, the majority of papal tiaras are gifts, usually from the home diocese of the pope or from religious [communities] they may be affiliated with,” Isaac Smith, a convert to Catholicism and the founder […]
- [Pope ‘cannot comment’ on Jimmy Lai’s imprisonment](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-jimmy-lai-imprisonment): The pontiff spoke to reporters for the first time since Dec. 23. CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope Leo XIV told EWTN News he “cannot comment” on Jimmy Lai, the Catholic founder and publisher of the outspoken pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, who was sentenced Feb. 9 on charges Chinese authorities say violate national security laws.  The sentence to 20 years in prison came after his conviction in December, a case his supporters have denounced as a politically driven show trial. Pope Leo XIV met with Lai’s wife and daughter in October 2025. The pope has not talked about Lai directly but has spoken […]
- [Pope Leo XIV promulgates new statutes for Pontifical Academy for Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-statutes-for-pontifical-academy-for-life): The new statues introduce the new role of “supporters” who, while not academics, identify with the academy’s mission and “contribute to the advancement of its academic activities.” Pope Leo XIV promulgated new statutes for the Pontifical Academy for Life, recalling that its objective is “the defense and promotion of the value of human life and the dignity of the person.” The new statutes, which introduce the role of “supporters,” according to Vatican News, the Vatican’s official media outlet, were signed by the Holy Father on Feb. 27 and were released in Italian by the Vatican Press Office on Feb. 28. “Supporters, subject to approval […]
- [Pius XII Expert: No Serious Historian Can Call Him ‘Hitler’s Pope’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pius-xii-no-serious-historian-can-call-him-hitlers-pope): On the 150th anniversary of Pius XII’s birth, Emilio Artiglieri pays tribute to the late wartime pontiff and challenges a longstanding smear campaign that includes a new Netflix film. March 2 marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Eugenio Pacelli, who became Pope Pius XII and whose life and pontificate remain among the most studied and debated of the modern papacy.  To mark the occasion, the Register spoke Feb. 27 with Emilio Artiglieri, president of the Pope Pacelli Committee – Pius XII Association, which for many years has held cultural events in Rome to encourage historical discussion about him, and […]
- [The First Image of St. Francis of Assisi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-first-image-of-st-francis-of-assisi): High above the Aniene Valley, the Monastery of the Sacro Speco clings dramatically to the rock. Built around the grotto where Saint Benedict of Nursia once lived as a young hermit, the “Holy Cave” is a cradle of Western monasticism — a place where silence, prayer, and work shaped the future of the Church. Yet deep within these caves lies an unexpected link to another saint: Francis of Assisi. Fr. Maurizio Vivera, Prior of the Sacro Speco Monastery, explains that Francis came here seeking what Benedict had discovered centuries earlier — solitude and communion with God. “Francis came here and […]
- [Hope of the Poor: On the Streets of Mexico](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/hope-of-the-poor-mexico): On the edge of Mexico City, a vast landfill known as El Bordo has become a place of survival. Among mountains of discarded plastic and metal, families search for recyclables they can sell. Street children battle addiction. Many live without running water or electricity, in conditions few can imagine. For Craig Johring, Danny Leger, and the team at Hope of the Poor, these men, women, and children are not statistics. They are family. Founded by Johring, who spent eight years working in the dumps himself, Hope of the Poor exists for a simple purpose: to bring hope to those who […]
- [Vatican issues stamp honoring Ukrainian Catholics as war enters fourth year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-stamp-ukrainian-catholics-war): The stamp features the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv. A new Vatican stamp issue honoring Ukrainian Catholics marks three major milestones for the Catholic Church in Ukraine, even as the country continues to endure the ongoing war. The stamp features the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv, depicted rising amid the darkness of blackouts caused by Russian bombardments — an image meant to reflect the harsh reality Ukrainians have faced since 2022. According to the Vatican City State’s Office of Postal and Philately, the special issue commemorates three events “of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV thanks preacher at end of Lenten exercises](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-thanks-varden-lenten-exercises): Bishop Erik Varden closed a weeklong retreat for the Roman Curia with meditations on the cross and hope. Pope Leo XIV closed the Vatican’s weeklong Lenten spiritual exercises Friday by thanking retreat preacher Bishop Erik Varden and urging those gathered to live out St. Paul’s exhortation to “behave in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.” Speaking at the conclusion of the retreat in the Pauline Chapel on Feb. 27, the pope said Varden’s preaching helped the pope and members of the Roman Curia live “a profound, spiritual” experience at the beginning of Lent, starting Sunday with reflections on […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges diplomacy amid Iran tensions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-diplomacy-iran-middle-east): The pontiff warned that “stability and peace are not built with mutual threats” and appealed for dialogue to avert a wider crisis. Pope Leo XIV voiced concern on Sunday about developments in the Middle East and Iran, urging the parties involved to stop what he called a “spiral of violence” before it becomes an “unbridgeable chasm.” “Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue,” the pope said March 1. He appealed for diplomacy to “regain its proper role,” and for the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges ‘unconditional love’ amid hardship](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-unconditional-love-rome-parish): Visiting a parish in Rome, the pope preached on the Transfiguration and Abraham’s journey of faith. Pope Leo XIV spent Sunday afternoon with parishioners in Rome’s Quarticciolo neighborhood, meeting young people and families touched by addiction before celebrating Mass and urging Catholics to embrace what he called “the logic of unconditional love.” The pope arrived shortly before 4 p.m. at the Parish of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ and was welcomed by Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the vicar general of the Diocese of Rome, along with the parish pastor and faithful gathered in the courtyard of the oratory. Leo […]
- [Pope Leo XIV on Seeking God and Atheism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-on-seeking-god-and-atheism): This week, Pope Leo XIV addressed a striking question from an atheist who paradoxically described himself as someone who loves God. Writing in the February issue of the magazine Piazza San Pietro, the Holy Father responded by quoting a well-known line from St. Augustine’s Confessions: “You were within me and I was outside and there I sought you.” With that reference, the Pope underscored a spiritual truth: a sincere search for God already points to His presence. He explained that this reflection is enough to show that one cannot truly be “an atheist who loves God” if he seeks Him […]
- [Saint Francis Lives On: Pilgrims Flock to Assisi](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/saint-francis-lives-on-pilgrims): The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi shelters one of the most sacred places in the Christian world: the Porziuncola, the small chapel where Saint Francis understood his vocation and founded the Order of Friars Minor. Within the same basilica, however, stands another site that many pilgrims pass without noticing — the Chapel of the Transitus, where Francis died. The Chapel Where Francis Took His Last Breath Fr. Francesco Piloni, Provincial Minister of the Friars Minor of Umbria, explains the significance of this hidden place: “We are at the Chapel of the Transitus, the place where, on the […]
- [Holy Year of Saint Francis: 8th Centenary of his Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-year-of-saint-francis-of-assisi): With a papal decree, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Jubilee Year dedicated to Saint Francis, to be celebrated from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027. The year marks eight centuries since the death of the Poor Man of Assisi and invites Christians across the world to rediscover and live his message of peace, fraternity, and reconciliation with renewed commitment. Eight hundred years after his passing, Assisi once again becomes the spiritual center of a global celebration — one that speaks not only to believers, but to all who are searching for meaning. Fr. Francesco Piloni, Provincial Minister of […]
- [Angels don’t indulge whims, Bishop Varden tells Vatican officials](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-varden-vatican-retreat-angels-st-bernard): The Cistercian bishop reflected on angels as mediators of God’s providence and on St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s realism rooted in mercy. Bishop Erik Varden continued leading the Vatican’s Lenten spiritual exercises on Feb. 26 with meditations on angels, trust in God, and St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s path from lofty ideals to what Varden described as a realism grounded in mercy. In his eighth meditation of the retreat, Varden recalled Christ’s temptation in the desert, when the devil cited Psalm 90 while urging Jesus to throw himself from the Temple. “The devil,” Varden said, “took him to the holy city and placed him […]
- [Bishop Varden tells Vatican retreat: Not every fall ends in joy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-varden-vatican-retreat-corruption-hidden-glory): Bishop Erik Varden warned Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia that corruption within the Church has caused profound harm. Falls can humble people when they are “puffed up,” showing God’s power to save, and can become “milestones on a personal journey of salvation, to be recalled gratefully,” Bishop Erik Varden said during this week’s Lenten retreat for Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia. Yet, he warned, “we cannot afford to be gullible.” “Not every fall ends in exhilaration,” Varden said in the sixth meditation of the retreat, delivered in the Pauline Chapel at the Vatican. “There are falls that reek […]
- [Pope Leo XIV responds to an atheist ‘who loves God’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-atheist-loves-god-response): An atheist expresses his quandary that although he does not believe in God yet somehow he loves him. Pope Leo responds with thoughtful, insightful counsel. Pope Leo XIV responded to an atheist who paradoxically described himself as someone who “loves God,” explaining to him that “the real problem of faith” isn’t believing or not believing in him but seeking him. In the February issue of the magazine Piazza San Pietro, the pope answered a man named Rocco from Reggio Calabria, Italy, who asked for help with some questions he had: “How is it possible to consider oneself an atheist and […]
- [The polyglot popes: How language builds bridges in the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/polyglot-popes-languages-spoken): The Vatican website offers content in more than 60 languages today, reflecting a commitment to reach people by speaking to them in their mother tongues. Until about six decades ago, the Catholic Church relied heavily on Latin in its official and liturgical communication. But as a universal Church embracing many peoples, it recognized the importance of languages and their role in carrying the Gospel message to everyone.  Today, the Vatican website offers content in more than 60 languages, reflecting a clear commitment to reach people: The Church must understand them and speak to them in their mother tongues. With International […]
- [The SSPX Rupture With Tradition](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sspx-rupture-with-tradition-rome): COMMENTARY: The Society of St. Pius X’s latest rejection of Vatican overtures must be called out for what it is: a not-so-latent de facto sedevacantism. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, led by Cardinal Victor Fernández, recently hosted the superior general of the Priestly Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), Father Davide Pagliarani, to begin an ecclesial dialogue.  Sadly, and predictably, the Society, in a Feb. 18 letter to Cardinal Fernández, has rejected the offer of continuing dialogue, claiming it has no hope of success. Father Pagliarani enumerated five reasons. All five of his reasons are theologically deficient and ultimately […]
- [The Casaroli Myth Vs. the Historical Record](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/casaroli-myth-ostpolitik-historical-record): COMMENTARY: The Italian cardinal’s Ostpolitik diplomacy is considered a key to the collapse of European communism. It was nothing of the sort. Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, Vatican secretary of state from 1979 to 1990 — and before that, the architect and chief diplomatic agent of the Ostpolitik of Pope Paul VI — initially played hard-to-get when I tried to interview him for the first volume of my John Paul II biography, Witness to Hope.  The cardinal was not a fan of my 1992 book, The Final Revolution: The Resistance Church and the Collapse of Communism, in which I was firmly, but I hope politely, critical […]
- [7 Things to Know About Bishop Varden, Pope Leo’s Lenten Retreat Master](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/7-things-bishop-erik-varden-pope-leo-lenten-retreat): The Norwegian Trappist monk chosen to preach the Vatican’s Lenten retreat once called himself an atheist — and today is one of Europe’s most respected Catholic thinkers. Pope Leo XIV, not even a year into his pontificate, still has much to show the world about his own spiritual practices — up until now, there hasn’t been much information readily available about how Pope Leo observes the season of Lent.  But for the Vatican’s first Lenten retreat of his pontificate, Pope Leo has signaled a significant focus on the contemplative by inviting a Trappist monk, Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim, Norway, to lead the spiritual […]
- [Leo XIV Signals New Tone With the Diocese of Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-diocese-of-rome-auxiliary-bishops): ANALYSIS: Four new auxiliary bishops are expected to be appointed to the Diocese of Rome, following an upcoming meeting between the Pope and the diocesan prelates. Editor’s Note: The Vatican confirmed on Feb. 25, after the story was published, that the individuals named by Andrea Gagliarducci were appointed as auxiliaries. A set of rumored bishop appointments by Pope Leo XIV may set the tenor for how the Diocese of Rome relates to the See of Peter going forward, potentially digressing from the precedent set by the current Pontiff’s predecessors.  Four new auxiliary bishops are expected to be appointed to the Diocese […]
- [Pope Leo says nationalism tramples the weakest](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-nationalism-tramples-weakest-peace-heart): The pontiff warns that peace is “both a gift and a commitment” and urges prayer, reconciliation, and diplomacy amid a world wounded by conflicts. Pope Leo XIV warns in a new essay that “bitter nationalism tramples on the rights of the weakest” and says peace is first “defeated in the human heart” when people give in to selfishness, greed, and partisan interests. The pope’s words come from a new introduction to the English-language edition of the book “Peace Be with You!”, published by HarperCollins, which is otherwise a collection of previously published papal texts. “We live in a world wounded by too […]
- [Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s Visit: A Vibrant and Hope-Filled Church in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ahead-of-pope-leo-xivs-visit-a-vibrant-and-hope-filled-church-in-cameroon-and-equatorial-guinea): As Pope Leo XIV prepares for his first apostolic journey to Africa, the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea describes a Church that is youthful, vibrant, and deeply engaged in the life of society, even amid significant challenges. In an interview ahead of the papal trip, the Nuncio reflected on the vitality of the Catholic faith in the region and the hopes surrounding the Holy Father’s visit. A Lively Church Across Diverse Lands Cameroon is a country of striking diversity, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Sahel. It includes tropical rainforest, desert regions, and abundant coastal areas. It […]
- [Vatican spiritual exercises: Christian freedom and the splendor of truth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/varden-christian-freedom-splendor-of-truth-vatican-retreat): In the fourth and fifth meditations offered to Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia, Bishop Erik Varden reflected on how the modern debate over “freedom” challenges Christians. In a world where “the notion of ‘freedom’ has become contentious in public discourse,” Christians must be clear about what freedom means in the light of faith, Bishop Erik Varden told Pope Leo XIV and members of the Roman Curia during the Lenten retreat. “Freedom is a good to which we all aspire; we rise up against anything which threatens to curtail or confine our freedom. As a result, the vocabulary of […]
- [St. Peter’s Basilica unveils new Stations of the Cross](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-peters-basilica-new-stations-of-the-cross-manuel-duerr): A cycle of paintings by Swiss artist Manuel Dürr has been installed for Lent, marking the basilica’s quadricentennial. St. Peter’s Basilica has inaugurated new Stations of the Cross — 14 large oil paintings by Swiss painter Manuel Dürr — for Lent as part of celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the church’s 1626 consecration. The basilica first built at Emperor Constantine’s order in 326 over the tomb of the Apostle Peter stood for 12 centuries. In 1506, Pope Julius II ordered its demolition to raise a new church from the ground up. The St. Peter’s Basilica known today was consecrated […]
- [Pope sends humanitarian aid to Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-aid-ukraine-radiators-medicine): The aid — worth more than $1.17 million — responds to a request from Ukrainian bishops after recent Russian bombardments. Pope Leo XIV has sent a humanitarian shipment to Ukraine containing urgently needed medicines and more than 1,000 electric radiators to assist people affected by the war. According to the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, the shipment responds to a “desperate request” made by several bishops amid the grave situation caused by the latest Russian airstrikes, especially in the Zaporizhzhia region. Through the apostolic almonry, the Holy Father arranged for a truckload of essential pharmaceuticals to address what the […]
- [Vatican, Microsoft launch digital font inspired by Michelangelo’s handwriting](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-microsoft-michelangelus-font): The new “Michelangelus” typeface, created for St. Peter’s Basilica’s anniversary, will appear in the latest versions of Microsoft Office. Writing with the distinctive hand of one of the Renaissance’s greatest geniuses is now possible. Marking the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican and Microsoft have introduced “Michelangelus,” a new digital typeface faithfully modeled on the handwriting of Michelangelo Buonarroti. The font, which will be incorporated into the latest versions of Microsoft Office, is expected to allow millions of users worldwide to draft digital documents in the recognizable handwritten style of the Florentine artist, best known […]
- [Leo’s Lenten Retreat Provides Further Insight Into His Pontificate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-lenten-retreat-erik-varden-analysis): COMMENTARY: The Holy Father’s bold choice of Bishop Erik Varden as retreat leader speaks volumes. Pope Leo XIV will spend the first full week of Lent on retreat — often termed “spiritual exercises” — with senior officials of the Roman Curia. This retreat is noteworthy in terms of the practice itself, the preacher and the place. All three tell us something about the emerging shape of Leo’s pontificate. The Practice The custom of the pope spending a week on retreat with members of the Roman Curia dates back a century, to Pope Pius XI (1922-1939). He held the first such […]
- [Vatican announces Pope Leo XIV’s 11-day pastoral visit to 4 African countries in April](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-visit-africa-algeria-cameroon-angola): The Holy Father will undertake his first pastoral visit to the continent of Africa as pontiff April 13–23, beginning with a stop in Algeria. The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first pastoral visit to Africa as pontiff April 13–23. In a statement released on Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Holy See confirmed that the Holy Father’s 11-day apostolic journey will take him to four African countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. According to Vatican officials, the pope is to visit Algiers and Annaba in Algeria April 13–15; Yaoundé, Bamenda, and Douala in Cameroon April 15–18; […]
- [Pope Leo to visit Monaco in March, Spain in June](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-visit-monaco-spain-2026): The pontiff’s visit will be the first papal trip to Spain since 2011. Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed on Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV would visit several foreign countries over the next few months, including Monaco and Spain. Bruni said the pope would travel to the Principality of Monaco on March 28, becoming the first pontiff to visit the country. The pope was also scheduled to travel to Spain June 6–12, 15 years after Pope Benedict XVI visited Madrid in the summer of 2011 for World Youth Day. The Vatican said it would announce further […]
- [Vatican spiritual exercises: St. Bernard ‘the Idealist’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-retreat-varden-st-bernard-the-idealist): As the Roman Curia’s Lenten retreat continued, Cistercian abbot-bishop Erik Varden reflected on St. Bernard of Clairvaux and on the biblical conviction that God comes to our aid. The Roman Curia’s Lenten spiritual exercises moved on to the second and third meditations Monday, Feb. 23, following the program schedule with sessions at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Pauline Chapel. In the morning, Cistercian Bishop Erik Varden spoke to the pope and the Roman Curia about St. Bernard of Clairvaux, focusing on the theme “Bernard the Idealist.” According to Varden, Bernard is “a good, wise companion for anyone setting out […]
- [Cardinals criticize Society of St. Pius X for plan to consecrate bishops without papal approval](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-rebuke-sspx-bishop-consecrations): Canon law prescribes the penalty of automatic excommunication for those who participate in episcopal consecrations unauthorized by Rome. Cardinal Gerhard Müller and Cardinal Robert Sarah, two prominent supporters of the Traditional Latin Mass, have spoken out against the decision of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) to defy the Vatican and ordain new bishops on July 1. The decision to proceed with the episcopal consecrations without papal approval was confirmed in a Feb. 18 letter, penned by SSPX superior general Father Davide Pagliarani a week after his Feb. 12 meeting with Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of […]
- [Varden: Don’t use the Gospel as a weapon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/varden-dont-weaponize-the-gospel-culture-wars): Opening the Vatican’s Lenten spiritual exercises, the Norwegian Cistercian bishop warned against weaponizing the Gospel in culture wars. Norwegian Cistercian Bishop Erik Varden opened the Vatican’s annual Lenten spiritual exercises for the Roman Curia by urging Christians to resist using the Gospel as a political weapon and to measure authentic faith by fidelity to Christ — and by the peace believers embody. “Fidelity to Christ’s example and commandments is the hallmark of Christian sincerity,” Varden said in his first meditation, delivered in the Pauline Chapel during the retreat for Pope Leo XIV and members of the Curia, which began Sunday afternoon. “The extent […]
- [Pope says switch off smartphones to make ‘space for silence’ in Lent](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-switch-off-smartphones-lent-silence-ukraine): At the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV also urged an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine as the war approaches its fourth year, insisting peace “cannot be postponed.” Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to switch off their cellphones during Lent to create room for silence and prayer, while also calling Sunday for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine as the war approaches its fourth year. “Let us create space for silence by turning off televisions, radios, and cellphones for a while,” the pope said during his Angelus address. “Let us meditate on the word of God, approach the sacraments, and listen to the voice of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV begins Lenten spiritual exercises led by Bishop Erik Varden](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-lenten-spiritual-exercises-erik-varden): Bishop Erik Varden, a Cistercian from Trondheim, Norway, is leading the Lenten spiritual exercises for the Roman Curia, which are taking place Feb. 22–27 at the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV began a Lenten retreat with the Roman Curia at the Vatican on Sunday. Cistercian Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim, Norway, is leading the spiritual exercises at the request of the pope. Varden will deliver his meditations for the Feb. 22–27 retreat in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace. The cardinals residing in Rome and the prefects of the Curia’s dicasteries are invited to participate, suspending or reducing their regular […]
- [Pope tells priests to use their brains, not AI, to write homilies](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-no-ai-homilies-rome-priests-qa): Here’s what Leo said in a private Q-and-A with priests this week. In a private exchange with priests of the Diocese of Rome on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV responded to four questions, advising them on prayer, study, and priestly fraternity. The off-camera moment took place after Leo gave a public speech to the priests, inviting them to “rekindle the fire” of their ministry. “The first priest to speak was a young man who asked the pope how the Gospel can be embodied in the world of young people,” according to a priest present at the Feb. 19 meeting in the Vatican’s Paul […]
- [Thousands convene in Assisi to pray before bones of St. Francis on first day of historic viewing](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/assisi-st-francis-relics-historic-viewing): Nearly 400,000 people are expected to venerate the saint’s relics while on public display through March 22. Hundreds of pilgrims lined up before dawn on Sunday to be among the first to pray before the exposed relics of St. Francis in his basilica in Assisi, Italy.  The saint’s bones will lie in a glass box through March 22 — fully visible outside the stone tomb in a crypt where they usually rest — as hundreds of thousands of people venerate the holy remains. A highly organized system with QR code reservations allowed approximately 750 people to enter the lower church […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Freedom is fulfilled by saying yes to God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-freedom-saying-yes-to-god): During a Lenten pastoral stop near Rome’s Termini station, the pope joked that he once considered joining the Salesians: “They came in second place, sorry!” Pope Leo XIV on Sunday visited Rome’s Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in the central Castro Pretorio neighborhood, steps from Termini station, telling parishioners that true freedom “is fulfilled by saying yes to God” and urging the community to be a visible sign of charity in an area marked by sharp social contrasts. The visit was part of the pope’s Lenten round of pastoral stops at parishes across Rome. In his homily, the pope invited […]
- [Vatican to use AI to translate Masses at St. Peter’s into 60 languages ​​in real time](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ai-live-translation-st-peters-masses-60-languages): Mass attendees at St. Peter’s Basilica will be able to understand the readings, chants, and prayers live and in their own languages with a new AI-assisted translation system. This spring, the Vatican will debut a simultaneous translation system assisted by artificial intelligence, allowing people to follow liturgical celebrations in St. Peter’s Basilica in real time in up to 60 languages. For the first time, the faithful will be able to follow the liturgy in their own language via their smartphones. Pilgrims cross the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican in 2025. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News The […]
- [The Pope's Theologian](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-popes-theologian): When Lent begins in the Vatican, the rhythm of life within the Apostolic Palace changes. The Holy Father withdraws for the annual Spiritual Exercises, praying alongside cardinals, bishops, and members of the Roman Curia. Among them is a quiet but crucial figure: the Theologian of the Papal Household. Considered part of the so-called “papal family,” he lives and works at the heart of the Vatican, closely involved in the Pope’s spiritual and intellectual life. Since 2005, that role has been held by Fr. Wojciech Giertych, a 74-year-old Dominican priest who has served the last three popes. One of the few […]
- [Windows of Life in Rome: Baby Boxes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/windows-of-life-in-rome-baby-boxes): Today, the Tiber River offers one of Rome’s most picturesque views. Tourists stroll along its banks, and locals pass by without a second thought. But in the Middle Ages, its waters carried a darker story. At the end of the 12th century, Pope Innocent III learned that newborn babies—especially those born into poverty or to women facing unwanted pregnancies—were being thrown into the Tiber when abandoned. Infant abandonment was tragically common, particularly among poor families and prostitutes who had no means to care for a child. Determined to stop the practice, the pope ordered the construction of what would become […]
- [A Scout's Gift for Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/scouts-gift-for-pope-leo-xiv): During Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral visit to the parish of Ostia, three young scouts approached the Holy Father with a simple but meaningful gift: a scout neckerchief, the symbol they treasure most as part of their uniform. Pope Leo responded by pointing to the spiritual heart of what scouting can represent—young people gathered together in faith. Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, he told them: “For where two or three are gathered in His name, Jesus is present; Jesus is alive with us.” An 80-Year Story Rooted in 1944 Not far from the Vatican, in the heart of Rome, one of […]
- [Lent’s Quiet Shift Inside the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lent-in-the-vatican): Purple vestments, stripped altars, and the scent of incense mark the Church’s entrance into Lent. Inside the Vatican, the season brings a noticeable change in rhythm: the pace slows, public activity eases, and attention turns inward. As Fr. Wojciech Giertych, Theologian of the Papal Household, explains, Lent is reflected even in the Holy Father’s schedule. “The work load then is reduced because this is a special time for prayer,” he says. “The Pope has less audiences, less meetings with people, because this is a time specially given to God… that we need, in a very concrete way, a sign of […]
- [Society of St. Pius X says it will consecrate bishops without papal mandate despite Vatican warning](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sspx-bishops-consecration-without-papal-mandate): The SSPX refused to postpone the July 1 consecrations as a condition of doctrinal talks. Canon law foresees automatic excommunication for bishops involved in unauthorized episcopal consecrations. The Priestly Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) says it will proceed with plans to consecrate new bishops on July 1 without a pontifical mandate, despite a Vatican warning that the move would represent a “decisive rupture” of communion and bring “grave consequences” for the group. In a letter dated Feb. 18 — Ash Wednesday — Father Davide Pagliarani, the SSPX superior general, told Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to visit major migrant landing point on July 4](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-visit-lampedusa-july-4): The pope’s Italy itinerary also includes stops in Pompei, Naples, Acerra, Pavia, Assisi, and Rimini through August. Pope Leo XIV will travel July 4 to the southern Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, a major migrant landing point that has become a symbol of Europe’s migration emergency as tens of thousands of migrants arrive there each year after perilous sea crossings. The Vatican on Thursday published a calendar of the pope’s Italian pastoral visits through Aug. 22, including stops in Pompei, Naples, Acerra, Pavia, Assisi, and Rimini. Lampedusa — a small Italian island south of Sicily — gained worldwide attention as a […]
- [Pope Leo encourages young priests in crisis to share their fatigue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-urges-young-priests-to-share-fatigue): The pontiff told the clergy of Rome to “rekindle the fire” of their ministry. Pope Leo XIV encouraged young priests on Wednesday to continue to serve the Lord with enthusiasm, even if they do not immediately see the results of their work, and to share their difficulties with other priests. “Above all, I urge you never to close yourselves off: Don’t be afraid to talk to others, even about your fatigue and your crises, especially with brother priests whom you believe can help you,” the pope said in a Feb. 19 meeting with clergy of the Diocese of Rome. During […]
- [A New App Inspired by St. Carlo Acutis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-app-inspired-by-st-carlo-acutis): From the beginning of Lent in Rome to global diplomacy and digital evangelization, this week brought significant developments from the Vatican and the Holy Father. Here is a look at the latest news shaping the life of the Church — from Pope Leo XIV’s Ash Wednesday message to new initiatives at St. Peter’s Basilica and beyond. Pope Leo XIV Opens Lent with a Call to Global Repentance Pope Leo XIV began the season of Lent with a sobering reflection on the state of the world, presiding over Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome. In his […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: The liturgy is an experience of God’s unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-liturgy-reveals-gods-plan-for-unity): The pope continued his weekly lessons dedicated to the Second Vatican Council, focusing on the dogmatic constitution Lumen Gentium and the theme of unity. Pope Leo XIV emphasized Wednesday that the Church experiences a part of God’s plan for unity by being together at liturgical celebrations. The pope stated that God’s plan for the Church has a clear purpose: “to unify all creatures thanks to the reconciliatory action of Jesus Christ,” accomplished through his death on the cross. “This is experienced first of all in the assembly gathered for the liturgical celebration: There, differences are relativized, and what counts is […]
- [Ukrainian women tell Pope Leo of abandoned prisoners of war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ukrainian-women-tell-pope-leo-abandoned-pows): A delegation supporting families of missing and captured Ukrainian soldiers shared their concerns and presented the pontiff with symbolic gifts. Grieving wives, mothers, and daughters of Ukrainian soldiers held prisoner in Russia found a moment of consolation and hope on Wednesday when several of them briefly greeted Pope Leo XIV after the general audience. With mild winter temperatures returning to Rome, the audience was once again held outdoors in St. Peter’s Square, where the women were able to approach the pope at the close of the catechesis. Traveling with the group was Kateryna Muzlova, director of the charitable foundation Heart […]
- [Pope Leo: Lenten ashes carry ‘the weight of a world that is ablaze’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-ash-wednesday-ashes-world-ablaze): Leading Ash Wednesday rites, the pontiff linked the call to repentance with the devastation of war, broken justice, wounded creation, and a fading sense of the sacred. Pope Leo XIV led the traditional Ash Wednesday penitential procession on Rome’s Aventine Hill on Feb. 18, walking with clergy and faithful to the Basilica of Santa Sabina, where he celebrated Mass marking the start of Lent. Reflecting on the meaning of the ashes traditionally imposed on the heads of the faithful, Leo recalled a 1966 catechesis by St. Paul VI, who described the public celebration of the rite as a “severe and striking […]
- [Pope Leo XIV insists on his freedom to defend truth in turbulent times](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-freedom-speak-truth-denounce-injustice): The pontiff said he must be free to denounce injustice amid today’s challenges. Pope Leo XIV said the successor of Peter must retain “complete freedom to speak the truth, denounce injustice, defend the rights of the weakest, promote peace,” and proclaim Jesus Christ amid “the troubled times in which we live.” The pope made the remarks in an address Feb. 18 to members of Pro Petri Sede (“For the See of Peter”), an association that supports the work of the pope and the Holy See through prayer and financial assistance. Leo recalled that the association traces its roots to the […]
- [‘Aventine procession’: A centuries-old tradition Pope Leo XIV will lead for the first time](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/aventine-procession-ash-wednesday-pope-leo-xiv): The brief Ash Wednesday walk between two hilltop basilicas marks the start of Lent in Rome. Each Ash Wednesday, dozens of people crowd the doors of the Church of Sant’Anselmo, perched on the Aventine — one of Rome’s seven hills — to witness the penitential procession that moves solemnly along the roughly 200 meters (656 feet) separating it from Santa Sabina. This year, the tradition of the Station Churches, rooted in the first centuries of Christianity, takes on special significance: It will be the first time Pope Leo XIV presides over it. It lasts less than five minutes, but it […]
- [St. Peter’s marks 400 years with newly opened areas and digital access](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-peters-400-years-smartpass-new-areas): The Vatican will open new parts of St. Peter’s — including the full terrace — and roll out a “SmartPass” digital entry system as it marks the basilica’s 400th anniversary. As the Basilica of St. Peter approaches the 400th anniversary of its consecration, the Vatican has announced a slate of liturgical and cultural initiatives — including opening parts of the basilica complex that have never been accessible to the public and rolling out a new digital entry system designed to better manage crowds. St. Peter’s Basilica was consecrated on Nov. 18, 1626, by Pope Urban VIII. Vatican officials presented the […]
- [Vatican official says Notre Dame controversy shows need for dialogue on abortion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-notre-dame-row-abortion-dialogue): The Church should engage with universities about how to take “an ethical approach” to the dignity of unborn life, the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life said. The president of the Pontifical Academy for Life said Tuesday the Church needs to maintain a dialogue with universities on the issue of abortion. Monsignor Renzo Pegoraro was responding to a question about controversy over the leadership appointment of a pro-abortion professor at the University of Notre Dame — and whether Catholic universities have a responsibility to uphold Church teaching on unborn life. Abortion “is not acceptable as a practice,” Pegoraro said during a […]
- [UPDATE: Cardinal Parolin: The Vatican ‘will not participate in Trump’s Board of Peace’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-vatican-not-to-participate-in-trumps-board-of-peace): Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, announced that the Holy See “will not participate in the Board of Peace,” promoted by the U.S. president to address Gaza and other conflicts. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, announced on Feb. 17 that the Holy See “will not participate in the Board of Peace,” an initiative promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump to address various conflicts around the world, such as the one in Gaza. The Holy See “will not participate in the Board of Peace due to its particular nature, which is clearly not that of other states,” the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV eliminates committee created by Francis for World Children’s Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ends-world-childrens-day-committee): Pope Leo XIV has eliminated the Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day, transferring the committee’s functions to the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life. Pope Leo XIV has eliminated the Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day, established by Pope Francis in November 2024. In a decree published on Feb. 13, the Holy Father reaffirmed the importance of the Church giving special attention to children, in continuity with the intention expressed by his predecessor. However, with the aim of “fostering greater synergies” and ensuring a more effective organization of this “noble initiative,” the decree stipulates that all the committee’s […]
- [Apostolic vicariate in Rome dedicates its day of arts to Gaza](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-vicariate-arts-day-gaza): The humanitarian situation in Gaza was the focus of a day of the arts at the Lateran Apostolic Palace on Feb. 14, drawing attention to the ongoing suffering of residents in the Gaza Strip.  On Saturday, Feb. 14, the humanitarian situation in Gaza was the focus of a day of the arts at the apostolic vicariate in Rome. In the halls of the Lateran Apostolic Palace, the third edition of the initiative focused on the Gaza Strip, burdened by destruction and loss, where the suffering of its residents calls for ongoing attention.  The apostolic vicariate in Rome dedicated the third […]
- [Pope appoints Catholic Harvard professor to Vatican social sciences academy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-appoints-harvard-professor-vatican-social-sciences): Tyler J. VanderWeele, a Catholic, is an epidemiologist and director of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University. Pope Leo XIV has appointed a Harvard University epidemiology professor and director of the Human Flourishing Program to the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. Tyler J. VanderWeele, a Catholic, is also co-director of the Initiative on Health, Spirituality, and Religion at Harvard University and a contributor to the Institute for Family Studies, which promotes traditional marriage and family structures. VanderWeele joins 35 other ordinary members — academics and professionals in the fields of law, political science, economics, and sociology — at the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV tells Opus Dei no decision yet on revised statutes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-no-decision-opus-dei-statutes): Pope Francis moved the prelature’s Vatican oversight from the office for bishops to that of clergy, triggering an ongoing review and rewrite of its governing norms. Pope Leo XIV told the prelate of Opus Dei on Feb. 16 that “the process of updating Opus Dei’s statutes continues in its study phase and that no publication date can yet be foreseen,” according to a statement from the prelature. The pope received Opus Dei’s prelate, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, in audience at the Vatican on Monday. Ocáriz was accompanied by his auxiliary vicar, Monsignor Mariano Fazio. The Holy See Press Office did not immediately respond […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: ‘All lives are not equally respected’ amid war and inequality](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-health-care-inequality-war): The pope told the Pontifical Academy for Life it is hypocritical to call health a universal value while ignoring policies that drive disparities. Pope Leo XIV on Monday warned that modern conflicts and widening social disparities are eroding respect for human life and equal access to health care, telling members of the Pontifical Academy for Life that “all lives are not equally respected and health is neither protected nor promoted in the same way for everyone.” Addressing participants in the academy’s plenary assembly in the Apostolic Palace, the pope praised the meeting’s theme — “Health Care for All: Sustainability and Equity” […]
- [Just what does it mean to be named a ‘chaplain of His Holiness’?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/chaplain-of-his-holiness-title-meaning): Father Fermín González Melado, who was recently named a “chaplain of His Holiness” by Pope Leo XIV, explains the qualifications and purpose of bestowing this honorary title. Among the recent appointments of Pope Leo XIV, one in particular has been made with remarkable frequency: that of “chaplain of His Holiness.” What does this honorary title mean? In November 2025, the Holy Father bestowed this title upon his secretary, Peruvian priest Father Edgard Iván Rimaycuna Inga, officially incorporating him into the papal household, in accordance with the provisions of the 1968 motu proprio Pontificalis Domus (“Pontifical House”). Among those who have received this […]
- [Lent 2026 in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lent-2026-in-rome): This EWTN Vaticano episode explores four powerful Lenten themes unfolding in Rome — from the ancient Station Churches to the peripheries of the city, from the confessional of Santa Maria Maggiore to the meeting point of psychology and grace. Ash Wednesday on the Aventine Pope Leo XIV begins Lent with the traditional Station Church procession from Sant’Anselmo to Santa Sabina, reviving a 4th-century Roman custom. We explore the spiritual meaning of pilgrimage, the symbolism of procession, and the ancient wooden doors of Santa Sabina bearing one of the earliest depictions of Christ Crucified. Pope Leo and the Roman Parishes Across […]
- [Ash Wednesday: Pope Leo XIV Begins Lent with Rome’s Station Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-begins-lent-with-romes-station-church): Rome’s Aventine Hill—one of the city’s seven historic hills and a place steeped in early Christian worship—will mark the beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s first Lenten journey as Bishop of Rome. On Ash Wednesday, the Holy Father will join cardinals and the Benedictine and Dominican religious communities for one of the most moving traditions of the Roman liturgical year: a penitential procession that begins at the Basilica of Sant’Anselmo and concludes with Mass at the Dominican Basilica of Santa Sabina. Fr. Eusebius Martis, a monk of Marmion Abbey, explains that the day begins inside Sant’Anselmo with a brief liturgy before […]
- [Lent and the Power of Confession](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/lent-and-the-power-of-confession): The forty days of Lent invite Christians to look inward. It is a season that calls for examination of conscience, for change, and for a renewed encounter with the Lord before the joy of the Resurrection. In Rome, that invitation is made visible in a striking way. More than 900 churches across the Eternal City open their doors wide during Lent—from small parish churches on the outskirts to the great papal basilicas at the heart of Catholic life. Among them stands the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the oldest Marian basilica in the world. For nearly five centuries, the Sacrament […]
- [Pope Leo XIV, in first Roman parish visit, calls for ‘disarming’ meekness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-first-roman-parish-visit-ostia-meekness): The pontiff urged “coherence between faith and life” and persistent prayer for peace. Pope Leo XIV on Sunday made his first visit to a parish in the Diocese of Rome, celebrating Mass at Santa Maria Regina Pacis in Ostia Lido and urging Catholics to cultivate “coherence between faith and life” while opposing violence and injustice with “the disarming strength of meekness” and renewed prayer for peace. Santa Maria Regina Pacis, located on Rome’s coast and part of the diocese’s southern sector, is the first Roman parish the pope has visited during his pontificate. The pope is expected to visit four […]
- [Pope Leo XIV prays for Madagascar after twin cyclones](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prays-madagascar-twin-cyclones): In his catechesis before the Angelus, Leo said Jesus fulfills the Law by calling Christians beyond minimal righteousness to great love. Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed his closeness to the people of Madagascar after two cyclones caused flooding and landslides. “I pray for the victims, their families, and for all who have suffered serious damage,” the pope said after praying the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on Feb. 15. Looking ahead to upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations in East Asia, Leo said: “May this joyful celebration strengthen family ties and friendships, bring peace to homes and society, and provide […]
- [Pope’s visit brings hope to seaside community challenged by drugs, prostitution](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ostia-parish-visit): A popular summer destination for tourists, Ostia will be the first of five parishes where the pope, as bishop of Rome, will celebrate Mass on Sundays in February and March. Pope Leo XIV on Sunday will travel outside the Vatican to visit a Roman parish — the Basilica of Santa Maria Regina Pacis — in the seaside community of Ostia, about 17 miles southwest of the city’s center. A popular summer destination for tourists, Ostia will be the first of five parishes where the pope, as bishop of Rome, will celebrate Mass on Sundays in February and March. The pastor […]
- [Pope proposes Lenten ‘fast’ from hurtful words](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-lenten-fast-hurtful-words): Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to listen more closely to God and others — and to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound — in his message for Lent 2026. In his message for Lent 2026, Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to listen more closely to God and others — and to “disarm” their language by fasting from words that wound. The Lenten season begins Feb. 18 with Ash Wednesday. In the message, released Feb. 13, the pope offers a simple definition of Lent as a time when the Church “invites us to place the mystery of God back in […]
- [Where Psychology Meets the Sacraments: Confession](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/where-psychology-meets-the-sacraments-confession): He was trained to heal with a scalpel — and later called to heal in the confessional. Father Wenceslao Vial is a priest and professor at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, and his work sits at the crossroads of medicine, psychology, and spiritual life. Through books such as Psychology and Christian Life and his study of Viktor Frankl, Fr. Vial has spent years addressing a question many Catholics wrestle with: what belongs in therapy, and what belongs in confession. In an interview with EWTN Vatican Correspondent Magdalena Wolińska-Riedi, he explains why the two are not rivals — but […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Lent in 5 of Rome’s Parishes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-lent-in-5-of-romes-parishes): This Lent, beginning February 15, Pope Leo XIV will step beyond the Vatican walls and into the neighborhoods of Rome. On each of the five Sundays of Lent, the Bishop of Rome will visit parish communities across the city’s five pastoral regions—bringing the papacy to places where daily life is lived with quiet faith, struggle, and hope. The Pope’s itinerary includes five parishes: Santa Maria Regina Pacis in Ostia, the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Castro Pretorio, Ascension of Our Lord in the East, Our Lady of the Presentation in the West, and the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus […]
- [FULL TEXT of Pope Leo’s Message for Lent 2026](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-of-pope-leos-message-for-lent-2026): The PDF version of the Pope Leo’s Message for Lent 2026. This is the text of the document: MESSAGE OF POPE LEO XIVFOR LENT 2026Listening and Fasting:Lent as a Time of Conversion Dear brothers and sisters, Lent is a time in which the Church, guided by a sense of maternal care, invites us to place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of daily life. Every path towards conversion begins by allowing the word of God to […]
- [Cuban bishops postpone Vatican visit amid worsening national crisis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cuban-bishops-postpone-vatican-visit-national-crisis): The country’s growing economic and social instability prompts request to delay meeting with Pope Leo XIV. The Catholic Bishops of Cuba announced Thursday that they have asked Pope Leo XIV to postpone their upcoming visit to Rome due to the country’s grave situation, which is generating “so much instability and uncertainty.” The bishops had been scheduled to meet Pope Leo XIV on Feb. 20 as part of their periodic adlimina visit, which was set to begin Monday, Feb. 16. During such visits, bishops also customarily pray at the four major papal basilicas and meet with various Vatican dicasteries. However, in a statement […]
- [The Rome church where you can venerate St. Valentine’s skull](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/rome-church-where-you-can-venerate-st-valentines-skull-507): When most people think of romantic love, a third-century skull crowned with flowers probably does not spring to mind — nor the story behind it. But a visit to an unassuming Byzantine basilica in Rome might change that. “One of the most important relics that you will find in this basilica is that of St. Valentine,” the church’s rector, Fr. Chihade Abboud, told EWTN News. Known as the patron saint of couples for his defense of Christian marriage, St. Valentine was martyred by decapitation on Feb. 14. He is also the inspiration behind the modern-day celebration of Valentine’s Day. And his […]
- [Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace in Nigeria, Sends Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-peace-in-nigeria-sends-humanitarian-aid-to-ukraine): Pope Leo XIV addressed escalating violence in Nigeria, extended humanitarian aid to war-torn Ukraine, and approved key developments within the Vatican this week. From global crises to cultural restoration and upcoming papal travel plans, here are the latest updates from the Holy See. Pope Leo XIV Prays for Nigeria, Sends Aid to Ukraine Pope Leo XIV has expressed sorrow and spiritual closeness to the victims of recent violent attacks in Nigeria. Speaking after the Sunday Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father addressed a wave of assaults carried out by armed groups across several states, including Kaduna and Niger. […]
- [His former diocese ‘most likely place’ on itinerary if Pope Leo XIV visits Peru](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-peru-visit-chiclayo-most-likely-stop): The president of Peru’s conference of bishops said a late 2026 papal visit to the country has a probability of approximately 80%. Pope Leo XIV could return to Chiclayo — the diocese where he served as bishop — during an upcoming visit to Peru, expected to take place between November and the first week of December, a possibility that the president of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference described as “the most certain stop” on the highly anticipated itinerary. “The main place he will visit after Lima is Chiclayo. That’s definite, 100%,” said Bishop Carlos García during a press conference presenting the […]
- [Vatican offers talks with SSPX, warns illicit consecrations would end dialogue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-offers-talks-with-sspx-warns-illicit-consecrations-end-dialogue): Doctrinal office tells traditionalist group that consecrating bishops without papal mandate would mean a “decisive rupture” of communion. The Vatican’s doctrinal office said Thursday it is willing to begin a structured theological dialogue with the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), but warned that any plan by the traditionalist group to consecrate bishops without a papal mandate would constitute a break in communion and would immediately halt the talks. In a statement following a Feb. 12 meeting between Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and Father Davide Pagliarani, the SSPX’s superior general, […]
- [Pope Leo praises organ donation, warns about commodification of the body](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-organ-donation-body-commodification): The audience with participants in an event organized by the Italian National Transplant Network took place March 26 at the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV on Thursday said organ donation is a noble act that should be governed by fair and transparent criteria, avoiding “any form of commodification of the human body.” He also encouraged the safeguarding of the well-being of patients in his comments to participants of an event organized by the Italian National Transplant Network at the Vatican on March 26. The Holy Father thanked those who serve human life “in its moments of greatest fragility.” The first donation […]
- [Mother Angelica’s enduring legacy celebrated at Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mother-angelica-mass-st-peters-basilica): Mother Angelica knew from experience that “God works through humble, unexpected instruments to spread his Gospel,” said the principal celebrant at the Mass, Father Michael Baggot, LC. A memorial Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica was held on the 10th anniversary of the death of Mother Angelica, the foundress of EWTN, the world’s largest Catholic media network. The principal celebrant at the Mass, Father Michael Baggot, LC, a bioethics professor, recalled in his homily in the basilica’s Chapel of the Choir that Mother Angelica “conveyed the faith with wit and wisdom.”  “Her message was both consoling and challenging,” he said. Father Michael Baggot, LC, delivers […]
- [Pope Leo XIV set to meet with first female archbishop of Canterbury](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-sarah-mullally-meeting-rome): The announcement came just two days after Sarah Mullally’s installation as archbishop of Canterbury. Pope Leo XIV is set to meet with Sarah Mullally, the first female archbishop of Canterbury, as part of Mullally’s planned visit to Rome from April 25–28. The announcement of the visit came from Lambeth Palace just two days after Mullally’s installation, which made her the first woman to hold the highest-ranking role in the Church of England. It is also notable that the ascension of Mullally to that post continues to have significant repercussions within Anglicanism. Earlier this month, the Global Anglican Future Conference — […]
- [Pope Leo XIV says God ‘does not listen’ to prayers of those who wage war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-god-does-not-hear-prayers-for-war): At Palm Sunday Mass and the Angelus following it, the pope prayed for Middle East Christians, victims of war, and migrants who died at sea off Crete. Pope Leo XIV on Palm Sunday sharply condemned war and the use of religion to justify violence, saying during Mass in St. Peter’s Square that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.” At the start of Holy Week, the pope tied the Church’s contemplation of Christ’s Passion to the suffering of people caught in today’s conflicts, especially Christians in the Middle East. In his Palm Sunday homily, Leo repeatedly […]
- [Asian Catholics pay tribute to late Vietnamese Cardinal Van Thuan](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/asian-catholics-honor-cardinal-van-thuan-rome): The Vatican held the “Cardinal Văn Thuận: Witness of Hope” conference at the Apostolic Palace of the Lateran in Rome on March 25. Asian Catholics paid tribute to Venerable Francis-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận to mark the 50th anniversary of his spiritual writings compiled in the book “The Road of Hope: The Gospel from Prison.” To honor the legacy of the late Vietnamese prelate, the Vatican held the “Cardinal Văn Thuận: Witness of Hope” conference at the Apostolic Palace of the Lateran in Rome on Wednesday. The event was attended by hundreds of people including members of Văn Thuận’s family. While […]
- [The New Stations of the Cross in the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/new-stations-of-the-cross-in-the-vatican): During the season of Lent, the Stations of the Cross remain one of the most beloved devotions among the faithful. The fourteen stations trace the final moments of Christ’s life—from His condemnation by Pontius Pilate to His burial—inviting Christians to meditate on His suffering and prepare their hearts for Holy Week. This year, in St. Peter’s Basilica, that meditation is accompanied by a new artistic interpretation of the Via Crucis, created by German artist Manuel Andreas Dürr, whose work seeks to illuminate the mystery of suffering and redemption. Reflecting on his approach, Dürr explains that the project is rooted in […]
- [Christians in the Holy Land: Cardinal Pizzaballa on Conflict and Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christians-in-the-holy-land-war-and-faith): “I arrived here decades ago, and at the beginning, living on the holy places was very touching because everything is new.” With these words, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa recalls the beginning of a journey that has now spanned more than three decades in the Holy Land. Originally from Bergamo in northern Italy, he arrived in Jerusalem in 1990 as a Franciscan friar. In 2004, Pope John Paul II appointed him Custos of the Holy Land, placing him in charge of safeguarding Christianity’s most sacred sites — from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and Nazareth. In 2020, Pope Francis named him Latin Patriarch of […]
- [Holy Week in the Holy Land amid War](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-week-in-the-holy-land-amid-war): As Holy Week begins, Catholics around the world turn their hearts toward the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. Nowhere is this journey more tangible than in the Holy Land, where the places themselves still bear the memory of Christ’s final days. From the Upper Room to Calvary, the geography of Jerusalem becomes a living Gospel — inviting pilgrims not only to remember, but to encounter the events that define the Christian faith. The Upper Room and the Mystery of Betrayal On Holy Thursday, the Church commemorates the Last Supper — the moment when Jesus gathered with his apostles before […]
- [Entering Holy Week at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/entering-holy-week-at-the-vatican): The Catholic Church has entered Holy Week — the most sacred time of the liturgical year — marking the final days of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. In St. Peter’s Square, Palm Sunday opened the week with a familiar and powerful scene: thousands of faithful waving palm branches, recalling Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and professing their hope in the One who leads them to salvation. For Father Michael Baggot, Associate Professor of Bioethics at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, Holy Week is not simply remembered — it is lived. As he explains, “Holy Week brings us to the center of […]
- [Here is Pope Leo XIV’s schedule for Holy Week and Easter 2026 at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/here-is-pope-leo-xivs-schedule-for-holy-week-and-easter-2026-at-the-vatican): Palm Sunday marks the start of the one of the busiest and fullest liturgical periods of the year for the Catholic Church and the Vatican. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the liturgies of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum for the first time as pope this week. Palm Sunday marks the start of the one of the busiest and fullest liturgical periods of the year for the Catholic Church and the Vatican, where Leo will celebrate five Masses and preside over several other liturgies and devotions between March 29 and April 6. Here is the Vatican’s full […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV's one-day trip to Monaco](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xivs-one-day-trip-to-monaco): The Holy Father met with the countryʼs royalty, addressed Catholic youth, and celebrated Mass at Louis II Stadium.Pope Leo XIV concluded his one-day trip to Monaco on March 28, wrapping up a whirlwind visit that included meeting with the countryʼs royalty and holding Mass in Louis II Stadium. The Holy Father became the first pope to visit the European micro-state in nearly 500 years. He appealed to the wealthy nation to spread the Gospel and become vessels of Godʼs love and generosity. Here are the most important moments of the Pope’s Apostolic Journey in Monaco.
- [Pope Leo XIV at Monaco stadium Mass: Wars are 'the result of the idolatry of power and money'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-wars-are-the-result-of-the-idolatry-of-power-and-money): The Holy Father during his homily at Monacoʼs Lucas II Stadium urged the faithful to “not get used to the rumble of weapons or the images of war.” Pope Leo XIV on March 28 condemned all military conflicts, which he argued are the result of the “idolatry of power and money” and which “bloody” Godʼs gift of grace to men. Godʼs grace “illuminates our present, because the wars that bloody it are the result of the idolatry of power and money,” said Leo in the homily he delivered during the Mass at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco. Four months […]
- [10 Catholic facts about Monaco: Billionaires, martyrs, and Europe’s last Catholic state](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/here-are-10-key-things-to-know-about-monaco-and-its-enduring-catholic-identity): On March 28, Pope Leo XIV made history by becoming the first pope in the modern era to make an apostolic visit to Monaco. Tucked along the Mediterranean coast, the principality of Monaco — whose official language is French — is often associated with Formula 1, wealth, glamor, and the famed Monte Carlo Casino. Yet beneath its polished exterior lies a profoundly Catholic heritage that continues to shape its laws, culture, and monarchy. Here are 10 key things to know about Monaco and its enduring Catholic identity: 1. Monaco is the last European country that is Catholic by law. Unlike […]
- [FULL TEXT of Pope Leo XIV's homily to Catholics at Monaco's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-homily-to-catholics-at-monacos-cathedral): The Holy Father arrived in Monaco as part of a one-day visit on March 28. The following is a homily given to the faithful by Pope Leo XIV at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Dear brothers and sisters: Before God and in the presence of God we have a lawyer: Jesus Christ, the righteous (cf. 1 Jn 2,1-2). With these words, the apostle John helps us to grasp the mystery of salvation. In our fragility, carried with the weight of sin that marks our humanity, unable to embrace with our […]
- [Pope Leo XIV tells Monaco: 'It is the humble who shape history'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-tells-monaco-it-is-the-humble-who-shape-history): The pope’s whirlwind visit to Monaco began with a meeting with the countryʼs royal family and an address to the small city-state.Pope Leo XIV addressed Monaco at the outset of his brief one-day visit there on March 28, telling the tiny micro-state that the “gift of smallness” and a “living spiritual heritage” lets the country “serve the cause of law and justice.” The Holy Father touched down in the city-state at 9 a.m. The brief journey to Monaco was undertaken by helicopter to ensure the pope would not have to set foot on French soil, thereby absolving him of the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to youth of Monaco: 'Do not be afraid to give everything to God'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-youth-of-monaco-do-not-be-afraid-to-give-everything-to-god): The Holy Father described the Monacan patron Saint Devota as “a courageous young woman who knew how to bear witness to her faith.” Pope Leo XIV met with young people and catechumens of Monaco at the Church of Saint Devota, the third public engagement of his one-day trip to the micro-state on March 28. After listening to the testimonies of several young people, Leo XIV spoke of the figure of Saint Devota, the patroness of Monaco, describing her as “a courageous young woman who knew how to bear witness to her faith in the face of the violence of her […]
- [Pope Leo XIV warns of a faith reduced to 'custom', asks for Church to reflect the love of God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-warns-of-a-faith-reduced-to-custom): The Holy Father urged Catholics in Monaco to “announce the Gospel of life, hope and love” and defend the dignity of human beings from birth to death. During his meeting with Catholics in Monaco, the second appointment of his whirlwind trip to the small country, Pope Leo XIV warned about the risks of reducing faith “to custom” and called on the faithful to be like Christ, defending the poor and marginalized against individualistic secularism. The pontiff supported his reflections in the document Quo vadis, humanitas? of the International Theological Commission, published on March 4, 2026. The Latin phrase means “Where are you […]
- [Homily: Mother Angelica’s 10th Anniversary Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/homily-mother-angelicas-10th-anniversary-mass): At her 10th anniversary Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Fr. Michael Baggot reflects on Mother Angelica’s life of trust in Divine Providence and her lasting impact on the Church through EWTN. I was intrigued when I first saw Mother Angelica on television as a teenager. I had watched Whoopi Goldberg sneak into a convent to sing in the movie Sister Act, but I had never taken the time to listen to a real-life sister teach. Mother Angelica was feisty. She conveyed the faith with wit and wisdom. Her message was both consoling and challenging. In high school, I was on a journey of conversion that led […]
- [Theologians Press Vatican to Address Concerns Over Marian Document](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/theologians-vatican-reply-marian-document): Scholars request a formal reply from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to their detailed criticism of ‘Mater Populi Fidelis,’ which they say departs from papal and conciliar teaching on Our Lady. Members of an international group of leading theologians and Mariologists have written to Cardinal Victor Fernández, asking him to respond to their detailed criticisms of a Vatican doctrinal note published last November that diminished some long-established devotional Marian titles. In a letter dated March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph, and made public on the Feast of the Annunciation, the Theological Commission of the International Marian Association […]
- [Synod on Synodality proposes a Church ‘Observatory on Disability’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-church-disability-observatory): The report is the conclusion of the work carried out by one of the 10 study groups created by Pope Francis in 2024 during the Synod on Synodality. The final report of the Synod on Synodality study group dedicated to the poor and the earth raises the need to create an observatory on disability and to include theologians from poor regions in consultative and governing bodies. The text — published March 24 — emphasizes that listening to “the cry of the poor and of the earth” is not a pastoral option but a constitutive act of faith in the mission of the […]
- [Vatican bank names new president](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-bank-new-president-francois-pauly): François Pauly will succeed Jean-Baptiste de Franssu at helm of Institute for the Works of Religion. The Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), often referred to as the Vatican bank, has announced that Luxembourg banker François Pauly will succeed Jean-Baptiste Douville de Franssu as president of its Board of Superintendence. According to a March 25 press release, Pauly “has been elected as the next president of the Board of Superintendence” and will formally take office following the board meeting scheduled for April 28, when the institute’s 2025 financial statements are approved. De Franssu, who has led the IOR since […]
- [Pope invites continued dialogue in message to new Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-sarah-mullally-canterbury-dialogue): Mullally’s installation as archbishop of Canterbury took place on March 25. Pope Leo XIV expressed the desire to continue dialogue with the Church of England in a message to Sarah Mullally on the occasion of her installation as archbishop of Canterbury. Mullally, formerly the bishop of London, was appointed archbishop of Canterbury in October 2025 with the approval of the King of England. She was installed March 25 in Canterbury Cathedral in east London. She the first woman to occupy the highest-ranking position in the Church of England. In his message, dated March 20 from the Vatican, Leo expressed his […]
- [Vatican secretary of state says war on Iran is not just](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/parolin-war-on-iran-not-just): Cardinal Pietro Parolin also addressed tensions over the Traditional Latin Mass. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said on Thursday that the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran does not meet the Catholic Church’s criteria for a just war. “No, it does not seem to meet the conditions,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an academic conference at the Vatican Apostolic Library. When asked by EWTN News about the decision of the United States to attack Iran, Parolin referred to recent remarks by Cardinal Robert McElroy, archbishop of Washington, D.C. In an interview with his archdiocesan newspaper, The Catholic Standard, […]
- [EWTN remembers Mother Angelica, 10 years after her death ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mother-angelica-10th-anniversary-ewtn): EWTN will commemorate its foundress with a Vatican Mass and daylong programming celebrating her life of faith and media innovation. The EWTN Global Catholic Network will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of its foundress, Mother Angelica, with a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on March 27. According to a press release, the memorial Mass will be celebrated by Father Michael Baggot, LC, at the basilica’s Choir Altar at 11 a.m. ET, marking a decade since the death of the Poor Clare nun who founded what would become the world’s largest Catholic media network. “Mother Angelica loved […]
- [Venerable Fulton Sheen beatification set for Sept. 24 in St. Louis ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fulton-sheen-beatification-sept-24-st-louis): The announcement of the beatification Mass in Missouri fell on the the solemnity of the Annunciation, as Sheen “spent his life continuing the work of the Archangel Gabriel.” The Vatican announced that Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen will be beatified on Sept. 24 in St. Louis. Sheen “is an inspiration not only to all of us who continue his work of prayer and support for the Church’s missionary work across the globe, but for all those whose faith has been strengthened by his preaching, broadcasting, writing, and holy Catholic life,” Monsignor Roger Landry, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies U.S., […]
- [Vatican calls for ethical framework on use of animal organs in humans](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-ethical-framework-animal-organ-transplants): The Pontifical Academy for Life said the growing field of xenotransplantation requires international standards and ethical oversight. The Vatican has called for a global ethical framework governing the use of animal organs in human transplants, warning that rapid advances in the field demand coordinated international oversight. The Pontifical Academy for Life presented a new document examining the ethical challenges posed by xenotransplantation — the transplantation of animal organs into humans — an area that until recently was considered close to science fiction. “It is an important contribution that the Church offers not only to believers but also to the scientific […]
- [Pope urges liturgical unity, inclusion of Traditional Latin Mass faithful](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-liturgical-unity-traditional-latin-mass): In message to French bishops, Pope Leo XIV called for “concrete solutions” to heal divisions over the Mass. Pope Leo XIV has called for renewed unity in the Church’s liturgical life, urging French bishops to seek “concrete solutions” to include Catholics attached to the Traditional Latin Mass while preserving communion. In a message sent through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, to the French bishops’ spring plenary assembly in Lourdes (March 24–26), the pope expressed concern over divisions surrounding the liturgy, describing them as “a painful wound” within the Church. “It is troubling that a painful wound continues to […]
- [Nigerian Bishops Appeal to Pope Leo and Tensions Rise in the Middle East](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/nigerian-bishops-appeal-to-pope-leo): This week’s Vaticano updates highlight urgent global concerns, from the Pope’s warning on modern warfare to escalating violence in Nigeria and renewed tensions in the Middle East. Alongside these developments, moments of tradition and personal encounter offer a glimpse into the life of the Church at the Vatican. Pope Leo Condemns Use of Technology in Warfare Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong condemnation of modern aerial warfare, warning that technological progress is increasingly being used for destruction rather than peace. Speaking during an audience with executives and staff of Italy’s national airline, ITA Airways, the Holy Father reflected on […]
- [The Link between the Annunciation and Good Friday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-link-between-the-annunciation-and-good-friday): Ahead of Holy Week, the Church makes the Solemnity of the Annunciation—commemorating Mary’s “yes” and the moment of the Incarnation, where faith and reason converge and salvation history takes a decisive turn. That same mystery is reflected each Sunday with Pope Leo during the Angelus, linking St. Peter’s Square with Nazareth and recalling the event that continues to shape Catholic life and devotion. In art, the Annunciation finds expression in the work of Fra Angelico, whose frescoes in Florence and Rome translate theology into image, using beauty to invite contemplation of the Gospel. Marian devotion also endures through movements such […]
- [Pope Leo XIV explains why the priesthood is reserved to men](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-priesthood-reserved-to-men): The pope also invited Catholics to pray for priestly vocations. Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday said priestly ministry in the Catholic Church, entrusted only to men, is understood in light of apostolic succession and called for priests who are “ardent with evangelical charity” and “courageous missionaries.” During his March 25 catechesis dedicated to the dogmatic constitution Lumen Gentium, from the Second Vatican Council, Leo explained that the Church “is founded on the apostles, whom Christ appointed as the living pillars of his mystical body.” Speaking in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff emphasized that the Church possesses a “hierarchical structure that works in the […]
- [Australian bishop named to top Vatican legal post](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/bishop-anthony-randazzo-vatican-legal-post): Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Anthony Randazzo of Broken Bay as head of the Legislative Texts office. Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Anthony Randazzo of Broken Bay, Australia, as prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, granting him the personal title of archbishop, the Vatican announced Wednesday. With the appointment, Randazzo will become the first Australian to head a dicastery of the Roman Curia since Cardinal George Pell, who served as prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy until his retirement in 2019. Randazzo, 59, was born in Sydney on Oct. 7, 1966, to parents originally from the island […]
- [Yad Vashem chief: Holocaust memory is key to fighting antisemitism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/yad-vashem-holocaust-memory-antisemitism): Dani Dayan spoke after meeting Pope Leo XIV, saying antisemitism is “bigotry” independent of Israeli policy. Dani Dayan, chairman of Yad Vashem, said that remembering and honoring the Holocaust is essential to combating rising antisemitism worldwide. Dayan, who met with Pope Leo XIV on March 23 together with Israel’s ambassador to the Holy See, Yaron Sideman, said their conversation focused on “two issues: the historical remembrance, the need to remember, to know about the Holocaust — but not just for the sake of history, also for the sake of the present and the sake of the future.” We have to […]
- [Exorcists urge pope to appoint trained practitioners in every diocese](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/exorcists-pope-every-diocese): An exorcist group said growing occult practices and spiritual harm highlight the need for trained priests and better formation. Representatives of the International Association of Exorcists (AIE) have asked Pope Leo XIV to ensure that every Catholic diocese worldwide has “one or more” trained exorcists, citing what they describe as a rise in cases linked to occult practices and spiritual distress. The request was made during a private audience March 13 at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, where the pope met with Bishop Karel Orlita and Father Francesco Bamonte, president and vice president of the association. The meeting focused on what […]
- [From the altar to the track: Marathon-running cardinal highlights spirituality of sport](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-vesco-spirituality-of-sport-marathon): Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, the archbishop of Algiers, Algeria, said running is for him a “school of prayer.” On March 23, thousands of athletes raced through the streets of Rome in the annual Rome Marathon. One of them, wearing the white habit of a Dominican friar under his jersey, was the Franco-Algerian Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, OP — the first cardinal to participate in the 44-year history of the event. “Since I was a child, I have been running,” Vesco told EWTN News. “I love running and I have already run several marathons, like the New York Marathon 37 years ago.” In […]
- [Holy Mass in Memory of Mother Angelica Celebrated at St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-mass-in-memory-of-mother-angelica-in-st-peters-basilica): Join us on March 27, 2026, for a Holy Mass in memory of Mother Angelica, foundress of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), on the 10th anniversary of her passing. The Mass will be celebrated live from the Choir Chapel of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The Eucharistic celebration is presided over by Father Michael Baggott, bringing together EWTN employees and faithful in prayer and remembrance of a woman whose vision and faith transformed Catholic media in the modern age. A Life Marked by Faith and Providence Born in 1923 in Canton, Ohio, Mother Angelica’s early life was shaped […]
- [Pope Leo XIV warns children should not look to chatbots for friendship](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-warns-children-about-ai-chatbots): The pope cautioned that AI risks dulling young people’s intelligence, relationships, and creativity. Pope Leo XIV warned that children must not come to see artificial intelligence chatbots as substitutes for real friendship, cautioning that such reliance could harm their intellectual and emotional development. “We must not allow children to end up believing they can find in artificial intelligence chatbots their best friends or the oracle of all knowledge, dulling their intelligence and their capacity for relationships, and numbing their creativity and thinking,” the pope said. Leo made the remarks in a message published Sunday in Popotus, the weekly supplement of […]
- [Before becoming bishop, Pope Leo kept an all-night vigil with this saint](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-st-turibius-vigil-peru): On the eve of his ordination in Chiclayo, the future pope traveled to a small town in northern Peru to pray before a relic of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, a missionary bishop. The day before he became the bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, Pope Leo XIV spent the night in prayer — but not in the diocese’s main cathedral. Instead, the American missionary traveled 30 miles outside the city to the dusty, half-forgotten town of Zaña. The purpose of his visit wasn’t just to get some solitude before his busy ministry began. It was also to keep vigil with a beloved […]
- [Pope Leo XIV reunites with his eighth grade classmates ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-reunites-eighth-grade-classmates): Pope Leo XIV met with 10 of his eighth grade classmates in St. Peter’s Square at a recent general audience. On the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Pope Leo XIV met last week with some of his eighth grade classmates from St. Mary of the Assumption lower school in south Chicago, where he grew up. Of the 82 eighth graders with whom he attended St. Mary’s in 1969, 10 greeted him after the general audience on March 18, exchanging laughs, gifts, and warm handshakes. During the meeting, his former classmates gave him a photograph of the class of 1969, […]
- [Does the pope vote in Peru or pay U.S. taxes? Key questions remain unsettled](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-vote-peru-pay-us-taxes): Legal expert argues papal dual citizenship is real, but obligations tied to it may not apply in practice. Questions about whether Pope Leo XIV must vote in Peru or pay taxes in the United States remain unresolved, with one canon law expert arguing that the pope’s unique status as a sovereign head of state likely exempts him in practice — even if the legal picture is not entirely settled. The debate has gained attention following Leo XIV’s election, given that he holds both U.S. and Peruvian citizenship. In Peru, voting is mandatory, with elections scheduled for April 13. In the […]
- [Pope condemns aerial bombardment](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-condemns-aerial-bombardment): Pope Leo XIV warned that modern technology is being “put at the service of war.” “After the tragic experiences of the 20th century, aerial bombardment should have been banished forever!” Pope Leo XIV said Monday during an audience with airline executives and staff. “Instead, as we know, it still exists, and technological development, which is positive in itself, is being put at the service of war. This is not progress, it is regression!” he added. The pope, speaking to representatives of Italy’s national airline, ITA Airways, along with a delegation from the Lufthansa Group, emphasized that aviation must serve peace rather than […]
- [Fra Angelico’s Annunciation: Timeless Masterpiece](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/fra-angelicos-annunciation-timeless-masterpiece): Tuscany, the cradle of the Renaissance, gave rise to some of history’s greatest artists. Among them stands Fra Angelico, the Dominican friar whose work transformed sacred art into a form of preaching. In the early 15th century, within the walls of the Convent of San Marco in Florence, he painted what would become one of the most celebrated frescoes in Christian art: the Annunciation. Father Alessandro Monti, a Dominican friar at Santa Maria sopra Minerva, explains that Fra Angelico’s artistic vocation was inseparable from his religious calling. “I think he felt sort of a calling within the calling,” he says. […]
- [Militia of the Immaculata: To Mary, through Maximilian Kolbe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/militia-immaculata-to-mary-through-st-maximilian-kolbe): A simple “yes” changed the course of history. God entrusted the life of His Son to the care of Mary, and through her, a path was opened for all believers to become her children. For more than three million Catholics around the world, this spiritual belonging takes a concrete form in the Militia of the Immaculata—a movement founded on total consecration to the Virgin Mary. For Fr. James McCurry, a Franciscan friar and Knight of the Militia of the Immaculata, this devotion is not merely personal. It carries a mission. As he explains, “You do it not for your own […]
- [Annunciation of Mary: The Day That Changed History](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/annunciation-of-mary-the-day-that-changed-history): Spring in Rome begins with an ancient and deeply meaningful celebration. On March 25 — exactly nine months before Christmas — the Church marks the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the moment when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and announces that she will become the mother of Jesus. It is a quiet, almost hidden scene, yet one that carries immense significance. Speaking from the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Dominican friar Father Alessandro Monti explains how this date came to hold such importance in the Christian tradition. “In ancient times, the Annunciation Day marked the beginning of the new […]
- [From Rome to the Holy Land: Annunciation of Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-rome-to-the-holy-land-annunciation-of-mary): It is a familiar scene in Rome. Every Sunday at noon, the Pope appears at the window of his apartment overlooking St. Peter’s Square to greet the faithful gathered below and those watching around the world. “Cari fratelli e sorelle, buona domenica!” Pope Leo XIV calls out, beginning a tradition that has endured for generations. At the heart of this weekly encounter is the Angelus—a prayer recited by Catholics worldwide, rooted in one of the most decisive moments in human history: the Annunciation. “The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, […]
- [Boys Town founder Father Flanagan moves one step closer to sainthood](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/father-flanagan-venerable-boys-town-sainthood): The Irish-born priest is revered for his revolutionary approach to caring for impoverished boys at the group home he founded in Omaha, Nebraska. Pope Leo XIV on Monday approved the advancement of the beatification cause for Boys Town founder Father Edward J. Flanagan, declaring him “venerable.” The Irish-born priest, revered for his revolutionary approach to caring for homeless and impoverished children in the 20th century, famously said there was “no such thing as a bad boy, only bad environment, bad modeling, and bad teaching.” His life and legacy were immortalized in the 1938 movie “Boys Town,” starring Spencer Tracy, who […]
- [Pope decries war’s toll](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-war-suffering-peace-appeal): Pope Leo XIV says suffering of innocent victims “hurts all of humanity” as he calls for end to hostilities and renewed paths to peace. Pope Leo XIV on Sunday voiced dismay over ongoing conflicts around the world, saying the suffering of innocent victims “hurts all of humanity” and urging an end to hostilities grounded in dialogue and respect for human dignity. “We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many defenseless people who are victims of these conflicts. What hurts them hurts all of humanity,” the pope said after praying the Angelus on March 22. “The death and […]
- [Pope Francis broke with predecessors on policy, appointments, and papal trips, sociologist says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-francis-differences-predecessors-study): The University of Notre Dame hosted the lecture on their Rome campus on Thursday. ROME — A political science professor from the U.S. has used data analysis to show how Pope Francis differed from predecessors regarding policy, appointments, and papal trips, while notably omitting discussion of the deceased pontiff’s doctrinal differences. The University of Notre Dame in Rome hosted the lecture “Francis and His Predecessors: Quantifying Continuity and Change in the Modern Papacy,” by Sean Theriault, on March 19. Avoiding theological debate? Theriault, a professor of government at the University of Texas at Austin, told EWTN News that he became interested […]
- [King Felipe VI of Spain installed as protocanon of the Basilica of St. Mary Major](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/king-felipe-vi-protocanon-st-mary-major): “Protocanon” is an honorary title reserved exclusively for the Spanish head of state, recognizing the monarch as a collaborator of the pope. VATICAN CITY — King Felipe VI of Spain on Friday was installed as protocanon of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in a solemn ceremony that underscores the historic link of the Spanish monarchy with the oldest Marian church in the West. “Protocanon” is an honorary title reserved exclusively for the Spanish head of state, recognizing the monarch as a collaborator of the pope without bestowing executive functions or decision-making power. The investiture March 20 renewed a relationship […]
- [Vatican urges Catholic organizations to divest from mining sector for the common good](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-mining-divestment-catholic-organizations): Around 40 faith-based organizations are participating in the “Platform for Divestment in the Mining Industry,” meeting March 19–21 in Rome. The Vatican on Friday helped launch a campaign encouraging Catholic organizations, bishops’ conferences, and religious communities to divest from the mining sector for the sake of human ecology — one of several initiatives marking last year’s 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which called for greater care toward environmental issues. Sister Nina Krapić, MVZ, in her first press conference since Pope Leo XIV appointed her deputy director of the Holy See Press Office, noted how institutions have responded to […]
- [EWTN News explains: What is the ‘papal almoner’?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-almoner-role-vatican-explained): The papal almoner is a key position in the Vatican, one that has played a vital role in the Church and its charitable undertakings for centuries. Pope Leo XIV on March 12 appointed Spanish Augustinian Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín aspapal almoner and prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, elevating him to the rank of archbishop at the same time. Marín de San Martín replaces Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who will return to his native Poland as the new metropolitan archbishop of Łódź. Krajewski was named almoner in 2013, a cardinal in 2018, and prefect of the […]
- [Collection for the Holy Land: Christians need concrete hope, not just consoling words](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/good-friday-collection-holy-land-support): Now more than ever, the Christian minority in the Holy Land needs the support it receives through the annual Good Friday collection as ongoing violence in the Middle East has curtailed pilgrimages. Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, called upon the faithful worldwide to participate in the Good Friday collection aimed at assisting Christian communities in the Holy Land. The Good Friday collection is one of the primary sources of support for the Custody of the Holy Land — the Franciscan institution that for centuries has safeguarded the sites connected to the life of Jesus Christ and […]
- [Vatican secretary of state urges end to Iran war, warns of escalation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-iran-war-escalation-warning): Cardinal Pietro Parolin said he would tell Trump and Israel to “stop as soon as possible.” Cardinal Pietro Parolin urged an immediate halt to escalating conflict involving Iran, warning that the risk of a broader war in the Middle East is imminent and calling on world leaders to pursue dialogue and diplomacy instead of military action. Speaking March 19 to journalists at the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Parolin said that if he were to meet Donald Trump, he would urge him “to stop as soon as possible, because the danger of escalation is imminent.” He added that the same appeal […]
- [Nigerian bishops tell the pope: Our people are dying](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/nigerian-bishops-pope-christian-persecution): As Christians in their country suffer increased persecution, the Nigerian bishops bring the hopes of a nation to Rome. VATICAN CITY — Amid increased religious violence and insecurity in Nigeria, a group of Nigerian bishops recently met Pope Leo XIV during their “ad limina” visit to Rome. The Nigerian bishops described it as an opportunity to amplify the “cries of their people” to the Vatican and to counter “false narratives” from government officials about the situation facing Nigerian Christians. Under canon law, every diocesan bishop must visit Rome — ideally every five years — to meet the pope and report […]
- [The Historical Origins of Veronica's Veil: Inside the Cloth Relic of Jesus' Holy Face Wiped on Calvary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/historical-origins-of-veronicas-veil-inside-the-cloth-relic-of-jesus-holy-face-wiped-on-calvary-2357): In Vatican City, on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, an extraordinary liturgy takes place at St. Peter’s Basilica: the display of a revered relic known as “Veronica’s Veil.” This relic is deeply tied to the Stations of the Cross, depicting a moment where a woman named Veronica wipes Jesus’ face with a cloth as he carries the cross to Calvary. According to tradition, this cloth bears the true image of Christ’s face and has been safeguarded by the Vatican Basilica. The woman who wiped Jesus’ face is commonly referred to as Veronica, derived from the Latin, “vera icona,” meaning “true […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: ‘Each baptized person is an active agent of evangelization’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-evangelization-laity): The pope’s message at the general audience focused on the “communion of the faithful” as taught in the second chapter of Lumen Gentium. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday called for a rediscovery of the role of the laity in the Church. “Let us rekindle in ourselves the awareness of and gratitude for having received the gift of being part of God’s people and also the responsibility that this entails,” Leo urged during the general audience in St. Peter’s Square on March 18. In his catechesis, focused on chapter 2 of the constitution Lumen Gentium, one of the fundamental documents of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: “War Is Not a Spectacle”](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/updates-pope-leo-war-is-not-a-game): Vaticano updates: from the responsibility of journalists in times of war to safeguarding in the Church, major legal developments in the Vatican, and preparations for the Pope’s first apostolic journey to Africa. Journalism, War, and the Responsibility to Truth Speaking at the Vatican during a meeting with Italian journalists marking the 50th anniversary of the TG2 news program, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the moral responsibility of reporting in times of conflict. He warned against reducing war to spectacle or propaganda, urging journalists to present reality with integrity and compassion. The pope called on reporters to verify facts carefully and to […]
- [Holy See calls on UN to eradicate surrogacy ‘in all its forms’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-see-un-surrogacy-eradication): Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See’s permanent observer to the United Nations, laid out the economic reasons surrogacy exists, the harm it does, and why it is wrong.  The Holy See has reaffirmed its position against surrogacy in a statement to the United Nations, urging the complete eradication of the practice and calling for the protection of women and children from exploitation. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, apostolic nuncio and permanent observer of the Holy See to the U.N., highlighted the urgency and sensitivity of the issue, lamenting that “technology and practice have run laps around the law and ethics.” Although he […]
- [From Pius IX to Francis: 7 modern popes who strengthened devotion to St. Joseph](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/7-modern-popes-who-strengthened-devotion-to-st-joseph): The popes of the last two centuries have sought the protection and intercession of St. Joseph in times of personal and societal need, elevating his status as a patron for all Catholics.Modern popes of the last two centuries — from Pius IX to Francis — have sought the protection and intercession of St. Joseph in times of personal and societal need, elevating his status as a patron for all Catholics. Here’s how some of the popes of the past have contributed to the Church’s devotion to the holy patriarch. Pius IX Early in his pontificate, Pope Pius IX saw the […]
- [Pope Leo calls bishops to Rome to discuss families, ‘Amoris laetitia’ in October](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-calls-bishops-to-rome-in-october-amoris-laetitia): Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on marriage and the family, followed two contentious synods at the Vatican dominated by debate over divorce. VATICAN CITY — Ten years after Pope Francis issued a controversial document on families, Pope Leo XIV will meet with bishops from around the world to discuss the text’s application for today. Amoris laetitia, Francis’ apostolic exhortation on marriage and the family, followed two contentious synods at the Vatican dominated by debate over divorce. Pope Leo on Thursday announced that he is calling the presidents of the world’s bishops’ conferences to Rome in October for “synodal discernment” on how […]
- [Vatican court orders partial retrial in ‘trial of the century’ finance case](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-finance-trial-partial-retrial): Judges cite procedural flaws tied to papal decrees, requiring renewed proceedings while leaving prior convictions formally intact. The Vatican Court of Appeal has ordered a partial retrial in the high-profile London property finance case, ruling that key parts of the original proceedings were invalid due to procedural issues. The case stems from the Vatican Secretariat of State’s investment of approximately 350 million pounds in a luxury property in London’s Chelsea neighborhood on Sloane Avenue, an operation that generated estimated losses of up to 139 million euros for the Holy See. In a March 17 decision, judges found a “relative nullity” […]
- [At a time of conflict, Pope Leo sends a bridge-builder to the United States](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-caccia-nuncio-united-states): Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the new papal envoy to Washington, has been shaped by a diplomatic career in geopolitical hot spots. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the recently appointed apostolic nuncio to the United States, takes up his new role at a time of heightened tension between the Vatican and the White House over issues including immigration to the U.S. and war in the Middle East. Former collaborators say Caccia’s personal qualities and wide diplomatic experience — including in Lebanon and the Philippines — make him well suited for this crucial assignment. The 68-year-old diplomat recently served as the permanent observer of the […]
- [The Making of Vatican II’s ‘Dignitatis Humanae’ Offers Lessons on Religious Freedom](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-ii-dignitatis-humanae-religious-freedom): COMMENTARY: As the SSPX moves toward unauthorized episcopal ordinations, Vatican II’s path to ‘Dignitatis Humanae’ sheds light on the Church’s teaching on religious freedom. With the Society of St. Pius X’s recent announcement of its intention to proceed to unauthorized episcopal ordinations, the Catholic Church once more faces the sad possibility of further rupture.  Such an event, while it involves a relatively small group of persons, should nonetheless be a matter of concern for all Catholics, since unity is an essential part of the identity Christ willed for his Church. The motive for this new step toward further division is not new: […]
- [Leo XIV’s Augustinian Vision: A Church ‘Made Restless by History’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-restless-by-history-church-vision): COMMENTARY: The Pope’s call to be ‘made restless by history’ points to a path of honest engagement with the past that strengthens faith and renews hope. Editor’s note: This article was originally delivered as the keynote address at a Feb. 20-21 conference held at Christendom College on the theme “Eternity in Time: Thinking With the Church Through History.” It has been edited for length and clarity. What did Pope Leo XIV mean when, in the early days of his pontificate, he called on us to be “made restless by history,” and what does it reveal about his broader vision as leader of […]
- [Leo XIV to journalists: War is not a video game; guard against propaganda, verify the news](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-journalists-war-not-video-game): Pope Leo XIV exhorted journalists to fact-check the news and show the true face of war. During a meeting with Italian journalists Monday at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV warned that news reporting “must guard against the risk of becoming propaganda.” When reporting on today’s “dramatic circumstances of war,” the Holy Father urged news professionals to verify the news “so as not to become a mouthpiece for those in power,” a task that is “even more urgent and delicate — I would say essential.” He also emphasized that journalists must report on the suffering that war inflicts upon the population as well […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to accept Liberty Medal from National Constitution Center via telecast on July 3](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-liberty-medal-philadelphia): The Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will accept the award and offer live remarks virtually. Pope Leo XIV will offer live remarks via telecast to a crowd in Philadelphia when he accepts the Liberty Medal award from the National Constitution Center (NCC) on July 3 during a celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. The Holy Father, a Chicago native who earned a bachelor’s degree at Villanova University in the Philadelphia suburbs, will be given the award to honor his commitment to religious freedom and freedom of conscience and expression around the world, according to a news release from the […]
- [Pope urges Church to see abuse prevention as ‘a natural expression of faith’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-abuse-prevention-expression-faith): Leo addressed the topic in a March 16 audience with members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Monday urged the Church to listen to victims of sexual abuse, and called for the recognition of the pain caused and for the creation of “a culture of care.” “It is about helping to form, throughout the Church, a culture of care, in which the protection of minors and persons in vulnerable situations is not seen as an obligation imposed from outside but as a natural expression of faith,” the pope said in […]
- [Pope Leo meets author critical of Opus Dei](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-meets-gareth-gore-opus-dei): Gareth Gore is the author of the 2024 book “Opus,” which accuses Opus Dei of financial misdeeds and spiritual and physical abuse against its members. Pope Leo XIV on Monday met in a private audience with Gareth Gore, a British journalist whose work has criticized Opus Dei as abusive. Gore said he spoke to the pope for more than 40 minutes and presented him with testimonies from alleged victims of the organization. Gore is the author of the 2024 book “Opus,” which accuses Opus Dei of financial misdeeds and spiritual and physical abuse against its members. Writing on his Substack after the […]
- [Preacher of the Papal Household: ‘Fraternity is where true conversion takes place’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pasolini-fraternity-true-conversion-gospel): In a sermon to the pope and the Roman Curia, Preacher of the Papal Household Father Roberto Pasolini explained that achieving true fraternity poses many challenges and requires inner transformation. Preacher of the Papal Household Father Roberto Pasolini continued on March 13 with the second Lenten homily, inspired by the conversion of St. Francis of Assisi and titled “If Anyone Is in Christ, He Is a New Creation: Conversion to the Gospel According to St. Francis.” Before Pope Leo XIV and members of the Roman Curia gathered in the Paul VI Audience Hall, the Capuchin friar meditated on fraternity, referring […]
- [Vatican releases itinerary for Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic journey to Africa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-africa-apostolic-journey-itinerary): The 11-day visit combines pastoral encounters with Catholic communities, meetings with political leaders and civil society, and symbolic gestures of interreligious dialogue and reconciliation. The Vatican has released the official itinerary for the first apostolic journey of Pope Leo XIV to Africa, scheduled for April 13–23. The visit will take the Holy Father to four countries — Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea — marking his first trip to the continent since his election to the papacy in May 2025. The 11-day visit combines pastoral encounters with Catholic communities, meetings with political leaders and civil society, and symbolic gestures of interreligious dialogue and reconciliation. The […]
- [Pope urges ceasefire in Middle East](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-ceasefire-middle-east): Speaking at his Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo XIV urged Christians to bring the Gospel to a world marked by violence and injustice. Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged those responsible for the escalating war in the Middle East to declare a ceasefire and open paths of dialogue, warning that violence can never lead to justice or peace. “In the name of the Christians of the Middle East and of all women and men of goodwill, I address those responsible for this conflict: Let the fire cease and let paths of dialogue be reopened,” the pope said after praying the Angelus […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: God ‘cannot be enlisted by darkness’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-god-cannot-justify-violence): During a pastoral visit to a Rome parish, the pope warned against invoking God to justify violence. Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that God cannot be used to justify violence or war, warning that “God cannot be enlisted by darkness.” The pope made the remarks March 15 during a pastoral visit to the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Ponte Mammolo, a neighborhood on the outskirts of Rome, where he celebrated Mass on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, known as Laetare Sunday. Before the Mass, Leo XIV met with various parish groups, including children, young people, families, the […]
- [Pope questions Christians’ role in wars, implies need for confession](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-war-examination-conscience-confession): “Do those Christians who bear grave responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage to make a serious examination of conscience and to go to confession?” the pontiff asked. On Friday, March 13, Pope Leo XIV issued a direct appeal to Christians who bear responsibility in armed conflicts, urging them to undertake a serious examination of conscience. “Do those Christians who bear grave responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage to make a serious examination of conscience and to go to confession?” the pontiff asked before priests dedicated to the ministry of confession. The Holy Father’s statement […]
- [Notre Dame and the Vatican launch new initiative at papal gardens](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/notre-dame-vatican-global-ecology-alliance): The University of Notre Dame and the Laudato Si’ Center recently launched the Global Alliance initiative at Castel Gandolfo in Italy. In Castel Gandolfo, Italy, this week, academics and representatives gathered to launch the Global Alliance, a new initiative by the University of Notre Dame and the Laudato Si’ Centre of Higher Education dedicated to promoting integral ecology through fostering environmental collaboration.  As reported by the official Vatican News outlet, the initiative, which took place March 9–10 at the Borgo Laudato Si’, part of the Pontifical Villa Gardens at Castel Gandolfo established by Pope Leo XIV last year, featured discussions on integral ecology, […]
- [Mathematicians can become ‘signs of hope for the world,’ Pope Leo XIV says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-mathematicians-signs-of-hope): On the International Day of Mathematics, Pope Leo XIV sent a message inviting reflection on the role good mathematics can play in today’s world. In a message conveyed through Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo XIV on Friday said that mathematicians can become “signs of hope for the world,” particularly in a context marked by rapid technological advancements and challenges facing humanity. The pope’s message was addressed to the Turkish mathematician and university professor Betül Tanbay, chair of the International Day of Mathematics, which was observed March 13.  Tanbay had informed the pontiff of a webinar dedicated […]
- [St. Joseph and the Virtue of Chastity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-joseph-and-the-virtue-of-chastity): Happy Feast of St. Joseph!  Devotion to St. Joseph has grown in the Church over centuries, promoted by popes from Pius IX to Pope Francis, who helped deepen his place in Catholic spirituality and liturgy. The witness of St. Joseph and other saints continues to highlight chastity as a path to authentic love, reminding believers that purity of heart leads to deeper freedom and self-giving. In Rome, the Daughters of St. Joseph carry out a hidden ministry, crafting liturgical vestments for the Mass—transforming sewing into prayer and service to the Eucharist. Amid tensions in the Middle East, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti […]
- [Devotion to St. Joseph throughout the Centuries](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/devotion-to-st-joseph-throughout-the-centuries): A Devotion Promoted by the Popes Devotion to St. Joseph has grown throughout the Church over centuries, often encouraged by the personal devotion of the popes themselves. One of the most well-known modern promoters of this devotion was Pope Francis, who began his Petrine ministry on March 19, the feast of St. Joseph. Throughout his 12-year pontificate, Francis frequently spoke about the quiet strength and spiritual fatherhood of the foster father of Jesus. In one memorable reflection, Pope Francis shared a personal practice that revealed his deep trust in the saint’s intercession. “I would also like to tell you something […]
- [Cardinal Gugerotti on the Christian East and the Role of Vatican Diplomacy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-gugerotti-christian-east-and-vatican-diplomacy): Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti is one of the Vatican’s most experienced voices on the Christian East. Over the course of his career, he has served in some of the Church’s most fragile regions, living and working as a papal nuncio in places such as the Caucasus, Belarus, and Ukraine. In November 2022, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, the Vatican department responsible for the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with Rome. Less than a year later, in September 2023, he was created a cardinal. Fluent in nine languages—including Armenian, Kurdish, Russian, Latin, and both […]
- [Daughters of St. Joseph: Sewing for the Eucharist](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/daughters-of-st-joseph-vestment-makers): A needle and thread in the right hands can create something extraordinary. For the Daughters of St. Joseph, those tools become instruments of devotion, transforming fabric into the intricate liturgical vestments worn during the celebration of the Mass. One of the longstanding ministries of this congregation of sisters is the creation of ecclesiastical garments. Their work includes vestments crafted for priests, bishops, and religious communities, as well as for parishes and churches that request them. For the sisters, the craft is not simply a form of artistic expression—it is an act of faith. Sister Chinelo Aniagboso, Councillor for Formation for […]
- [St. Joseph: Mary's Most Chaste Spouse](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-joseph-marys-most-chaste-spouse): Devotion to St. Joseph is widespread throughout the Catholic Church. Although the Bible says relatively little about him, the Gospels portray a man whose life was completely devoted to protecting and providing for the Holy Family. For many believers, Joseph stands as a powerful spiritual protector. Father Tommaso Gigliola, parish priest of San Giuseppe al Trionfale in Rome, describes why the saint remains so beloved today. “St. Joseph is the saint par excellence because he is the saint who above all gives us the idea of someone who watches over us, who protects us, someone who is close to us, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace as Vatican Warns of Christian Persecution](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-peace-as-vatican-warns-of-christian-persecution): This week in the Vatican, several developments highlighted the Church’s message of peace, pastoral closeness, and human dignity. From reflections during the Lenten season to international appeals for religious freedom, the Holy Father and Vatican representatives addressed some of the most pressing issues facing the Church and the world today. A Lenten Reflection on Peace and Conversion In the first Lenten sermon delivered for Pope Leo XIV, the Roman Curia, and Vatican employees, Capuchin friar Father Roberto Pasolini reflected on humility as the true path toward conversion and lasting peace. Speaking in the context of ongoing global conflicts, Father Pasolini […]
- [Pope Leo XIV moves into papal apartment of Apostolic Palace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-moves-into-papal-apartment-of-apostolic-palace): The move was announced on March 14 by the Holy See Press Office, more than ten months after Leoʼs election. Pope Leo XIV on March 14 took possession of the traditional papal apartment within the Apostolic Palace, moving into the quarters traditionally reserved for his predecessors. The move was announced on March 14 by the Holy See Press Office, more than ten months after Leoʼs election. The Holy Father had been staying at an apartment at the Palace of the Holy Office but will now reside in what has long served as the home of the reigning pontiff. The custom […]
- [Middle East’s Dwindling Christians in the Crosshairs — Again](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/middle-east-war-threatens-christians): Attacks and counterattacks between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, have created a dire situation for Christians in the Israel-Lebanon border region. JERUSALEM — Christians are a minority in the Middle East, but they have as much of a stake in the region’s latest war as any other residents, local church leaders say. Since Israel and the United States joined forces in a war against Iran’s Islamic regime on Feb. 28, Iran has launched barrages of ballistic missiles at numerous Israeli towns and cities.  Last week, Hezbollah, a terrorist organization with a large military arsenal funded by Iran, launched waves […]
- [Catholic heads of Churches in Holy Land call for prayer and peace ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-leaders-holy-land-prayer-peace): Catholic Church leaders in the Holy Land reaffirmed the Christian community’s commitment to peace amid the harshness of war. Amid the war engulfing the Middle East, the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land issued a spiritual and humanitarian message expressing the Churches’ deep concern over the situation in the region and reaffirming Christians’ commitment to peace despite the harshness of the circumstances. In an official statement, the assembly announced that its members had been forced to suspend their plenary meeting, which was scheduled to take place in Nazareth, because of security measures. Instead, they met online to exchange updates on […]
- [Pope names Spanish Augustinian as papal almoner](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-names-luis-marin-papal-almoner): Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín will succeed Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who has been appointed metropolitan archbishop of Łódź, Poland. Pope Leo XIV has appointed Spanish Augustinian Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín as papal almoner and prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who has led the office since 2022, will return to his native Poland as the new metropolitan archbishop of Łódź. Marín de San Martín, titular bishop of Suliana, became a more prominent figure in the Vatican during the Synod on Synodality, when Pope Francis named him undersecretary of the Synod of […]
- [More than 80 scientists sign Vatican peace manifesto](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/scientists-sign-vatican-peace-manifesto): The Pontifical Academy for Life has launched a new initiative appealing to the scientific and academic world to contribute to the pursuit of peace. The Pontifical Academy for Life launched the initiative Scientists for Peace, an appeal to scientists, researchers, and academics worldwide to promote the concrete pursuit of peace through scientific research and international cooperation. The project, promoted under the auspices of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, was announced amid global tensions and armed conflicts that, according to the organizers, threaten not only the affected populations but also freedom and cooperation in scientific research. Promotion and defense […]
- [EWTN News explains: How does the Chaldean Church elect its next patriarch?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-chaldean-church-elects-patriarch): Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako’s resignation leaves the Chaldean patriarchal see vacant and raises questions about how his successor will be chosen. Pope Leo XIV announced this week that he had accepted the resignation of Chaldean Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako from the leadership of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and throughout the world after more than a decade of service marked by major pastoral and political challenges.  The resignation raises questions about the timing of the move — especially given the difficulties facing Iraq, home to the Chaldean patriarchal see — and the broader Middle East amid the horrors of […]
- [Synod calls for more leadership roles for women but female diaconate ‘not yet ripe’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-women-leadership-no-female-diaconate): The Synod on Synodality’s study group on “Women’s Participation in the Life and Leadership of the Church” has issued its final report, calling for expanded leadership roles for women in the Church. The final report of the Synod on Synodality’s study group “Women’s Participation in the Life and Leadership of the Church” raises the possibility of “reformulating” certain competencies and functions of priests, deacons, and bishops to give women greater responsibility in the Church, while noting that the issue of the female diaconate “is not ripe.” “It is necessary to reflect in particular on the reformulation of the areas of […]
- [Tehran cardinal meets with Pope Leo XIV after being evacuated from Iran](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-mathieu-meets-pope-leo-after-iran-evacuation): Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan Cardinal Dominique Mathieu witnessed the first days of military clashes in the Iranian capital. Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan Cardinal Dominique Mathieu met with the pope March 11 after witnessing the first days of military clashes in the Iranian capital. Mathieu had been leading the Roman Catholic Church in Iran, which has about 2,000 members, despite the ongoing anti-government protests, U.S. and Israeli threats against the regime, and his own recovery from serious health issues.  Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan Cardinal Dominique Mathieu meets with Pope Leo XIV March 11, 2026, after witnessing the first days of military clashes in the […]
- [The religious sisters in Vatican leadership](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/religious-sisters-vatican-leadership): The percentage of Vatican employees who are women grew from 19.2% to 23.4% during the first decade of the last pontificate. VATICAN CITY — Religious sisters and consecrated women are a formidable presence inside Vatican City State and the Roman Curia, with recent years seeing their number and prominence rise. The increasing presence of women in the Vatican has been well documented. According to the Vatican, the percentage of women grew from 19.2% to 23.4% during the first decade of Pope Francis’ pontificate. According to a study done at the end of 2024, there were 1,318 women in a total […]
- [Pope Leo calls Maronite priest killed in bombing ‘a true shepherd’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-maronite-priest-killed-lebanon): “I am close to all the Lebanese people at this time of grave trial,” the pope said on March 11. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday remembered Father Pierre El Raii, a Maronite priest who died after being wounded in an Israeli bombing in southern Lebanon, and described him as “a true shepherd” who remained with his people despite the war. El Raii was killed on March 9 while going to the aid of a parishioner wounded in a earlier attack, according to Father Toufic Bou Merhi, a Franciscan of the Custody of the Holy Land, who spoke […]
- [Vatican promoting dialogue on Cuba, Cardinal Parolin says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-promoting-dialogue-cuba-parolin): The Vatican secretary of state pointed to recent contacts with Cuban and U.S. officials as the Holy See seeks a dialogue-based solution on the island. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Holy See is promoting dialogue on Cuba and has taken “the necessary steps” with the aim of encouraging a negotiated solution to the problems facing the island. “For Cuba as well, we have done what we had to do, we met with the foreign minister and we took the necessary steps, always with a view to a dialogue-based solution to the problems that exist,” Parolin said […]
- [‘An Apostle of Peace’: Bishop Prepares for Pope Leo XIV’s Historic Visit to Algeria](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-algeria-visit-bishop-sarrio): Bishop Diego Sarrió Cucarella hopes the pastoral visit will lead to ‘hearts opening to peace, a renewed commitment to coexistence, and a living witness to God’s glory through fraternity and mutual understanding.’ Editor’s Note: This is the fifth in a series of articles based on the author’s recent reporting trip across Africa. Previous articles looked at the Catholic Church’s presence in Cameroon, Togo and Kenya. The Spanish-born prelate in charge of Algeria’s vast Laghouat-Ghardaïa diocese, Bishop Diego Sarrió Cucarella of the Missionaries of Africa is looking ahead to Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming pastoral visit to the North African nation. In reference to the motto of the […]
- [Aid to the Church in Need warns escalating violence threatens survival of Middle East Christians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/acn-warns-violence-threatens-middle-east-christians): Regina Lynch, executive president of ACN, said she fears for the Christian presence in the Middle East amid rising tensions and violence. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has expressed deep concern over the security and humanitarian challenges posed by renewed violence in the Middle East, warning that the spiral of conflict could threaten the region’s already fragile Christian communities and even bring an end to the Christian presence in the Middle East if the pressures exceed their capacity to endure. Regina Lynch, executive president of ACN, told ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, that the desire […]
- [Cardinal Mathieu evacuated from Iran, many Catholics leaving the country](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-dominique-mathieu-evacuated-iran): Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan Cardinal Dominique Mathieu was evacuated from his residence in the Iranian capital and arrived in Rome last weekend after witnessing the first days of military clashes. Amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other, Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan Cardinal Dominique Mathieu was evacuated from his residence in the Iranian capital. He arrived in Rome last weekend after witnessing the first days of military clashes. The 62-year-old Belgian cardinal, a member of the Order of Friars Minor Conventuals, became archbishop of Iran in 2021 and was named a cardinal […]
- [Vatican releases program for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Monaco](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-monaco-visit-program): The one-day visit to the principality on March 28 will include meetings with the Catholic community and young people, as well as a Mass in a stadium. Pope Leo XIV will become the first pope in history to visit Monaco on March 28, making a one-day trip to the small European principality whose Catholic roots have shaped its identity for centuries. The visit will include an encounter with the local Catholic community, a meeting with the country’s young people, and the celebration of Mass in a stadium. According to the program released by the Vatican, the Holy Father will depart […]
- [Pope Leo XIV congratulates world’s oldest priest on his 110th birthday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-worlds-oldest-priest-bruno-kant): Born in 1916 and ordained in 1950, Father Bruno Kant of Germany turned 110 on Feb. 26 and has been a priest for 76 years. Pope Leo XIV thanked a 110-year-old priest from the Diocese of Fulda, Germany, for his “long, faithful, and devoted priestly service.” Father Bruno Kant is officially recognized as the oldest priest in the world. “I was delighted to learn that you will be celebrating your 110th birthday on Feb. 26 and send you my warmest congratulations and blessings,” Pope Leo wrote to Kant, according to the newspaper Fuldaer Zeitung. The birthday celebrations were attended not […]
- [Pope Leo accepts resignation of arrested Chaldean Catholic bishop](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-chaldean-bishop-resignation-san-diego): Leo has appointed Bishop Saad Sirop Hanna to oversee the Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle of San Diego as apostolic administrator following the resignation. Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, a Chaldean Catholic bishop arrested in San Diego last week on charges of embezzling Church funds. The Vatican also announced March 10 that Leo has appointed Bishop Saad Sirop Hanna, a Chaldean Catholic bishop from Iraq, to oversee the Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle of San Diego as apostolic administrator following Shaleta’s resignation. An attempt by EWTN News to contact […]
- [Vatican to host conference on molecular biology and regenerative medicine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-biotechnology-ethics-conference): The March 23–24 meeting in Vatican City will bring together scientists, physicians, and bioethicists to examine the ethical challenges of biotechnology from a Christian perspective. The Vatican is set to host an international conference in Vatican City that will bring together scientists, physicians, and bioethicists to reflect on the ethical challenges of molecular biology, regenerative medicine, and new biotechnologies from a Christian perspective. The Pontifical Academy for Life, together with the NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering at the University of Basel and ETH Zurich and the Vatican-owned Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, is organizing the third ICEEL conference on March 23–24 under […]
- [Women Saints and Women in the Vatican: the Feminine Genius](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/women-saints-and-women-in-the-vatican): This week at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal for peace, urging world leaders to pursue diplomacy and dialogue rather than weapons and Cardinal Pietro Parolin warned that rising tensions in the Middle East risk expanding into a broader regional conflict. In Rome, three churches dedicated to remarkable women saints—St. Bridget of Sweden, St. Cecilia, and St. Anne—offer a glimpse into the enduring legacy of female sanctity in the Eternal City, where their lives of faith, martyrdom, and devotion continue to inspire pilgrims today. Another report examines the growing presence of women working in and with the Vatican, […]
- [Ford CEO gifts Pope Leo XIV custom Chicago-inspired car](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ford-ceo-gifts-pope-leo-xiv-custom-chicago-inspired-car): The car’s license plates read “DA POPE” and “LEO XIV.” The CEO of Ford Motor Co. gifted Pope Leo XIV a custom-made 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum hybrid embellished with small tributes to both Chicago and the Vatican. “Pope Leo XIV has deep roots on Chicago’s South Side — just like Ford,” Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, said in a statement shared with EWTN News. “And we thought it would be especially fitting for him to drive an Explorer built at our Chicago Assembly Plant, which has been in continuous operation for more than a century.” After Farley and his wife, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Universities must seek truth and form the whole person](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-universities-must-seek-truth-and-form-the-whole-person): At the inauguration of a new campus named in his honor in Equatorial Guinea, the pope urged the education of young people in truth, responsibility, and service to the common good. MALABO, Equatorial Guinea — Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday said the inauguration of a new university campus in Equatorial Guinea is “an act of trust in human beings,” praising investment in the education of young people during the final stop of his Africa trip. Speaking at the opening of the Pope Leo XIV University Campus in Basupú, part of the National University of Equatorial Guinea (UNGE), the pontiff said […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Equatorial Guinea warns against profaning God’s name through domination](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-in-equatorial-guinea-warns-against-profaning-gods-name-through-domination): Pontiff said the Church’s social doctrine offers guidance for confronting inequality, resource exploitation, war, and technological upheaval.MALABO, Equatorial Guinea — Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday warned against invoking God to justify oppression and violence, telling civil authorities and diplomats in Equatorial Guinea that “his holy name must not be profaned by the will to dominate, by arrogance, or by discrimination; above all, it must never be invoked to justify choices and actions of death.” Speaking at the presidential palace in Malabo on April 21, the pope framed his address around the Church’s social doctrine, calling it a guide for addressing […]
- [Pope Leo XIV recalls Pope Francis a year after his death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-recalls-pope-francis-a-year-after-his-death): During the flight from Angola to Equatorial Guinea, Leo praised his predecessor’s concern for the poor and his message of mercy and fraternity. ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT — Pope Leo XIV arrived in Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday, opening the final leg of his trip to Africa after a flight of about 2.5 hours from Luanda, Angola. Speaking in Italian to reporters aboard the papal flight, Leo marked the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death with an extended remembrance of his predecessor, highlighting his witness, his closeness to the poor and suffering, and his appeals to mercy and fraternity. “I would […]
- [Remembering Pope Francis: 9 moments that defined his legacy ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/9-moments-that-defined-pope-francis-legacy): On the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death, we remember the late pontiff and some of the most significant moments of his papacy. On April 21, 2025, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled for Pope Francis, marking the end of his life and his 12-year papacy. As the 265th successor of St. Peter, the Argentinian pontiff left a lasting impact on the Catholic Church. Here are nine significant moments that have become part of Pope Francis’ legacy: 1. Election of the first Latin American pope Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first pope from Latin America […]
- [St. Anselm of Canterbury, Pray For Us](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-anselm-of-canterbury-pray-for-us): St. Anselm of Canterbury defended the Church, gave us an important proof for God’s existence and taught us why God became man. The Church celebrates the feast of St. Anselm of Canterbury (c. 1033-1109) every year on April 21. Why is an 11th-century man important to us? Three reasons: Why St. Anselm “of Canterbury”? St. Anselm of Canterbury was a seminal figure in the history and theology of the early Middle Ages. The appellation “of Canterbury” is because he was Archbishop of Canterbury in England, even though he was born in Aosta (a city in the far northeast of what […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV visits elderly home, says Mass for 60,000 in Angola](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-visits-elderly-home-says-mass-for-60000-in-angola): A look in photos at Pope Leo XIV’s eighth day of his apostolic journey to Africa. Pope Leo XIV continued his apostolic journey in Africa on April 20 in Angola, flying to Saurimo, where he visited a home for the elderly and celebrated Mass for more than 60,000 faithful. “There are erroneous motives for seeking Christ, particularly when he is considered to be a guru or a good luck charm,” the pope said on April 20, referring to how the crowds in the Gospel reading reacted after Jesus performed the miracle of the loaves and the fishes. He concluded his […]
- [Pope Leo XIV thanks Angola’s Church for promoting reconciliation and peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-thanks-angolas-church-for-promoting-reconciliation-and-peace): The pontiff urged bishops, priests, religious, and catechists to remain committed to peace, justice, and integral development.LUANDA, Angola — Pope Leo XIV on Monday thanked the Catholic Church in Angola for its long-standing witness in a nation still marked by the wounds of war, praising its efforts to help build the country on “the solid foundations of reconciliation and peace.” “Thank you also for your steadfast commitment to contribute to the progress of this nation on the solid foundations of reconciliation and peace,” the pope said April 20 during a meeting with bishops, priests, consecrated men and women, catechists, and […]
- [Christ is not ‘a guru or a good luck charm,’ pope says at Mass in Angola](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christ-is-not-a-guru-or-a-good-luck-charm-pope-says-at-mass-in-angola): After praying at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Saurimo, Leo proceeded to the site of the Mass, attended by an estimated 60,000 people.SAURIMO, Angola — Pope Leo XIV warned at Mass in Saurimo, Angola, on Monday, of making God into an idol that is sought only when advantageous — “when genuine faith is replaced with superstitious practices.” “There are erroneous motives for seeking Christ, particularly when he is considered to be a guru or a good luck charm,” the pope said on April 20, referring to how the crowds in the Gospel reading reacted after Jesus […]
- [Pope Leo visits nursing home in Angola: The elderly ‘need to be listened to’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-visits-nursing-home-in-angola-the-elderly-need-to-be-listened-to): Saurimo, a city in northeastern Angola, is known as the center of diamond mining in the country.SAURIMO, Angola — Pope Leo XIV flew to Saurimo, Angola, on Monday, where he visited a home for the elderly, whom he said have a wisdom that should be listened to. The pope began his brief greeting by thanking those present for the faith-filled welcome, saying it “touched my heart” and “is a great comfort to me as I carry out my mission.” “It struck me to learn that you call this place ‘lar,’ which means ‘home,’” he said. “I thank God for this, […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass, leads rosary in Angola](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-celebrates-mass-leads-rosary-in-angola): A look in photos at Pope Leo XIV’s seventh day of his apostolic visit to Africa. Pope Leo XIV continued his apostolic journey in Africa on April 19 in Angola, celebrating Mass in Kilamba before leading the rosary in a gathering at the Marian shrine of Mama Muxima. Addressing young people, members of the Legion of Mary, and other pilgrims gathered at the shrine, the pope said he was “pleased to share this moment of Marian prayer” with them. Here are some of the highlights of Pope Leo’s activities on Sunday: Follow the Live Updates of Pope Leo’s Trip in […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges Angola’s young people to build a world free of war, injustice, and poverty](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-urges-angolas-young-people-to-build-a-world-free-of-war-injustice-and-poverty): The pontiff told young Angolans that Our Lady entrusts them with the task of building a better world shaped by the Gospel. KIMBAXE, Angola — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged young people in Angola to help build “a better, welcoming world, where there is no more war, injustice, poverty, or dishonesty,” during a rosary gathering at the Marian shrine of Mama Muxima. The shrine, whose name means “Mother of the Heart” in Kimbundu, is one of Angola’s best-known Marian sanctuaries. Built by the Portuguese in the 17th century on a hill overlooking the Kwanza River, it has long been […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Angola: ‘Build the hope of the future’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-in-angola-build-the-hope-of-the-future): The pontiff urged the country to overcome old divisions, reject corruption, and help young people recover hope. KILAMBA, Angola — Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass in Angola on Sunday in Kilamba, a fast-growing city about 20 miles from the capital, Luanda, telling the faithful that Angola must “look to the future with hope” and “build the hope of the future.” Kilamba, inaugurated in 2011, has grown into a city of about 130,000 inhabitants, according to the most recent Angolan government census. Built with financing tied to a Chinese public investment company, the city’s layout and architecture evoke the […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV's Holy Mass in Cameroon and first day in Angola](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xivs-holy-mass-in-cameroon-and-first-day-in-angola): The Holy Father continues his Papal Trip in Africa, to spend several days in Angola before finishing his trip in Equatorial Guinea. Pope Leo XIV continued his apostolic journey in Africa on April 18, saying Holy Mass in Cameroon before departing for Angola on the next leg of his visit. The Holy Father will spend several days in Angola before finishing his trip in Equatorial Guinea. This is his first papal trip to the continent. Here are some of the highlights of Pope Leoʼs latest activities during his trip: This article was originally posted on EWTN News English.
- [Pope Leo XIV urges Angola to ‘remove the obstacles to integral human development’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-urges-angola-to-remove-the-obstacles-to-integral-human-development): The pontiff urged the country to reject exploitative models of development and place the common good above particular interests. LUANDA, Angola — Pope Leo XIV on April 18 called on Angola’s leaders and people to “remove the obstacles to integral human development,” urging them to choose the path of the common good, resist exploitative interests, and preserve the hope and joy that, he said, remain among Africa’s greatest treasures. The pope spoke at the presidential palace in Luanda during his meeting with authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps, the first public event of the Angola leg of his broader […]
- [Pope Leo XIV calls for the ‘safeguarding’ and ‘accompanying’ of minors and vulnerable adults](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-the-safeguarding-and-accompanying-of-minors-and-vulnerable-adults): The pope said the protection of the vulnerable “challenges the conscience of the Church and measures its ability to express authentic care.” Vatican City — On April 16, the Vatican released a message from Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of the Second National Meeting of Local Representatives for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults of the Italian Bishops’ Conference being held in Rome April 16–18 under the theme “Forming Authentic Relationships.” In his message, addressed to Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, and signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, the Holy Father warned […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon says no one should face life’s hardships alone](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-in-cameroon-says-no-one-should-face-lifes-hardships-alone): At an open-air Mass, the pontiff urged solidarity, civic responsibility, and special care for the poor.YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon — Pope Leo XIV on Saturday celebrated Mass at Yaoundé-Ville Airport in the final public event of his apostolic journey to Cameroon, telling thousands of faithful that “no one must be left alone to confront life’s adversities.” Before departing later in the day for Angola, the pope reflected on the Gospel account of Jesus walking on the water and tied it to the fears, crises, and social challenges faced by both individuals and nations. “Dear brothers and sisters, peace be with you! It is the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV says debate with Trump is 'not in my interest at all’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-says-debate-with-trump-is-not-in-my-interest-at-all): En route from Cameroon to Angola, the pope said his mission in Africa is pastoral and rejected suggestions that his recent remarks were aimed at President Donald Trump. ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — Pope Leo XIV arrived in Angola after a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Cameroon on April 18, using the short journey to reject suggestions that his recent remarks about war were aimed at U.S. President Donald Trump while reflecting on the pastoral focus of his African trip. In a brief in-flight press conference with journalists, the pope addressed the interpretation of some of his recent speeches as a response […]
- [Pope tells Catholic university students in Cameroon to ‘search for truth’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-tells-catholic-university-students-in-cameroon-to-search-for-truth): Leo also addressed artificial intelligence and invited the students to be pioneers of “a new humanism in the context of the digital revolution.” YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Pope Leo XIV on Friday encouraged Catholic university students in Cameroon to let their study be informed by “the light of faith, joined to the truth of love” as St. John Henry Newman taught. “Professors and students are called to embrace as both their aim and their way of life the common search for truth, for, as St. John Henry Newman wrote, ‘All true principles run over with God, all phenomena converge to him,’” the […]
- [U.S. Embassy to the Vatican: Nigerian Christians are being targeted](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/u-s-embassy-to-the-vatican-nigerian-christians-are-being-targeted): Ambassador Brian Burch described the situation in Nigeria as a “conflict between radical Islamic groups and Christians because of their faith.” ROME — It is “intolerable” that Christians are being targeted for persecution in Nigeria, said U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch during an event in Rome on Friday. The group Solidarity with the Persecuted Church (SPC) and the Embassy of the United States to the Holy See organized the April 17 conference at the embassy on threats to religious freedom in Nigeria. Burch spoke to EWTN News on the sidelines about the stance of the U.S. on religious […]
- [Popes’ alma mater in Rome celebrates 25 years of Eucharistic adoration](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popes-alma-mater-in-rome-celebrates-25-years-of-eucharistic-adoration): St. John Paul II and Pope Leo XIV both studied at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. ROME — Catholic students in Rome on Thursday bore witness to the Eucharist during a solemn procession to commemorate 25 years of its student-led adoration program. During the April 16 procession on the campus of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas — “the Angelicum” — students and clergy offered visible testimony to faith in the Real Presence. Students and faculty of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome participate in a Eucharistic procession on the university’s campus on […]
- [EWTN News explains: Why does the pope visit mosques on papal trips?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ewtn-news-explains-why-does-the-pope-visit-mosques-on-papal-trips): Why do popes make visits to Islamic mosques, courting controversy and criticism by taking part in events at holy sites of another religion? For more than a quarter-century, popes have periodically visited Islamic mosques as part of official voyages and papal visits. The tradition began with Pope John Paul II, who in 2001 became the first pope in history known to have entered a mosque when he visited the Great Mosque of Damascus in the capital of Syria. The subsequent Popes Benedict XVI, Francis, and Leo XIV have all paid visits to mosques to hold ecumenical dialogues and host diplomatic meetings. Yet the practice […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV meets with students, visits hospital, holds stadium Mass in Cameroon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-meets-with-students-visits-hospital-holds-stadium-mass-in-cameroon): The Holy Father continues his third day in Cameroon before traveling to Angola on April 18. Pope Leo XIV continued his papal trip in Africa on April 17, holding Mass in Japoma Stadium in Cameroon, visiting a Catholic hospital, and meeting with students at the Catholic University of Central Africa. The Holy Father arrived in Cameroon on April 15 and will depart for Angola on April 18, eventually finishing his first papal trip to the continent in Equatorial Guinea. Here’s a look at some of the pope’s ongoing activities in Cameroon: Upon his arrival to the University, Pope Leo couldn’t […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon: The Eucharist sustains us amid fear, suffering](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-in-cameroon-the-eucharist-sustains-us-amid-fear-suffering): The pope celebrated Mass in French in Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon, during the second leg of his trip in Africa. DOUALA, Cameroon — Physical food is not enough; the soul needs the nourishment of the Eucharist, which sustains us in times of fear and suffering, Pope Leo XIV said at a Mass in Douala, Cameroon, on Friday. Celebrating Mass for more than 120,000 people outside Japoma Stadium, in Cameroon’s economic capital, the pope said in his homily that Jesus’ miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes is a sign he came to serve with love, not […]
- [Remembering Pope Benedict XVI: A Centenary Begins](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/remembering-benedict-xvi-a-centenary-begins): As the Church looks ahead to the centenary of Pope Benedict XVI’s birth in April 2027, celebrations are already underway to honor the life and legacy of Joseph Ratzinger—one of the most influential theologians of the modern era. In the Italian city of Pordenone, the “Associazione Eventi di Pordenone,” in collaboration with the Vatican’s Ratzinger Foundation, has launched the commemorations with a special exhibition titled “Remembering Benedict XVI: Towards the Centenary of His Birth.” The exhibition offers not only a historical overview, but a deeply personal look at the man behind the papacy. An Intimate Portrait of the Pope Rather […]
- [Ratzinger Foundation Today: How Benedict XVI’s Theology Still Shapes the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ratzinger-foundation-today-pope-benedict-centenary): When Benedict XVI stepped down in 2013, few anticipated the intellectual movement his legacy would inspire. The Ratzinger Foundation, established in his name, has since grown into a vibrant global platform where thought, faith, and beauty converge. Each year, its prize puts the spotlight on extraordinary figures, theologians, philosophers, artists, drawn from every corner of the world and every Christian tradition, recognizing those who devote themselves to exploring the deepest questions of the human spirit.   Following Fr. Federico Lombardi’s decade-long tenure, newly appointed president Fr. Roberto Regoli sat down with EWTN Chief Global Officer, Andreas Thonhauser, to discuss the […]
- [PHOTOS: Highlights from Pope Leo XIV’s first full day in Cameroon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-highlights-from-pope-leo-xivs-first-full-day-in-cameroon): The Holy Father will ultimately spend several days in Cameroon before heading on to Angola and then Equatorial Guinea during his first apostolic journey to Africa. Pope Leo XIV spent his first full day in Cameroon on April 16 meeting with local Catholics and other officials, hosting a meeting for peace and saying Mass in the central African country. The Holy Father will ultimately spend several days in Cameroon before heading on to Angola and then Equatorial Guinea during his first apostolic journey to Africa. The trip is scheduled to last through April 23. Here is a look at the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Africa: peace appeal, return to Hippo, and June Consistory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-in-africa-peace-appeal-return-to-hippo-and-june-consistory): Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey in Africa is unfolding as a mission marked by appeals for peace, a return to the roots of Christian history, and a renewed emphasis on evangelization. From Cameroon to ancient Hippo, the Pope has linked the challenges of the present with the spiritual inheritance of the early Church. Alongside the trip, the Vatican has also announced key initiatives that point to the direction of his pontificate. Peace in Cameroon at the heart of Pope Leo XIV’s Africa journey Peace has emerged as one of the defining messages of Pope Leo XIV’s Africa journey. Addressing civil […]
- ["Dictatorship of Relativism": Pope Benedict's Prophecy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/dictatorship-of-relativism-pope-benedicts-prophecy): Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, soon to become Pope Benedict XVI, delivered a stark critique during the 2005 conclave preparations: “Today, having a clear faith based on the Creed of the Church is often labeled as fundamentalism. Whereas relativism, that is, letting oneself be “tossed here and there, carried about by every wind of doctrine”, seems the only attitude that can cope with modern times. We are building a dictatorship of relativism that does not recognize anything as definitive and whose ultimate goal consists solely of one’s own ego and desires.” A Prophetic Warning on the Eve of the Papacy Spoken on […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon says ‘the time has come’ to rebuild peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-in-cameroon-says-the-time-has-come-to-rebuild-peace): The pope urged Cameroonians to reject resignation and obey God over “earthly ways of thinking.”BAMENDA, Cameroon — Despite bad weather, at least 20,000 people gathered on the runways of Bamenda International Airport on Wednesday to take part in the Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV, concluding the second day of the pontiff’s visit to Cameroon. In his homily, Pope Leo praised the faith of the local Church, saying: “The festive celebrations that accompany your liturgies and the joy that flows from the prayers you raise are signs of your trusting surrender to God, of your unshakeable hope and of your […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon urges Christians and Muslims to heal wounds of conflict](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-in-cameroon-urges-christians-and-muslims-to-heal-wounds-of-conflict): At a peace gathering in Bamenda’s Cathedral, the pope praised interreligious solidarity and urged a “true conversion” away from war. BAMENDA, Cameroon — From Bamendaʼs Catholic cathedral on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV urged both Christians and Muslims to heal wounds of conflict in Cameroon. When Leo arrived at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, on the fourth day of his trip in Africa, he first visited the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for a moment of prayer together with Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Bamenda. During the interreligious peace gathering, Nkea said the popeʼs presence was consoling for the people. The meeting included […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to orphaned children in Cameroon: ‘God is present’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-orphaned-children-in-cameroon-god-is-present): “Wherever there is misery, suffering, or injustice, God is present,” the pope said in a meeting with orphaned or abandoned children in Cameroon.YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Pope Leo XIV was welcomed by the happy chatter of children on Wednesday at the Ngul Zamba Orphanage in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where he shared a message of Godʼs presence. “Dear children, I know that many of you have endured difficult trials. Some of you have known the pain of loss through the death of parents or loved ones. Others have experienced fear, rejection, abandonment, deprivation, and uncertainty. Yet, you are called to a future that […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV continues papal trip in Algeria, Cameroon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-continues-papal-trip-in-algeria-cameroon): The Holy Father spent several days touring Algeria and meeting with Catholics and religious leaders before heading south to the Cameroonian capital of Yaoundé. Pope Leo XIV finished the first leg of his papal trip to Africa on April 15, wrapping up meetings with Catholics and local religious and civic leaders in Algeria before heading south to Cameroon. The Holy Father will spend several days in Cameroon before heading on to Angola and Equatorial Guinea during his first apostolic journey to Africa. The trip is scheduled to last through April 23. Here is a look at the popeʼs activities in […]
- [Pope Leo XIV arrives in Cameroon for second leg of Africa trip](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/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 and promoting dialogue.” YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Pope Leo XIV arrived Wednesday in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, after a five-hour flight. While meeting with journalists aboard the papal plane, he delivered a brief address, thanking the Algerian authorities and reflecting on the first leg of the journey. Leo, speaking in English, expressed his “gratitude to all the authorities in Algeria, who made this visit possible. As youʼve seen, theyʼve even granted us the full honor of an escort as we fly over […]
- [Pope in Cameroon: Peace ‘cannot be decreed: It must be embraced and lived’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-in-cameroon-peace-cannot-be-decreed-it-must-be-embraced-and-lived): The second stop on Leo’s Africa trip is Cameroon, a country marked by conflict, yet whose civil society is ready to begin again. YAOUNDE, Cameroon — “Peace, in fact, cannot be decreed: It must be embraced and lived,” Pope Leo XIV emphasized on Wednesday in a meeting with government authorities, the diplomatic corps, and civil society in Cameroon — the second stop of his journey in Africa. In a dense address, the pope expressed confidence in Cameroonʼs society, often described as “Africa in miniature” because of the richness of its lands, cultures, languages, and traditions. A country marked by conflict, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Africa: 8 things to know about the Catholic Church in Cameroon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-in-africa-8-things-to-know-about-the-catholic-church-in-cameroon): After concluding the first leg of his African apostolic journey in Algeria, Pope Leo XIV travels on Wednesday to Cameroon. After concluding the first leg of his African apostolic journey in Algeria, Pope Leo XIV travels to Cameroon from April 15–18. In the Central African nation, the Holy Father is set to visit the capital, Yaoundé, and the metropolitan sees of Bamenda and Douala. If Algeria represents the Church as a small minority navigating a Muslim-majority society, Cameroon presents a different ecclesial landscape. The Catholic Church there is demographically significant, institutionally entrenched, socially influential, and politically attentive. Cameroon stands not only as the second […]
- [Pope Leo XIV meets Augustinians in Annaba in fraternal visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-augustinians-in-annaba-in-fraternal-visit): The pope shared lunch with the local Augustinian community after visiting Hippo’s ruins and a home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor. ANNABA, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV met privately Tuesday with fellow members of the Augustinian order, sharing lunch with the local community in what the order described as a “beautiful and pleasant” fraternal encounter. A statement from the Order of St. Augustine said the meeting reflected the joy of brothers dwelling together in unity. “After visiting the ruins of Hippo and the home of the Little Sisters of the Poor, the pope arrives in Annaba as […]
- [Pope Leo XIV reminds biblical scholars: Christ’s compassion toward all who suffer is ‘profound’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-biblical-scholars-compassion-suffering): In a letter to the Pontifical Biblical Commission, which is meeting this week, Pope Leo XIV drew attention to Christ’s compassion for the sick and suffering. In a message to members of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, Pope Leo XIV urged them to overcome “fear of illness and death” through faith in Christ, noting that facing these two realities can help individuals “discern in their own lives what is not essential, in order to turn toward, or return to, the Lord.” “In the light of faith, we know, conversely, that pain and illness can make a person wiser and more mature, […]
- [Leo XIV: True power comes from virtue, not strength](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-true-power-comes-from-virtue-not-strength): The pontiff discussed the legitimate exercise of authority in a message to the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV emphasized that technological, economic, and military power must be directed toward the common good. In an address to the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, the pontiff discussed authority in the context of Catholic social teaching and described it as grounded not in strength but in moral virtue. “Catholic social teaching regards power not as an end in itself but as a means ordered toward the common good,” the pope wrote in his message. “This implies […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Algeria: Where there is conflict the Church brings reconciliation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-in-algeria-where-there-is-conflict-the-church-brings-reconciliation): At the Basilica of St. Augustine, the pontiff urged Christians to bear witness through “simple gestures, genuine relationships and a dialogue lived out day by day.” ANNABA, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to the land of St. Augustine by celebrating Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba, where he said the Church is continually reborn when it brings hope to the despairing, dignity to the poor, and reconciliation where there is conflict. The basilica, dedicated to the bishop of ancient Hippo, was built between 1881 and 1907 at the initiative of Algiers Archbishop Charles-Martial-Allemand Lavigerie […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV visits Algeria during his first papal trip to Africa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-visits-algeria-africa-trip): The Holy Father is scheduled to visit four African countries throughout mid-April. Pope Leo XIV toured several major religious sites in Algeria on April 13 and 14, visiting with the local Catholic community and meeting with Islamic dignitaries during the first leg of his papal trip to Africa. The Holy Father is scheduled to continue his visit with trips to Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon on his first apostolic journey to the continent lasting April 13–23. Here is a look at the popeʼs time in Algeria in photos: Follow the Live Updates of Pope Leo’s Trip in Africa available at EWTN […]
- [Pope Leo XIV visits ancient Hippo in return to the roots of his vocation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-visits-ancient-hippo-in-return-to-the-roots-of-his-vocation): In Algeria, the pope visited the archaeological site of the city where St. Augustine served as bishop. ANNABA, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV traveled Tuesday from Algiers to Annaba — ancient Hippo — in what for the Augustinian pontiff amounted to a return to the roots of his faith and vocation. After a flight of about an hour, Leo arrived in the city most closely associated with St. Augustine, who served as bishop of Hippo from 396 to 430. For the pope, a son of St. Augustine, the visit marked a homecoming of sorts. It was in Hippo that St. […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Algeria: God’s heart is not with the wicked or the arrogant](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-in-algeria-gods-heart-is-not-with-the-wicked-or-the-arrogant): The pontiff stopped at a care home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor during his second day in Africa. ANNABA, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday said that “God’s heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant, or the proud” as he visited the Ma Maison care home for the elderly in Annaba during his apostolic journey to Algeria. After leaving the archaeological site of Hippo, the pope traveled to the home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, where he visited residents and greeted those gathered there. “I am pleased to make this visit because […]
- [Pope Leo XIV calls June consistory of cardinals, says Evangelii Gaudium must be relaunched](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-calls-june-consistory-of-cardinals-evangelii-gaudium-must-be-relaunched): In a letter to the College of Cardinals, the pope said the exhortation remains “a significant point of reference” and urged renewed missionary boldness across the life of the Church. Pope Leo XIV has confirmed that he will hold a consistory with cardinals from around the world on June 26–27, saying their previous discussions produced contributions that are “a resource of lasting value” for the Church. In a letter to the members of the College of Cardinals dated April 12 and made public Tuesday, the Holy Father looked back on the first consistory of his pontificate, held Jan. 7–8, and highlighted the […]
- [‘Even Just One of These Children’ is theme for 2026 World Day of Migrants and Refugees ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-theme-2026-world-day-migrants-refugees): The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development explained that the pope chose this title to emphasize the duty to welcome migrant and refugee children. “Even Just One of These Children” is the title chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which will be held on Sept. 27. As reported by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in an April 9 statement, the title chosen by the pontiff makes direct reference to the Gospel of St. Matthew: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Mt 18:5). In doing so, the Holy […]
- [Pope Leo XIV recalls the ‘living seed’ of the martyrs of Algeria](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-recalls-the-living-seed-of-the-martyrs-of-algeria): The meeting in the Catholic Basilica of Our Lady of Africa concluded the first day of the pope’s journey to Africa. ALGIERS, Algeria — The first day of Pope Leo XIV’s international apostolic journey to Africa concluded with an encounter with the Algerian community at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers. “It is with profound joy and fatherly affection that I meet with you today, you whose discrete and precious presence in this land is marked by an ancient heritage and by luminous witnesses of the faith,” Pope Leo said after listening to several testimonies. “Your community […]
- [9 things to know about Pope Leo XIV’s Africa visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/9-things-to-know-about-pope-leo-xivs-africa-visit): Pope Leo XIV is set to embark on a 10-day papal trip to four countries in Africa from April 13–23. On the heels of his first apostolic visit of 2026 to Monaco on March 28 and after presiding over Holy Week and Easter events and celebrations, Pope Leo XIV is making final preparations for his 10-day papal visit to four countries in Africa from April 13–23. The pontiffʼs first apostolic trip to Africa comes at a time when the continent accounts for about 20% of Catholics worldwide and is experiencing significant growth in priestly vocations. Here are nine important facts to know […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Algeria: ‘I am here among you as a pilgrim of peace’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-in-algeria-i-am-here-among-you-as-a-pilgrim-of-peace): The pontiff called for a world order that does not exclude the vulnerable and urged leaders to serve the common good. ALGIERS, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV on Monday presented himself to Algeria’s diplomatic corps and civil society as “a pilgrim of peace,” urging a more just international order, warning against exclusion and inequality, and praising those who refuse to be “blinded by power or wealth.” Peace remained the central theme of the pope’s first day in Algeria, following his earlier stop at the Martyrs’ Memorial, where he delivered an appeal for peace and reconciliation. Speaking in French at the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Algeria: ‘The future belongs to men and women of peace’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-in-algeria-the-future-belongs-to-men-and-women-of-peace): At the Martyrs’ Monument in Algiers, the pope’s first message on Algerian soil was an appeal for peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. ALGIERS, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV arrived in Algeria on Monday and delivered his first address in the country at the Maqam Echahid Martyrs’ Monument, where he urged forgiveness and said that “the future belongs to men and women of peace.” The visit marked the first time a pope has set foot in Algeria. After a roughly two-hour flight, Leo traveled first not to meet diplomats or civil authorities but to the national monument honoring those who died in […]
- [Pope Leo XIV departs for Algeria, beginning third apostolic journey](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-departs-for-algeria-beginning-third-apostolic-journey): The 10-day Africa trip will take the pope to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. Pope Leo XIV departed Monday for Algeria, the first stop on a 10-day trip to Africa that marks the third international journey of his pontificate. The pope’s April 13–23 visit will also include stops in Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, making it the longest trip of his pontificate so far. After earlier visits to Turkey and Lebanon and a brief trip to the Principality of Monaco, Leo is now traveling to four African nations with distinct histories, cultures, and pastoral realities. The first stop is […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Eucharist is ‘indispensable for Christian life’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-eucharist-indispensable-christian-life): “It is through the Eucharist that even our hands become ‘hands of the Risen One,’” the pope said. “The Sunday Eucharist is indispensable for Christian life,” Pope Leo XIV said before reciting the Marian prayer of the Regina Caeli on April 12 in St. Peterʼs Square. Speaking to crowds gathered in the square, the pope noted his upcoming departure for Africa, where “some martyrs of the early African Church, the Martyrs of Abitene, have left us a beautiful testimony in this regard.”  “Faced with the offer to save their lives on the condition that they renounce celebrating the Eucharist, they […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges ceasefire, protection of civilians in war zones](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ceasefire-protection-civilians): On Divine Mercy Sunday, the pope prayed for Ukraine, Lebanon, and Sudan. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday renewed appeals for peace in Ukraine, Lebanon, and Sudan, calling on the international community not to look away from the suffering caused by war and insisting that civilians must be shielded from its devastation. Speaking before and after the Regina Caeli on Divine Mercy Sunday, the pope appealed for an end to fighting and urged those involved in conflicts to pursue peaceful solutions without delay. “The principle of humanity, inscribed in the conscience of every person and recognized in international […]
- [Pope Leo XIV at Vatican peace vigil: 'Enough of war!'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-peace-vigil-enough-of-war): Prayer is “the most free, universal and disruptive response to death,” the pope said in St. Peterʼs Basilica on Apr. 11. “Enough of war!” Pope Leo XIV cried out while presiding over a vigil for peace at St. Peterʼs Basilica in the Vatican on April 11. Prior to the vigil in the basilica — which the pope announced on Easter Sunday, April 5, amid ongoing war in Iran and in the Holy Land — the Holy Father briefly addressed the thousands of faithful present in St. Peterʼs Square to participate in the vigil, whom he thanked for their presence while reminding […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: ‘I have no fear of the Trump administration’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-i-have-no-fear-of-the-trump-administration): Aboard the papal flight to Algeria, Leo said he is not a politician and will continue to preach the Gospel’s call for peace and multilateral dialogue. ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT — Pope Leo XIV said Monday that he will continue to speak out “loudly” against war, stressing that his role is to preach the Gospel, not to enter into political disputes. Speaking to journalists aboard the papal flight to Algiers on April 13, the pope responded to a question about a post by U.S. President Donald Trump. “I think people who read it will be able to draw their own conclusions. […]
- [Leo XIV and Macron meet: Peace is both a ‘duty and a requirement’ ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-macron-meet-peace-dialogue): The two leaders expressed their common conviction on the necessity of dialogue and negotiations to resolve conflicts between nations.  On April 10, Pope Leo XIV received French President Emmanuel Macron for the first time since the beginning of his pontificate. Accompanying Macron was his wife, Brigitte. Following the closed-door meeting at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace that lasted an hour, the French president said he was “very happy” to have met with the Holy Father, adding that both share “a common conviction: In the face of the world’s divisions, action for peace is a duty and a requirement.” “France will always […]
- [Pope Leo names Father Andrea Ciucci chancellor of Pontifical Academy for Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-father-andrea-ciucci-pontifical-academy-for-life): The Italian priest has served as the academyʼs secretariat coordinator since 2016. Pope Leo XIV on Friday appointed Father Andrea Ciucci chancellor of the Pontifical Academy for Life. The Italian priest has served as the academyʼs secretariat coordinator since 2016. Originally from Milan, the 59-year-old Ciucci has a doctorate in the philosophy of religion from the Pontifical University of Sant’Anselmo in Rome. After serving as a parish vicar in Milan, he worked at the former Pontifical Council for the Family from 2012–2016. He is also the general secretary of the RenAIssance Foundation, a Vatican institution that promotes an ethical perspective […]
- [Media narrative about nuncio’s Pentagon meeting untrue, Vatican says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/media-narrative-about-nuncios-pentagon-meeting-untrue-vatican-says): The Vatican responded to a media report claiming Cardinal Christophe Pierre, then-papal envoy to the U.S., received “a bitter lecture” in a meeting with U.S. defense officials. The Vatican on Friday said the narrative in some media outlets about a meeting at the Pentagon between senior U.S. defense officials and the pope’s then-representative to the U.S. “does not correspond to the truth.” According to Cardinal Christophe Pierre, his meeting with Undersecretary of War for Policy Elbridge A. Colby in January was part of the former nuncio’s “regular mission and provided an opportunity for an exchange of views on matters of […]
- [Augustinians See ‘Leo Effect’ After Pope’s Election](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/augustinians-leo-effect-after-popes-election): Father Joseph Farrell describes the Holy Father as a man of prayer, as systematic, and as having a great sense of humor. ROME — At the Easter vigil, Pope Leo XIV referenced the writing of his patron, St. Augustine, about the Risen Christ and the faithful’s call as Christians.  “Let us repeat what St. Augustine said to the Christians of his time: ‘Proclaim Christ, sow…, spread everywhere what you have conceived in your heart’ (Sermon 116, 23-24),” Leo said in his homily during his first papal observance of Easter.  Almost one year into the pontificate of Pope Leo, the leader of the […]
- [Noting Pope Leo’s Key Overtures to Spain and Monaco](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/noting-pope-leos-key-overtures-to-spain-and-monacopope-leo-spain-monaco-overtures): COMMENTARY: Both events indicate what has become a key theme of the new pontificate: easing frictions and tensions. The drama of Holy Week includes the kings and their viceroys, Herod and Pilate, and a dispute over kingship itself. Jesus goes to the cross under the title “King of the Jews.” Kings of an earthly sort were prominent on Pope Leo XIV’s schedule just before Holy Week, with the king and queen of Spain visiting the Holy Father and Pope Leo choosing Monaco — a tiny principality still ruled by a monarch with genuine authority — for his second papal trip […]
- [3 Themes That Explain the Significance of Pope Leo’s Journey to Africa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/3-themes-pope-leo-xiv-africa-journey): ANALYSIS: A closer look at the four countries on the Pope’s itinerary shows how the Church’s role — before and after independence — has shaped his visit. In a recent Register interview, Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt, apostolic nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, rightly referred to “multiple reasons on multiple levels” why Pope Leo XIV’s trip to four African countries from April 13-23 is so significant. The future of the Church in Africa is a prime focus. Africa’s population is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, a nearly 80% increase from today, and the Holy See is keenly aware of how […]
- [Pope’s Cameroon Visit Puts Archbishop Nkea in the Spotlight](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/archbishop-nkea-cameroon-pope-visit): The archbishop of Bamenda is a rising star in the Catholic Church in Cameroon and beyond. When Pope Leo XIV visits Cameroon April 15-18, he will be greeted in Bamenda by one of the country’s most prominent Churchmen, Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea. The 60-year-old archbishop is widely regarded in Cameroon as a gifted preacher, an energetic pastor and an unusually visible Catholic leader in a country marked by conflict and widespread human suffering. He is already well known to Pope Leo, having served during the 2023-24 Synod on Synodality as a member of its 16-member Ordinary Council that played a […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Sport must be a ‘space for encounter’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-sport-space-for-encounter): The pontiff addressed athletes from the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Thursday praised athletes from the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games, saying sport “can and must truly become a space for encounter” in a world marked by “polarization, rivalry, and conflicts that escalate into devastating wars.” Speaking in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican on April 9, the Holy Father welcomed the athletes “with joy” shortly after the conclusion of the Winter Games and thanked them for their witness. “Thank you for what you have shown,” the pope said. “Truly, sport, when lived […]
- [Christians must be messengers of peace this Easter, Comboni missionary says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/christians-messengers-of-peace-this-easter): Father Giulio Albanese, MCCJ, who has witnessed several atrocities of war firsthand, said today’s Christians cannot turn a blind eye to people’s sufferings. Christians are called to live the Easter message of peace, especially during times of war and violence, said a Comboni missionary priest once kidnapped in Uganda. “On the very day of Jesus’ resurrection, on Easter day, Jesus appeared to the apostles [and] the message he delivered to them was, ‘Peace to you!’” Father Giulio Albanese, MCCJ, said in an exclusive interview with EWTN News reporter Valentina Di Donato. “Peace, from a Christian perspective, is not simply a […]
- [Pope Leo XIV welcomes Iran ceasefire, calls for Peace Vigil](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-welcomes-iran-ceasefire-calls-for-peace-vigil): Pope Leo XIV this week placed peace once again at the center of his public appeals, welcoming the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East and renewing his invitation to a prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica. Alongside the Pope’s call for dialogue, the Vatican also highlighted several significant developments, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s appeal to support the Pope’s opposition to war, a new papal message on vocations, the recognition of Henri Caffarel’s heroic virtues, and the release of the logo and motto for the Pope’s upcoming apostolic journey to Spain. Pope Leo XIV Welcomes Ceasefire in Iran […]
- [Vatican urges Catholics not to leave Pope Leo XIV alone in opposing war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-catholics-back-pope-leo-against-war): The Vatican Secretary of State said the pope’s appeals for peace need concrete support. VATICAN CITY — Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin warned that the “logic of the strongest” risks prevailing on the international stage and called on Christians to become “voices of peace” who do not leave Pope Leo XIV standing alone in his opposition to war. In an interview with Dialoghi, a cultural magazine linked to Italian Catholic Action, Parolin said the voice of the pope is “prophetic” but risks becoming “a voice crying in the wilderness if it is not supported and helped concretely.” His […]
- [Pope will address tensions between Christianity and Islam in Africa, Nigerian bishop says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-africa-christian-muslim-tensions): An Augustinian confrere of Pope Leo XIV discussed the pontiff’s upcoming trip to four African countries. When Pope Leo XIV visits Africa for the first time as pontiff next week, Catholics and others across the continent will be watching with interest for what it reveals about the pope’s agenda and priorities for their region. One of those watching will be Bishop John Niyiring of Kano, Nigeria, a fellow Augustinian and longtime friend of the pope. The pope is scheduled to visit Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon on his first apostolic journey to the continent April 13–23. Growing conflict between […]
- [Pope Leo XIV welcomes ceasefire in Iran as ‘sign of living hope’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-iran-ceasefire-living-hope): “Only through a return to negotiation can the war come to an end,” the pope said at the end of his weekly general audience. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Iran war and urged negotiation and prayer to end the war in the Middle East. “Following these recent hours of great tension for the Middle East and for the whole world, I welcome with satisfaction and as a sign of living hope the announcement of an immediate two-week truce,” the pope said at the end of his weekly general […]
- [French priest Henri Caffarel, founder of Teams of Our Lady, declared venerable by Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/henri-caffarel-declared-venerable): A married couple that leads the Teams of Our Lady, founded by newly-declared Venerable Father Henri Caffarel, explains how this lay apostolate helps couples grow together in holiness. Father Henri Caffarel, a French priest whose apostolate centered on accompanying and guiding married couples on the path to holiness, is one step closer to being canonized. On March 23, Pope Leo XIV recognized the heroic virtues of the newly declared venerable, who maintained that couples are made for happiness and that marriage is a path toward it. With this deep conviction, and conscious of the challenges faced by couples, Caffarel, who […]
- [Leo XIV’s First Holy Week: The Appeals for Peace and the Holy See’s Voice in Today’s Media Climate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-first-holy-week-peace-appeals): ANALYSIS: Leo presents faith as the foundation of the Church’s message to the world, emphasizing the power of symbols over rhetoric. In a move that set the tenor of his first Easter as Roman pontiff, Leo XIV personally carried the cross through all 14 Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum on Good Friday, the first pope in decades to do so. It was a powerful gesture, not only in that it showed a pontiff hale and hearty — like John Paul II early in his pontificate, and also Paul VI, who established the tradition of the Way of Cross at the […]
- [Threat against entire people of Iran ‘not acceptable,’ Pope Leo XIV says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-iran-threat-not-acceptable): Attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law and are also a sign of hatred, division, and destruction, Pope Leo XIV said. “Let’s come back to the table,” he said. Pope Leo XIV renewed his forceful appeal for an end to war and urged an embrace of dialogue, distinguishing himself as a singular global voice calling for restraint and moral accountability amid bellicose statements from U.S. leadership. The first U.S.-born pope called on U.S. citizens to plead with elected officials to work for peace in remarks to the press April 7 and called threats to destroy Iran’s civilization unacceptable. Earlier in […]
- [On Easter Monday, Pope Leo XIV remembers those ‘tormented’ by war: ‘The truth does not remain hidden’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-easter-monday-war-truth): Upon the recitation of the Regina Caeli, the pope also remembered Pope Francis, who died a year ago on Easter Monday.  On his first Easter Monday as pope, Leo XIV appeared at the window of the Apostolic Palace under bright sunshine and clear skies to lead the Regina Caeli with thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square. “Dear brothers and sisters, Christ is risen! Happy Easter!“ he exclaimed. “This greeting, full of wonder and joy, will accompany us throughout the week. As we celebrate this new day that the Lord has made for us, the liturgy celebrates the entrance […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Every vocation is a ‘path of beauty’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-vocation-path-of-beauty): In a message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations titled “The Interior Discovery of God’s Gift,” the Holy Father reflects on the interior dimension of one’s vocation. The Vatican has published Pope Leo XIV’s message for the 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which will be celebrated on April 26, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, or Good Shepherd Sunday. Titled “The Interior Discovery of God’s Gift,” the Holy Father in the message reflects on the interior dimension of vocation, understood as “the discovery of God’s free gift that blossoms in the depths of our hearts.” In his […]
- [Pope Leo XIV announces April 11 peace vigil at St. Peter’s](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-april-11-peace-vigil): In his first Easter message to the city and the world, the pontiff urged those with weapons to lay them down. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday that he will lead a prayer vigil for peace on April 11 at St. Peter’s Basilica, using his first Easter urbi et orbi message to make a forceful appeal for an end to war and a renewed embrace of dialogue. In a departure from the traditional Easter survey of major international flashpoints, Leo focused his message on the spiritual roots of peace, presenting Christ’s resurrection as the answer to a world […]
- [Pope at Easter: ‘May Christ, our Passover, bless us and give his peace to the whole world!’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-easter-peace-whole-world): On his first Easter as pontiff, Leo XIV urged Christians to bring the hope of the Resurrection into a world scarred by war, violence, and injustice. Pope Leo XIV on Easter Sunday called for peace throughout the world, urging Christians to carry the hope of the Resurrection into a world wounded by war, violence, and injustice. “May Christ, our Passover, bless us and give his peace to the whole world!” the pope said at the end of his homily during Easter morning Mass in St. Peter’s Square on April 5. Celebrating his first Easter as pontiff before a packed St. Peter’s Square […]
- [Easter 2026 Urbi et Orbi: Full Text of Pope Leo XIV’s Message](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/easter-2026-urbi-et-orbi-full-text-of-pope-leo-xivs-message): Brothers and sisters,Christ is risen! Happy Easter! For centuries, the Church has joyfully sung of the event that is the origin and foundation of her faith: “Yes, Christ my hope is arisen / Christ indeed from death is risen / Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning” (Easter Sequence). Easter is the victory of life over death, of light over darkness, of love over hatred. It is a victory that came at a very high price: Christ, the Son of the living God (cf. Mt 16:16), had to die — and die on a cross — after suffering an unjust condemnation, […]
- [At Easter Vigil, Pope Leo XIV calls for peace to 'grow and flourish' throughout the world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-calls-for-peace-at-easter-vigil): The ancient vigil “stretches across the centuries as a path of reconciliation and grace,” the pope said at the Vatican.Pope Leo XIV at the Vaticanʼs Easter Vigil on April 4 described the ancient ceremony as “filled with light” and as the “mother of all vigils” where the faithful “relive the memorial of the victory of the Lord of life over death.” “We do so after having traversed, over the past few days — as if in a single, grand celebration — the mysteries of the Passion of the God who, for our sake, became a man of sorrows: despised and […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV carries the cross at the Via Crucis in the Colosseum](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-carries-cross-colosseum): The pope personally carried the cross through every station of the Good Friday Way of the Cross at the Colosseum. Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to “live our lives as a journey” and prayed for the Church to “follow in the footprints” of Christ as he walked the Via Crucis on April 3. The pope personally carried the cross through every station of the Good Friday Way of the Cross at the Colosseum, the first time in four years the figure of the Supreme Pontiff has been present at the amphitheater. A flickering cross towers at the Colosseum in Rome […]
- [At the Colosseum, Pope Leo XIV urges the faithful to 'live our lives as a journey' in Christ's love](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-way-of-the-cross-colosseum): The Holy Father carried the cross at the Roman amphitheater on Good Friday, the first time a pope has done so in several years.  Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to “live our lives as a journey” and prayed for the Church to “follow in the footprints” of Christ as he walked the Via Crucis on April 3. The pope personally carried the cross through every station of the Good Friday Way of the Cross at the Colosseum, the first time in four years the figure of the Supreme Pontiff has been present at the amphitheater.  Due to health concerns, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV celebrates Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion in St. Peter’s Basilica](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-good-friday-st-peters-basilica): After the proclamation of the Gospel of John’s account of Christ’s passion, the papal preacher, Father Roberto Pasolini, OFMCap, delivered a homily. VATICAN — Pope Leo XIV presided over the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion in St. Peter’s Basilica on Good Friday during which the preacher of the papal household exhorted Christians to “approach the Lord’s cross without fear.” The liturgy began with the pope lying prostrate before the cross and then unfolded in three parts: the Liturgy of the Word, veneration of the cross, and Holy Communion. There was no opening antiphon; the solemn liturgy began with silent prayer, […]
- [Pope speaks with Israeli and Ukrainian presidents amid conflicts in Holy Land, Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-israeli-ukrainian-presidents-conflicts): The pontiff discussed the ongoing wars and exchanged Easter greetings with the two presidents. Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Good Friday. The Vatican said the pope spoke separately with both presidents on April 3. They exchanged Easter and Passover greetings. Leo also spoke with the presidents about the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and highlighted the need for continued humanitarian aid. The Middle East and Ukraine continue to be plagued by armed conflicts. The U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran has entered a new phase […]
- [EWTN News explains: What are the Good Friday Reproaches?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-are-the-good-friday-reproaches): The Good Friday Reproaches are a series of antiphons, known also as “Popule Meus” (“My People”), and come from the opening lines of the Latin text of the recitation. The Good Friday Reproaches are a series of antiphons, known also as the “Improperia” or “Popule Meus” (“My People”), coming from the opening lines of the Latin text of the recitation. Dating back to the ninth century, though not gaining a permanent place in the Roman orders until the 14th century, the Good Friday Reproaches have long been an essential part of the Roman liturgy. But they largely disappeared from many […]
- [PHOTOS: Pilgrims keep watch with Eucharist at altars of repose in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pilgrims-visit-altars-of-repose-rome): On Holy Thursday night, the Eternal City was alight with candlelit altars housing the blessed sacrament. ROME — Hundreds of pilgrims in Rome visited churches to pray before special side altars containing the blessed sacrament, called altars of repose, on Holy Thursday. The altars of repose are a popular devotion in the Catholic Church during Holy Week. The practice begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on the evening of Holy Thursday, when Catholics commemorate the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood. Pilgrims in adoration before the altar of repose at the Church of Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: ‘Kneel down as brothers and sisters alongside the oppressed’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-kneel-beside-the-oppressed): On Holy Thursday, the pontiff urged Catholics to imitate Christ’s service in a world marked by brutality. Pope Leo XIV on Holy Thursday returned the Mass of the Lord’s Supper to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, reviving a papal practice last observed there in 2012 under Benedict XVI. Departing from Pope Francis’ custom of celebrating the liturgy in prisons or migrant centers, Leo celebrated the rite in the cathedral of Rome and washed the feet of 12 priests of the Diocese of Rome. In his homily, the pope framed the liturgy as the solemn entrance into the Easter Triduum and […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV celebrates the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-mass-of-the-lords-supper): Pope Leo XIV on Holy Thursday returned the Mass of the Lord’s Supper to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, reviving a papal practice last observed there in 2012 under Benedict XVI. Departing from Pope Francis’ custom of celebrating the liturgy in prisons or migrant centers, Leo celebrated the rite in the cathedral of Rome and washed the feet of 12 priests of the Diocese of Rome. Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful at the Basilica of St. John Lateran during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Thursday, April 2, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News Pope Leo XIV celebrates the […]
- [PHOTOS: Holy Thursday chrism Mass at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-holy-thursday-chrism-mass-vatican): Chrism Mass includes the blessing of the holy oils that will be used throughout the year in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick, and holy orders. Pope Leo XIV celebrated a chrism Mass at the Vatican on April 2, his first as pope after being elected as supreme pontiff in May 2025.  The Mass included the traditional blessing of the holy oils that will be used throughout the year in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick, and holy orders. Pope Leo XIV presides over a chrism Mass at the Vatican on Holy Thursday, April […]
- [5 ways to solemnly celebrate Good Friday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/5-ways-to-solemnly-celebrate-good-friday): As the Church mourns, Catholics are also called to solemnly observe this holy day. Good Friday is considered for many one of the holiest days of the liturgical year. Part of the Triduum, Good Friday is the day the Church turns its attention to the cross on Calvary. It is the somber day Jesus Christ was crucified. Catholic churches everywhere can be seen with a bare altar and with the door of the empty tabernacle open. As the Church mourns, Catholics are also called to solemnly observe this holy day. Here are some ways you can solemnly celebrate Good Friday: […]
- [Pope says Christian mission counters ‘imperialist occupation of the world’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-christian-mission-rejects-abuse-of-power): At the Holy Thursday chrism Mass, Leo XIV said the Church must reject domination, power, and “calculated strategy” in favor of humble service, unity, and peace. Pope Leo XIV on Holy Thursday proposed Christian mission as an antidote to what he called the “imperialist occupation of the world,” saying it is now a priority to remember that “neither in the pastoral sphere nor in the social and political spheres can good come from abuse of power.” At the chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on April 2, the pope reflected on the mission God entrusts to his people and warned […]
- [Artemis II moon mission ‘a great development,’ Vatican Observatory director says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/artemis-ii-vatican-observatory-director): EWTN News speaks with Jesuit Father Richard A. D’Souza, director of the Vatican Observatory since September 2025. NASA’s Artemis II test flight launched into space on Wednesday evening for an expected 10-day lunar flyby mission. The flight — which is the first crewed lunar mission in more than half a century — is a test for future missions hoping to return humans to the lunar surface in 2028. Jesuit Father Richard A. D’Souza, director of the Vatican Observatory since September 2025, told EWTN News the Artemis II program is “a great development” that will hopefully lead to answers about the origin of the […]
- [Pope Leo’s personal secretary: ‘He hasn’t changed; he’s still the same’ since his time in Peru](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-personal-secretary-since-peru): Father Edgard Iván Rimaycuna described the pope’s unchanged personality and what his role as his personal secretary is like. Peruvian priest Father Edgard Iván Rimaycuna Inga, personal secretary to Pope Leo XIV, said the Holy Father “hasn’t changed” since his years as a bishop in Peru and is still approachable, serene, and possesses a great capacity for listening. In an interview with the Spanish media outlet Alfa and Omega, the priest, who first met the pontiff when their paths crossed in Chiclayo, Peru, emphasized that despite his new responsibilities, the pope “remains the same.” “The only things that have changed […]
- [How does Pope Leo choose his monthly prayer intentions?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-pope-leo-chooses-monthly-prayer-intentions): The head of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network offers a look behind the scenes. Leo XIV records his “Pray with the Pope” video each month, but how does he choose the intentions he wants the Church to pray for? “They’re absolutely the pope’s intentions; however, he does it in a very synodal way,” after gathering input from many sources, Father Cristóbal Fones, SJ, international director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN), told EWTN News. The prayer network, established as a Vatican entity by Pope Francis in 2018, recently undertook a lengthy consultation process with its national directors in 94 […]
- [Pope Leo on the dignity and mission of the laity: They are the body of Christ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-laity-body-of-christ): The pope’s reflection at the general audience was inspired by the Second Vatican Council’s dogmatic constitution Lumen Gentium. The laity are not “a formless mass, but the body of Christ,” endowed with dignity and responsibility in the Church and in the world, Pope Leo XIV said in his catechesis at the general audience on Wednesday. After riding around a packed St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile on April 1, the Holy Father recalled the nature and mission of the laity, who for centuries had been defined simply as “those who are not part of the clergy or the consecrated life” in a […]
- [Pope Leo's First Via Crucis at the Colosseum](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leos-first-via-crucis-at-the-colosseum): As Holy Week unfolds at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV is leading the Church through its most sacred days while also addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing the world today—from war and diplomacy to religious freedom and Church governance. Pope Leo XIV Leads Holy Week Liturgies Pope Leo XIV continues his first Holy Week as pontiff with a full schedule of liturgical celebrations at the heart of the Catholic faith. On Holy Thursday, the Holy Father is set to celebrate the Chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the morning, followed by the Mass of the Lord’s Supper […]
- [Pope Leo makes Holy Week appeal to Trump, world leaders to end Iran war](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-trump-world-leaders-end-iran-war): The pope expressed hope that President Donald Trump is seeking a way to decrease violence in the Middle East. Pope Leo XIV has renewed his appeal for peace in a world wounded by conflict and violence. In remarks to journalists on March 31 outside the papal villa of Castel Gandolfo, the pope reminded that “Easter should be the holiest, most sacred time of the year. It is a time of peace, a time for much reflection, but as we all know, once again in the world, in so many places, we are seeing so much suffering, so many deaths, even […]
- [This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of April](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prayer-intention-april): In a video released on X, the Holy Father posed a question for the faithful: “Have you ever been in a crisis?” Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of April is for priests in crisis. In a video released on X, the Holy Father posed a question for the faithful: “Have you ever been in a crisis?” “In moments of fragility, it’s so important that we are there for one another,” he said. “This April, I invite you to join me in prayer for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find accompaniment […]
- [Vatican official warns of ‘Christianophobia’ in Muslim world and secular West](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-official-warns-rising-christianophobia): Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu is alarmed about rising hostility toward Christians, both in parts of the Islamic world and in Europe’s increasingly post‑Christian culture. Nwachukwu, who serves as secretary of the Section of First Evangelization at the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization, told EWTN News that any serious conversation about peace and coexistence must begin with clear condemnation of anti‑Christian violence, particularly from Muslim leaders in places where Christians lack full religious freedom. The Nigerian prelate also warned of a growing cultural aversion to Christianity in the West, where Christian expression is often treated with suspicion even as societies insist on defending […]
- [Vatican cancels 2026 World Children’s Day](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-cancels-world-childrens-day-2026): Rome event set for Sept. 25–27 is scrapped as the Vatican says children’s pastoral initiatives should instead be held locally with families. VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has canceled the second World Children’s Day, which had been scheduled to take place in Rome Sept. 25–27, about six weeks after Pope Leo XIV dissolved the commission responsible for its organization. The Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life announced the decision March 27, saying it had “considered it appropriate to cancel the celebration of the Second World Children’s Day, initially scheduled to take place in Rome from Sept. 25 to […]
- [Leo XIV: The most difficult circumstances can be transformed by the power of love](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-power-of-love): In an audience with the Illinois Municipal League, the pontiff said that Gospel values can be applied to city government to the benefit of the most vulnerable and for the common good. At the Vatican on Monday of Holy Week — known in some places as “Authority Monday” — Pope Leo XIV recalled Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple in Matthew 23:21-27, saying that through the paschal mystery, the Lord shows “that even the most difficult and challenging circumstances can be transformed from within by the power of love.” ‘The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate source of hope’ “The resurrection […]
- [Vatican affirms future of Anglican ordinariates: ‘A precious gift and a treasure to be shared’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-affirms-future-of-anglican-ordinariates): Bishop Steven Lopes welcomed a Vatican document as a significant encouragement, calling it “an exhortation to live this patrimony in all of its richness.” The Vatican has reaffirmed its support for the Anglican ordinariates, confirming that these communities have a permanent and valued place within the Catholic Church. On March 24, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a document titled “Characteristics of the Anglican Heritage as Lived in the Ordinariates Established Under the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus.” The document is the fruit of a meeting held March 1–3 in Rome, during which Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of […]
- [Cardinal of Tehran prays in Rome for ‘end to violence’ in Persian Gulf](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-of-tehran-prays-in-rome-for-peace): In the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome, Cardinal Dominique Mathieu, archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan, on Monday evening stood in prayer for peace. During a vigil for peace on Monday evening in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome, Cardinal Dominique Mathieu, archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan Mathieu, invoked God as “great and merciful,” affirming his designs of peace and rejection of war. The cardinal called for an end to violence, describing war as a “spiral” and an “adventure without return,” and pleaded for the cessation of conflict in the Persian Gulf. He also urged divine action in the […]
- [Jerusalem churches reach temporary deal with Israeli authorities over Holy Week access](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/jerusalem-churches-holy-week-access-deal): The announcement came after the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem and the custos of the Holy Land were restricted from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday. In a notable development, a joint statement was issued Monday by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land announcing an agreement had been reached with the Israeli authorities regarding arrangements for Holy Week and Easter celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.  The March 30 announcement came after hours of tension and controversy over restrictions on access to the holy sites, which affected Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of […]
- [Pope names Vatican diplomats to key positions in Secretariat of State, papal household](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-vatican-diplomats-secretariat-of-state): Archbishop Paolo Rudelli is the new head of the general affairs section of the Secretariat of State and Archbishop Petar Rajič is the new prefect of the Papal Household. Pope Leo XIV on Monday appointed Italian Archbishop Paolo Rudelli the new head of the general affairs section of the Secretariat of State — one of the most influential positions in the Roman Curia. The so-called “sostituto” (“substitute”) is commonly considered the third most powerful position in the Vatican, after the Holy Father and the secretary of state. The pontiff also named Archbishop Petar Rajič the new prefect of the Papal […]
- [Pope Leo to Coptic patriarch: Christians must work together in the Middle East](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-to-coptic-patriarch-christians-must-work-together-in-the-middle-east): The friendship between the Catholic and Coptic churches began over 50 years ago with the meeting of St. Pope Paul VI and Shenouda III. Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Tawadros II, the Coptic patriarch of Alexandria, on May 15. The conversation marked the 13th Day of Friendship between Copts and Catholics. The Vatican said that the discussion between the two took place in a “cordial and fraternal atmosphere,” and that they expressed the mutual desire to “overcome any potential obstacles to the dialogue of faith and charity” between Catholics and Coptic Orthodox. They also discussed the need to […]
- [Courage Director: Synod Report ‘Wounds the Church’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/courage-director-synod-report-wounds-church): Father Brian Gannon argues how ‘intellectually dishonest’ document departs from Scripture and 2,000 years of Church teaching on human sexuality. The final report of the Synod on Synodality’s Study Group 9 has drawn widespread criticism since its publication last week — not least for what its authors wrote about Courage International. A respected and canonically approved Catholic apostolate, since 1980 Courage International has been providing spiritual support to men and women experiencing same-sex attractions who wish to live chastely according to Church teaching.  In its critique of Courage, the report failed to include perspectives from anyone involved with the apostolate and erroneously […]
- [Cardinal Eijk: Same-Sex Synod Report Must Be Forcefully Refuted](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-eijk-same-sex-synod-report-refuted): By elevating such testimonies without doctrinal commentary, the report effectively normalizes homosexual relationships within a Church context. The recently published report from Synod Study Group 9 represents a troubling departure from the Catholic Church’s consistent moral teaching. While the authors claim they lack “the expertise or, above all, the necessary ecclesiastical authorization” to address individual moral issues definitively, the report’s methodology and framework systematically undermine the Church’s ability to proclaim and apply her moral doctrine. This is not merely a technical deficiency — it is a fundamental contradiction of Catholic teaching that demands a forceful response. The most immediate concern involves the report’s treatment […]
- [African Member of Synod Group Did Not Help Draft Homosexuality Text](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/african-synod-member-did-not-draft-homosexuality-text): Congolese Sister Josée Ngalula did not participate in drafting the controversial section of the final report, despite being a member of the study group. The lone African member of a Vatican study group that published a controversial text on homosexuality in its final report did not participate in its drafting, raising further questions about the document’s representativeness and relevance. Sister of St. Andrew Josée Ngalula, a Congolese theologian and member of Synod Study Group 9, told the Register that she “refuses to enter into the debate regarding homosexual persons” because “this is not a major pastoral issue in my community.” […]
- [From Rerum Novarum to Today: Pope Leo XIV Prepares to Add His Voice to the Church’s Social Teaching](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-catholic-social-teaching-ai): During his recent apostolic trip to Cameroon, the Pope called on Catholic university students from central Africa to be ‘pioneers of a new humanism in the context of the digital revolution.’ With the publication of his first encyclical just around the corner, Pope Leo XIV is poised to add his voice to the Church’s tradition of social teaching, reflecting on what it means to be human in the midst of a digital revolution. According to reports, the encyclical — a papal letter to the Church — will be called Magnifica Humanitas, Latin for “Magnificent Humanity.” It is expected to present the […]
- [Pope Leo’s Welcome Act of Remembrance and Tribute — and Reconciliation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-john-paul-ii-fatima-remembrance): COMMENTARY: John Paul explicitly attributed his survival of the shooting to the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima.  There was a touching moment — literally — in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. While touring the square before his general audience, Pope Leo XIV walked to the spot where Pope St. John Paul II was shot 45 years earlier, on May 13, 1981. For decades, the spot was marked by a single cobblestone painted red. Today, it is now marked by an elegant marble plaque with John Paul’s coat of arms and the date of the […]
- [AI and the Worker: Rerum Novarum’s 135-Year-Old Warning](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ai-worker-rerum-novarum-warning): Pope Leo XIII’s foundational encyclical prompts us to ask: Will AI amplify or replace human capacities? Every technological revolution arrives with its own apologetics. It promises efficiency, abundance, and relief from drudgery, and often delivers a measure of all three. What it does not deliver is the moral vocabulary required to govern it. Work changes faster than judgment. Power concentrates faster than law can restrain it. Households become vulnerable before anyone has counted the cost. This state of affairs describes the world into which Pope Leo XIII sent Rerum Novarum— “Of New Things” — on May 15, 1891. The encyclical described […]
- [Pope Leo XIV warns students against the ‘great lie’ fueling youth anxiety](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-youth-anxiety-great-lie): At Europe’s largest university, the pontiff denounced a culture that reduces people to numbers. Pope Leo XIV visited Rome’s public La Sapienza University on Thursday, the largest university in Europe and one of Italy’s most prestigious academic institutions, where he denounced the “great lie” he said is causing anxiety and depression among young people. Speaking in the university’s Aula Magna after a brief moment of prayer in the “Divina Sapienza” chapel, the pope referred to the “spiritual malaise” affecting many university students and recalled that “we are not the sum of what we have, nor matter randomly assembled in a […]
- [Pope Leo Reflects on Fatima, SSPX Tensions, Vatican Finances, and the Search for Truth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-and-fatima-and-the-sspx-tensions): Pope Leo Marks Feast of Fatima with Prayer at Site of John Paul II Assassination Attempt VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo marked the feast of Our Lady of Fatima with a deeply symbolic act of prayer, visiting the site in St. Peter’s Square where St. John Paul II was shot during the 1981 assassination attempt. Reflecting on the connection between the attack and the message of Fatima, the Holy Father recalled how St. John Paul II famously credited the Blessed Virgin Mary with saving his life after the shooting on May 13, 1981 — the anniversary of the first Fatima […]
- [Pope Leo XIV appoints Capuchin priest and former missionary to lead Florida diocese](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-capuchin-bishop-venice-florida): The pope also accepted Wednesday the resignation of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, 76, who led the Diocese of Venice, Florida, since 2007. Pope Leo XIV appointed Father Emilio Biosca Agüero, OFM Cap, as the third bishop of Venice, Florida, on May 13. The Capuchin Franciscan priest has been pastor of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington, D.C., since 2018 and served for more than 20 years as a missionary in Papua New Guinea and Cuba. The pope also accepted the resignation of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, 76, who has reached the usual age of retirement after leading the […]
- [Pope Leo prays where St. John Paul II was shot on feast of Our Lady of Fátima](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-prays-john-paul-ii-shot-fatima): Leo XIV dedicated his message on May 13 to “the Virgin Mary, model of the Church.” In an unexpected gesture as he was greeting people at the general audience in St. Peterʼs Square on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV stopped at the exact spot where, 45 years ago, St. John Paul II was shot in an assassination attempt. Leo got out of the vehicle and remained in silence to pray before the white marble plaque marking the place where the Polish pope was struck by four gunshots fired by the Turkish gunman Ali Agca on May 13, 1981. Leo then knelt and touched […]
- [Vatican says SSPX faces excommunications for ‘schismatic’ bishop consecrations](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-sspx-bishop-consecrations-excommunication): Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández said Pope Leo XIV is praying for the leaders of the Society of St. Pius X to “reconsider the very grave decision they have made.” The Vatican’s doctrine chief warned Wednesday that the plan of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) to consecrate new bishops without papal mandate will represent a schismatic act resulting in excommunication. “This act will constitute ‘a schismatic act,’ and ‘formal adherence to schism constitutes a grave offense against God and entails the excommunication established by the law of the Church,’” said Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the […]
- [Vatican urges religious leaders not to be ‘complicit through silence or fear’ amid division](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-vesak-message-religious-leaders-peace): The Vatican’s Vesak message urges religious leaders to promote an “unarmed and disarming” peace and avoid being “complicit through silence or fear” amid global divisions. The Vatican has called on religious leaders around the world to take an active role in promoting peace and urged them not to become “complicit through silence or fear” in the face of those who fuel division and confrontation. The appeal is contained in the message “Buddhists and Christians for an ‘Unarmed and Disarming’ Peace,” signed by Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, and Monsignor Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage, secretary […]
- [Swiss Cardinal Emil Paul Tscherrig dies at 79](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/swiss-cardinal-emil-paul-tscherrig-dies-79): The longtime Vatican diplomat, who served as apostolic nuncio to Italy and San Marino, was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023. VATICAN CITY — Cardinal Emil Paul Tscherrig, a former apostolic nuncio, died Tuesday at the age of 79. He was born Feb. 3, 1947, in Unterems, Switzerland. Tscherrig was ordained a priest on April 11, 1974. He later earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University. In 1978, he entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See. He served in Uganda, South Korea, Mongolia, and Bangladesh. On May 4, 1996, Pope John Paul II […]
- [Vatican bank’s profit jumps 55.5% over previous year](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-bank-profit-jumps-2025): The Institute for the Works of Religion closed 2025 with a net profit of 51 million euros and approved a 24.3 million euro dividend for the Holy Father. The Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), also known as the “Vatican bank,” closed 2025 with a net profit of 51 million euros, an increase of 55.5% over the 32.8 million euros recorded the previous year. The institution, founded by Pope Pius XII in 1942 and staffed by just over 100 employees, thus consolidated a trend of sustained growth. According to the annual accounts report published Monday, May 11, at the Vatican, the […]
- [Illustrator of new stamp of Pope Leo XIV reflects on limits of AI in sacred art](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-stamp-sacred-art-ai): Spanish painter Raúl Berzosa, who has been commissioned for a number of philatelic works by the Vatican, said that while AI can be a useful tool for ideas or composition, it is a soulless creation. On May 8, the Vatican issued a commemorative stamp marking the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV.  The stamp, issued by the Vatican City Postal and Philatelic Service, features a portrait of the Holy Father set against an image of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, whose feast the Church celebrates on May 8. In the portrait, the Blessed Virgin looks […]
- [Pope warns main threat common to religion and science is denial of objective truth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-objective-truth-science-religion): Pope Leo XIV pointed out that both science and the Church clearly teach that caring for the planet is threatened by the irresponsible exploitation of both people and the natural world. Pope Leo XIV said the principal threat facing both religion and science today is the denial of the existence of objective truth. He made this statement on May 11 during an audience granted to members of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, which supports the work of the observatory located in Castel Gandolfo. “Today, however, science and religion face a different, and perhaps more insidious, threat: those who deny the very […]
- [Haitian prime minister meets Pope Leo, inaugurates new Vatican embassy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/haitian-prime-minister-pope-leo-vatican-embassy): The new embassy of Haiti to the Holy See, inaugurated Sunday near the Vatican walls, marks a deepening of diplomatic ties amid ongoing political crisis in the Caribbean nation. Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé discussed peace and strengthening relations with the Holy See in Rome over the weekend. The head of the transitional government was received by Pope Leo XIV on Saturday and then spoke with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. In a brief conversation with EWTN News, Parolin revealed that “we also talked about concrete […]
- [Pope names U.S. Bishop Lopes to lead Australia’s Anglican ordinariate](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-names-bishop-steven-lopes-australia-ordinariate): The Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Southern Cross in Australia is one of three Anglican ordinariates. Pope Leo XIV on Monday appointed Bishop Steven J. Lopes, bishop of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter, to also lead the Anglican ordinariate in Australia, effective immediately. There are three personal ordinariates erected for former Anglicans who convert to Catholicism: the Chair of Saint Peter for the United States and Canada, Our Lady of Walsingham for the United Kingdom, and Our Lady of the Southern Cross for Australia. The Vatican also announced on May 11 that Archbishop Anthony […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges Christians, Muslims to turn indifference into solidarity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-christians-muslims-solidarity): The pontiff warned that constant exposure to images of suffering can “dull our hearts rather than stir them.” Pope Leo XIV called on Christians and Muslims to resist the growing danger of apathy in modern society, warning May 11 that the constant stream of images of human suffering can “dull our hearts rather than stir them” and urging believers to “transform indifference into solidarity.” The pope made the appeal during an audience with participants in the eighth colloquium between the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies, held under the theme “Human Compassion and Empathy in Modern Times.” […]
- [Pope Leo XIV prays for Sahel victims](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prays-sahel-victims): At the Regina Caeli, the pope also thanked the Canary Islands for welcoming a cruise ship with passengers sick with hantavirus. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday prayed for victims of growing violence in the Sahel, thanked the people of the Canary Islands for welcoming a cruise ship carrying people sick with hantavirus, and offered a special blessing for mothers during his Regina Caeli address in St. Peter’s Square. Speaking after the Marian prayer May 10, the pope said he had learned “with deep concern of the reports regarding the growing violence in the Sahel region, particularly in […]
- [Pope Leo to sick and caregivers: ‘In the various situations of life, no one should be left alone’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-sick-caregivers-no-one-left-alone): The Pope told an assembly of ALS patients that with commitment, faith, and courage, the sick “bear witness that the goodness and value of life are greater than illness.” In recognizing the work of the Italian Association for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (AISLA, by its Italian acronym), Pope Leo affirmed that “in the various situations of life — especially the difficult ones — no one should be left alone.” His words were delivered during an audience with members of the association, which took place Saturday at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. The Holy Father stated that the work of AISLA […]
- [Pope Leo meets with Haiti’s prime minister](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-haiti-prime-minister): Haiti continues to experience a complex situation of violence and insecurity, particularly in the country’s capital of Port-au-Prince. Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, prime minister of Haiti, a country which continues to suffer from a wave of violence and insecurity, was received by Pope Leo on Saturday. Following the meeting, the Holy See Press Office reported that the discussions between the two men focused on “the good relations between the Holy See and Haiti” and “the valuable contribution that the Church offers to the country at this particular time.” The meeting’s readout indicated that various current issues facing Haiti were also addressed during the […]
- [Holy See calls on UN to never subordinate migrants’ lives to other interests](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/holy-see-un-migrants-lives-dignity): Monsignor Robert D. Murphy emphasized protecting migrants’ right to life, making greater efforts to reunite families, and eliminating criminal exploitation. The Holy See emphasized the need to place human dignity at the center of migration policies during its May 6 address to the Second International Migration Review Forum being held at United Nations headquarters in New York. In a statement, Monsignor Robert D. Murphy, interim chargé dʼaffaires of the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the U.N., explained that the Holy See’s approach “is rooted in the Gospel and developed in Catholic social teaching, with the God-given dignity of every human […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV visits Pompei and Naples in Italy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-visits-pompei-naples): The Holy Father marked the first anniversary of his pontificate on May 8 by visiting the historic cities in southern Italy. Pope Leo XIV on May 8 visited the historic Italian cities of Pompei and Naples, meeting with local citizens and clergy and celebrating Mass on the first anniversary of his election to the papacy.  The Holy Father visited the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei and met with the public before concelebrating the Eucharist in the Piazza Bartolo Longo. Later, in Naples, he met with clergy and visited the Cathedral of the Assumption of […]
- [Leo XIV makes Marian pilgrimage on 1-year anniversary as pope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-marian-pilgrimage-anniversary): Pope Leo XIV traveled around 150 miles south of Rome to the Italian cities of Pompei and Naples on the first anniversary of his election. POMPEI, Italy — Pope Leo XIV placed his pontificate under the protection of Mary during a visit to two cities in southern Italy on Friday — the first anniversary of his election to the papacy on May 8, 2025. Leo celebrated Mass for an estimated 20,000 people outside the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompei, whose feast day is May 8, during the day trip to Pompei and Naples. “Exactly one year […]
- [Pope Leo XIV’s first year: 10 powerful moments](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-first-year-10-powerful-moments): On May 8, 2025, the world was introduced to Cardinal Robert Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV. One year later, we look at some of the most significant events and powerful moments of his first year as pope. On May 8, 2025, white smoke billowed from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new pope had been chosen. On that day, the world was introduced to Pope Leo XIV, known just hours before as Cardinal Robert Prevost, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops. One year later, Pope Leo has captured the hearts of the […]
- [Vatican Clarifies Same-Sex Blessings as Synod Report Addresses Conversion Therapies](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-clarifies-same-sex-blessings-as-synod-report-addresses-conversion-therapies): VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV this week renewed the Church’s call for peace and dialogue, warning against the dangers of modern warfare in the nuclear age while also addressing a range of pastoral and doctrinal issues facing the Church today. Speaking outside the papal palace at Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father reflected on the growing complexity of the traditional concept of “just war,” emphasizing that the possibility of nuclear escalation requires a serious rethinking of war itself. “Violence must always be a last resort,” the Pope said, stressing that humanity can no longer approach conflict with the assumptions of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to Return to Lampedusa Thirteen Years After Pope Francis’ Historic Visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-return-to-lampedusa): VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV will travel to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa on July 4, returning to a place that has become one of the most powerful symbols of the migrant crisis and the Church’s call to solidarity with the vulnerable. The visit comes thirteen years after Pope Francis made Lampedusa the destination of the very first journey of his pontificate in 2013, shortly after a migrant boat capsized in the Strait of Sicily, claiming countless lives. At the time, Pope Francis said the tragedy had remained “like a thorn in my heart causing me pain,” explaining that […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to Visit Pavia in a Journey Marked by Faith and Healing](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-visit-pavia): VATICAN CITY — The city of Pavia is preparing to welcome Pope Leo XIV on June 20 for a highly anticipated pastoral visit rich in spiritual, historical, and symbolic significance. The Holy Father’s visit will combine encounters with the suffering, moments of prayer rooted in the Augustinian tradition, and meetings with families, young people, and the faithful — reflecting the pastoral priorities that have already begun to define his pontificate. A Stop Among the Sick and Those Who Care for Them Pope Leo XIV’s first stop in Pavia will be the National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), one of Italy’s […]
- [Pope Leo XIV's Pastoral Visits Across Italy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-pastoral-visits-across-italy): ITALY — Pope Leo XIV has begun his first series of pastoral visits across Italy since his election, bringing a message of closeness, solidarity, and hope to communities marked by faith and suffering alike. The Holy Father’s first journey carried deep symbolic significance, taking place on the feast of Our Lady of Pompeii — a day that also marks the anniversary of his election to the papacy. Throughout the visit, Pope Leo emphasized the maternal presence of Mary in the life of the Church, reminding the faithful that “Our Mother Mary always wants to walk at our side, to remain […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to read printed books](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-printed-books-digital-age): The pontiff marked the centenary of the Vatican Publishing House, saying printed books remain a vital “opportunity to think” in the digital age. Pope Leo XIV on Thursday underscored the enduring value of printed books in the digital age, saying reading “nourishes the mind” and offers Christians a valuable opportunity to proclaim Christ. The pope made the remarks May 7 during an audience at the Vatican with employees of the Vatican Publishing House, or Libreria Editrice Vaticana, which was founded in 1926 and is celebrating its centenary this year. The Holy Father said the book “is an opportunity to think,” defending the […]
- [Fidelity, enthusiasm, and faith: Pope Leo XIV welcomes Swiss Guard recruits](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-swiss-guard-recruits): Twenty-eight Swiss Guards were sworn in Wednesday at the Vatican. Recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard took their oath of allegiance to Pope Leo XIV, solemnly pledging to serve and protect him. The ceremony took place May 6 in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican in the presence of the pontiff, members of the Holy See Diplomatic Corps, and the family and friends of the 28 recruits. At the high point of the ceremony, in a gesture laden with tradition, each recruit held the banner of the Pontifical Swiss Guard with his left hand, raised three fingers with […]
- [Pope Leo XIV expected to visit France in late September, bishops announce](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-france-visit-september): While the Holy See has yet to make an official announcement, the French Bishops’ Conference announced in a May 6 communiqué that Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit France in late September. PARIS — The Catholic Church in France is preparing to welcome Pope Leo XIV for an apostolic visit expected to take place at the end of September, the French Bishops’ Conference announced in a May 6 communiqué.  While the Holy See has yet to make an official announcement, the news came as no surprise, as rumors of a papal trip to France had been circulating since March.  “Since his election, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV expected to visit France in late September, bishops announce](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-expected-to-visit-france-in-late-september-bishops-announce): While the Holy See has yet to make an official announcement, the French Bishops’ Conference announced in a May 6 communiqué that Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit France in late September. PARIS — The Catholic Church in France is preparing to welcome Pope Leo XIV for an apostolic visit expected to take place at the end of September, the French Bishops’ Conference announced in a May 6 communiqué. While the Holy See has yet to make an official announcement, the news came as no surprise, as rumors of a papal trip to France had been circulating since March.  “Since his election, […]
- [Pope Leo meets U.S. Secretary of State Rubio amid tensions with President Trump](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-meets-u-s-secretary-of-state-rubio-amid-tensions-with-president-trump): The pontiff met with the secretary of state amid Trumpʼs ongoing criticism of the Holy Father and the Vatican.On Thursday Pope Leo XIV met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican, with the meeting coming amid tensions between the Holy See and U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has expressed his disapproval of Leoʼs public statements denouncing the U.S.-led war on Iran. The Holy Father has repeatedly called for peace amid the ongoing conflict. According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of State, the pontiff and Rubio discussed “the situation in the Middle East and topics of mutual […]
- [Cardinal Parolin says talks with German bishops continue, calls sanctions talk premature](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-parolin-german-bishops-talks-sanctions): Cardinal Pietro Parolin also discussed Thursdayʼs meeting between Pope Leo and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said on Wednesday it would be premature to discuss sanctions against the German bishops for blessings of same-sex couples.  Parolin, however, did not rule out an intervention by the Holy See but expressed hope that it would be avoided. “It is premature now to speak of sanctions. Let us hope we never have to get to sanctions, and that problems can be resolved peacefully, as they should be in the Church,” Parolin told reporters on […]
- [Synod report includes testimonies from civilly ‘married’ homosexuals](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-report-homosexual-testimonies): A Vatican synod study group’s final report includes testimony from two men in civil marriages with other men and calls for a listening-based approach to difficult doctrinal and pastoral questions. The Vatican’s General Secretariat of the Synod published Tuesday the testimonies of two men in civil marriages with other men who describe from personal experience the tensions and wounds that have marked their life of faith within the Church. It is the first time a Vatican text has given voice to this group in such detail. One testimony is from a man in Portugal who said he suffered a deep […]
- [Pope Leo XIV appoints Jesuit priest as bishop of Honolulu](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-appoints-jesuit-bishop-honolulu): Father Michael T. Castori, SJ, was appointed the sixth bishop of the U.S. diocese. Pope Leo XIV appointed Father Michael T. Castori, SJ, as the new bishop of Honolulu on May 6. He is a member of the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits. The pontiff accepted the resignation of Bishop Clarence R. Silva, 76, who has led the diocese since 2005. According to a press release from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Castori was born on Oct. 21, 1960, in Sacramento, California. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 13, 1998. Castori has earned several academic degrees, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Church serves coming of God’s kingdom in history](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-church-kingdom-of-god-history): The pontiff said the Church is a pilgrim people called to proclaim Christ’s salvation while rejecting all that wounds human life. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV continued his catechesis on the documents of the Second Vatican Council at his Wednesday general audience, reflecting on the dogmatic constitution Lumen Gentium and the Church as “pilgrim in history towards the heavenly homeland.” Speaking May 6 in St. Peter’s Square, the pope said that “the Church, in fact, journeys through this earthly history always looking towards her final destination, which is the heavenly homeland.” “This is an essential dimension which, however, we often overlook or downplay, […]
- [Leo XIV and the Challenge of Tradition](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-challenge-tradition-unity): ANALYSIS: Leo XIV finds himself caught between two sides, both particularly stubborn. The great goal of Leo XIV’s pontificate is to restore unity in the Church. The task, however, is particularly arduous. In short, it is something easier said than done. The Pontiff’s comments to journalists en route with him to Rome from Africa illustrate the point. Leo took a question regarding Cardinal Reinhard Marx’s decision to formally bless same-sex couples, and his answer drew many different reactions, both within Germany and from around the world. However, the one that came from the head of the German hierarchy is enlightening. Archbishop Georg […]
- [US ‘Welcomes’ Vatican Input on AI Regulation, Says Ambassador Burch](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/us-welcomes-vatican-input-ai-regulation): The U.S. ambassador to the Holy See also proposed a destination for a hypothetical papal visit to the United States: Silicon Valley. The Trump administration is happy to have the Vatican’s input on the regulation of artificial intelligence, said U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch. He added that a spirit of cooperation and dialogue on the topic of AI regulation is one that “the United States welcomes.” “I think the U.S. very much is leading with our corporate technological leadership, with our AI industry. And we want to find ways to cooperate with both governments and welcome, certainly, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV says violence is a last resort, rejects Trump’s claim about supporting nuclear weapons](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-trump-nuclear-weapons-just-war): Just war is “a very complex problem. You have to analyze it on many levels,” Pope Leo XIV said. CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope Leo XIV said violence must always be a last resort and rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that he supports Iran having a nuclear weapon. The American president has repeatedly said he doesn’t want a pope who thinks Iran should have a nuclear weapon, even though the pope has never endorsed that view and has consistently spoken against nuclear arms. Pope Leo XIV said May 5: “I have already spoken from the very first moment of […]
- [Legionaries leader rebuilds vocation after Maciel scandal: Pain ‘opened our eyes’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/legionaries-of-christ-maciel-scandal-renewal): Father Carlos Gutiérrez López, the new general director of the Legionaries of Christ, speaks about transparency, renewal, and the long road of healing after the crimes of founder Marcial Maciel. Can a religious congregation survive after its founder turns out to have been a sexual abuser and a liar who lived a double life for years? The Legionaries of Christ have spent 20 years answering that question with actions. They were pioneers in publishing the cases of their abusive priests — an unprecedented step in consecrated life — and in submitting 80 years of a dark history to public scrutiny. […]
- [Vatican publishes 2024 letter prohibiting formal blessings for homosexual couples in Germany](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-letter-germany-same-sex-blessings): As it was already circulating on the internet, the Vatican decided to go public with a 2024 letter to the German bishops reiterating that blessings for same-sex couples could not be formalized. The Vatican released a letter May 4 but dated November 2024 in which the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) categorically rejected a proposal from the German episcopate to introduce ritualized blessings for couples in same-sex unions and irregular situations, warning that such blessings could be interpreted as the legitimization of unions incompatible with Church doctrine. The letter is signed by the prefect of the dicastery, […]
- [Who was Pope Leo XIV before he became pope?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-before-he-became-pope): A new book gathers writings and meditations from Leo’s years as Augustinian prior general, offering a look at the spirituality that shaped his pontificate. The faithful curious about who Pope Leo XIV was before his election to the papacy now have a new window into the Augustinian spirituality that shaped him. The Order of St. Augustine and the Vatican Publishing House have published a book by Pope Leo XIV titled “Free Under Grace: Writings and Meditations 2001–2013,” a collection of texts written during his years as prior general of the Augustinian order. The volume includes for the first time speeches, […]
- [Pope Leo to meet Rubio following tensions with Trump](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-marco-rubio-meeting-trump-tensions): The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the pontiff will meet with the U.S. secretary of state on May 7. On Monday, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 7. The meeting follows a period of tension between the Holy See and U.S. President Donald Trump. In April, Trump publicly attacked the pontiff on social media, calling him “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy” in response to the pontiffʼs appeals for peace amid the U.S.-Israel war on Iran. Rubio “will meet with Holy See […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: U.S. charities face challenges, but Christ is with us](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-catholic-charities-usa): The pope met on Monday with representatives of Catholic Charities USA. Pope Leo XIV praised the work of Catholic Charities USA on Monday, encouraging the organization not to be discouraged despite institutional challenges. In his address to the board of directors during a private audience, the pontiff expressed gratitude for their work with the less fortunate in the United States and noted the current funding difficulties the organization and similar organizations face from the United States government. “As was the case with the apostles and with the early Church, the proclamation of the Gospel through caring for the poor and […]
- [The Significance of Pope Leo XIV’s Africa Visit: A Message of Peace, Presence, and Hope](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-pope-leo-xivs-traveled-to-africa): VATICAN CITY — After an extensive 11-day apostolic journey across Africa, Pope Leo XIV has returned to Rome, leaving behind a profound spiritual and pastoral impact. Traveling more than 11,000 miles across Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea, the Holy Father’s visit was more than symbolic. It was a powerful expression of unity, peace, and closeness to the people, especially in regions marked by conflict, poverty, and marginalization. A Presence That Changes Everything For many in Africa, the physical presence of the Pope carries extraordinary meaning. According to Fr. James Wambugu, an Augustinian friar deeply connected to the continent, this […]
- [Pope Leo XIV remembers journalists killed by war and violence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-journalists-killed-by-war): The pontiff said Christians reveal that “fraternity and peace are our calling” by loving as Christ loved. Pope Leo XIV on Sunday remembered journalists and reporters killed by war and violence, warning that press freedom is often violated around the world. Speaking after the May 3 Regina Coeli in St. Peter’s Square, the pope noted that the day marked World Press Freedom Day, promoted by UNESCO. “Unfortunately, this right is often violated — sometimes blatantly, sometimes in more subtle ways,” Pope Leo said. “Let us remember the many journalists and reporters who have fallen victim to wars and violence.” The pope’s […]
- [The life and legacy of St. Athanasius, champion of the Nicene Creed](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-athanasius-champion-nicene-creed): St. Athanasius, celebrated on May 2, was a fourth-century bishop who is known as “the father of orthodoxy” for his dedication to the doctrine of Christ’s divinity. The Catholic Church on May 2 honors St. Athanasius of Alexandria, a fourth-century bishop known as “the father of orthodoxy” for his dedication to the doctrine of Christ’s divinity. Athanasius played a key role at the First Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325 and defended the Nicene Creed throughout his life. Last year marked the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which was convened during the pontificate of Pope Sylvester I in […]
- [Pope Leo XIV’s Historic Africa Journey: A “Pilgrim of Peace” in Algeria and Cameroon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pilgrim-of-peace-in-algeria-and-cameroon): VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has completed his longest apostolic journey to date, traveling to Algeria and Cameroon as a self-described “pilgrim of peace.” The historic visit marked a significant moment for the global Church, highlighting the Pope’s commitment to peace, reconciliation, and interreligious dialogue across the African continent. Following earlier trips to Turkey, Lebanon, and Monaco, this journey represents the Holy Father’s first visit to Africa, fulfilling a desire he expressed shortly after his election. Why Africa? A Journey Rooted in Faith and History Speaking to journalists aboard the papal flight, Pope Leo XIV revealed that Africa had […]
- [In the Footsteps of St. Augustine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-the-footsteps-of-st-augustine): Though he travelled to four countries during his apostolic visit to Africa, it was Algeria that held particular significance for Pope Leo XIV. There, he visited the city of Annaba, which once was Ancient Hippo where St Augustine served as Bishop in the 4th century.  Since the start of his pontificate the Holy Father has highlighted the importance of his Augustinian background, referring to himself as ‘a son of St. Augustine’.   Fr. Juan Antonio Cabrera Montero, President of The Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum, sat down with EWTN to explain what this trip meant for both the Pope and the people of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Angola and Equatorial Guinea: A Message of Love, Hope, and Enduring Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-in-angola-and-equatorial-guinea): VATICAN CITY — Continuing his historic Apostolic Journey to Africa, Pope Leo XIV arrived in Angola on April 12, marking the third leg of a visit defined by love, peace, and hope. From vibrant public welcomes to deeply personal encounters with the faithful, the Holy Father’s message remained clear: love must triumph over war, injustice, and division. A Joyful Welcome in Angola Nearly a week after departing Rome, Pope Leo XIV was greeted by lively crowds lining the streets of Angola, reflecting the deep faith and enthusiasm of the local Church. As is customary, the Pope first addressed civil authorities, […]
- [Vatican detected 78 suspicious activities in its financial system in 2025](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-suspicious-financial-activities-2025): The report by the Supervisory and Financial Information and Authority for 2025 detailed the efforts at transparency and accountability in Vatican financial affairs. The Supervisory and Financial Information and Authority (ASIF, by its Italian acronym), the body established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 to put an end to irregularities, received a total of 78 Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) within its financial system in 2025. Of these reports, 73 were linked to accounts held at the Institute for the Works of Religion — known as the Vatican Bank — four originated from various entities of the Holy See and the […]
- [This is Pope Leo’s prayer intention for the month of May](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prayer-intention-may-food-for-all): Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of May is that everyone might have food. Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of May is that everyone might have food. In a video released on X, the Holy Father asked the faithful: “What do you feel about 318 million people experiencing acute hunger every day?” “We need to act, but without prayer we will remain powerless,” he said. “This May, I invite you to join me in prayer that we may seriously commit to avoiding food waste and to ensuring that everyone has access to quality food every day.” […]
- [Here’s why the month of May is dedicated to the Virgin Mary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sarah-mullally-vatican-visit-unity-truth-2): The Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God and spiritual mother of all. The Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God and spiritual mother of all. In the plan of salvation, the Blessed Virgin Mary holds a special place. By virtue of her role to be the mother of the Son of God by divine election, she was conceived immaculately — i.e., without the stain of original sin — and by fidelity to her son has been crowned queen of heaven and […]
- [The story behind the feast of St. Joseph the Worker](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/story-behind-the-feast-of-st-joseph-the-worker-5209): St. Joseph, the beloved spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and earthly father of Jesus, is celebrated twice by the Catholic Church every year.
- [Vatican prepares Pope Leo XIV summit on marriage crisis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-prepares-pope-leo-xiv-summit-on-marriage-crisis): The October meeting in Rome will bring together presidents of bishops’ conferences from around the world to seek a response to what the pope considers a crucial issue for the Church and society.Pope Leo XIV is aware that among the vocations to which men and women are called by God, marriage is one of the “noblest and highest.” He said as much last October, on the 10th anniversary of the canonization of Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Now, the pope has set in motion a process to address both marital crises […]
- [Church must proclaim truth without imposing itself, Pope Leo XIV says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-church-must-proclaim-truth-without-imposing-itself): The pontiff told a delegation from the Archdiocese of Cologne that dialogue “strengthens communion” and “serves the cause of peace.” Pope Leo XIV said Thursday that the Church is called to reach all peoples not by imposing itself but by bearing witness to the truth in charity. In an April 30 audience with members of the Diocesan Office for the Universal Church and Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Cologne, the pope reflected on the universality of the Church and the importance of dialogue. The pope recalled that, “in light of Christ’s resurrection, the Church recognizes herself as being sent to all peoples […]
- [Popemobile to begin charity tour in the United States](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/popemobile-to-begin-charity-tour-in-the-united-states): On Wednesday, the Dicastery for the Service of Charity and Cross Catholic Outreach launched the Road Trip for Hope initiative at the Vatican. The popemobile, the popeʼs special vehicle, will begin a charity tour of the United States. On Wednesday at the Vatican, representatives of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity and Cross Catholic Outreach launched the “American Catholic Heroes: The Road Trip for Hope” initiative. According to the official Vatican News outlet, the initiative, which will run from June to July this year, will travel from New York to California to raise funds for victims of war and to promote the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV’s Historic Africa Visit Highlights Urgent Call for Peace and Reconciliation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-historic-africa-visit-calls-for-peace): VATICAN CITY — In a week marked by powerful symbolism and global relevance, Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to Africa has emerged as the defining moment in the latest Vatican developments. The Holy Father’s journey underscored the Church’s growing presence on the continent while delivering a clear and urgent message: peace must be lived, not imposed. Pope Leo XIV in Africa: A Pastoral Mission of Peace During his visit, Pope Leo XIV engaged directly with communities deeply affected by violence and instability. Among the most moving moments were his encounters with victims of conflict, his embrace of children born during […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: The End of the Pragmatic Approach](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-the-end-of-the-pragmatic-approach): ANALYSIS: The way Leo XIV addressed the blessing issue marked a necessary discontinuity with his predecessor. The press conference on the plane returning from Africa provided the first sign of Leo XIV’s notable break with Pope Francis’ pontificate. When asked specifically about the decision of Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich and Freising, to formally bless same-sex couples, Leo XIV said the Holy See had already informed the German bishops that it did not agree with “the formal blessing of couples — in this case, same-sex couples as requested — or of couples in irregular situations, beyond what Pope Francis has specifically […]
- [What is ‘ecclesiastical communion,’ which Pope Leo XIV granted to the new Chaldean patriarch?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-ecclesiastical-communion-which-pope-leo-xiv-granted-to-the-new-chaldean-patriarch): Following the procedures for autonomous Eastern Catholic Churches, Pope Leo XIV granted the newly elected patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Mar Paul III Nona, ecclesiastical communion. Pope Leo XIV granted ecclesiastical communion to the new patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldeans, His Beatitude Mar Paul III Nona, who now serves as the head of this Eastern Catholic Church based in Iraq, which is in full communion with Rome. What is the Chaldean Church? The Chaldean Church is one of more than 20 Eastern Catholic Churches under the authority of the pope in Rome and possesses autonomy in accordance with Canon […]
- [Pope Leo XIII’s legacy reaches space with asteroid named in his honor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiiis-legacy-reaches-space-with-asteroid-named-in-his-honor): The Vatican Observatory has named four asteroids after key figures in its history, including the pope who refounded the observatory in 1891. The Vatican Observatory has named four asteroids after key figures in its history. Among them is Pope Leo XIII, who refounded the institution in 1891. The newly named asteroids were discovered by the telescope the Vatican operates in Arizona. The asteroid “Gioacchinopecci” honors Pope Leo XIII, born Gioacchino Vincenzo Raffaele Luigi Pecci, whose legacy is closely tied to the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV. According to the observatory, Leo XIII reestablished the Vatican Observatory after the loss of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV condemns surge of violence in Colombia following attacks on civilians](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-condemns-surge-of-violence-in-colombia-following-attacks-on-civilians): Since Friday, rebel groups have carried out more than two dozen attacks on civilians and military bases, just ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for May 31. Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday condemned a surge of violence in Colombia following a weekend of deadly attacks in the southwest part of the country. Since Friday, rebel groups have carried out more than two dozen attacks on civilians and military bases, just ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for May 31. The deadliest incident took place when a bomb exploded on the Pan-American Highway in the department of Cauca as an intercity […]
- [From visions to reform: The powerful witness of St. Catherine of Siena](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/from-visions-to-reform-the-powerful-witness-of-st-catherine-of-siena): St. Catherine’s incredible spiritual graces led her to sainthood, and her influential writings earned her the title of doctor of the Church. On April 29, Catholics celebrate the feast of St. Catherine of Siena, a Dominican, Church reformer, mystic, and one of the four female doctors of the Church. During the 14th century, the Catholic Church was in a weakened state as it faced internal crises and the devastating impact of the Black Death. St. Catherine lived during the troubled period but ultimately played a key role in inspiring reforms that guided the Church to greater unity and stability. “Even […]
- [Can Unity Be Built Without Truth? Lessons From Sarah Mullally’s Vatican Visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sarah-mullally-vatican-visit-unity-truth): COMMENTARY: If ecumenism is to have integrity, it must be built not on gestures that obscure reality, but on a shared submission to the truth Christ embodies. However compassionate the Church is toward those who suffer from the mental illness of gender dysphoria, we have long recognized that we do people no service if we reinforce them in the illusion — particularly if the illusion is about something that really matters. Reality is the surest route to sanity and a holy reordering. If that is true in the area of sex and identity, it is also true in ecumenical matters […]
- [Living ‘martyr’ of communism, Cardinal Simoni, presents relic of Albanian martyrs to Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-simoni-albanian-martyrs-relic-pope-leo): The cardinal, who endured long years of imprisonment and forced labor for fidelity to Christ, met with the pope during a private audience. He was ordained 70 years ago on April 7, 1956.  Cardinal Ernest Simoni, 97, considered a “living martyr” of the bloody communist persecution in Albania, met at the Vatican with Pope Leo XIV this week in a private audience marked by the remembrance of the testimony of faith of the persecuted Church. According to Vatican media reports, the cardinal presented the pontiff with a cross and a relic of the Albanian martyrs “who gave their lives out […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Vatican diplomats must be bridges and channels of peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-vatican-diplomats-bridges-peace): The pontiff said the Holy See’s diplomatic service is a unique ministry rooted in peace, truth, and justice and directed not only to Catholics but also to the entire human family. Pope Leo XIV on Monday outlined the qualities needed in priests who serve as Vatican diplomats, describing their work as a unique ministry that serves not only Catholics but also the entire human family in individual nations and international organizations. The pope made the remarks April 27 during a visit to the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, the Holy See’s school for training diplomats, on the occasion of the 325th anniversary of its […]
- [Vatican warns of political promotion of abortion as an instrument of population control](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-warns-abortion-population-control): “Integral Ecology in the Life of the Family” is a comprehensive overview of environmental and human ecology drawing on the teachings of the previous four popes. The Vatican has released a new document titled “Integral Ecology in the Life of the Family” aimed at promoting the care of creation and human life within the family, warning against the advancement of certain ideologies that encourage abortion and sterilization as means to control population growth. The document, issued April 27, notes that there is currently “a tendency to perceive population growth as the primary threat to humanity” and deplores the policies of certain governments […]
- [Was Pope Leo XIV Offering His African Audiences a Preview of His New Encyclical?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-africa-trip-preview-new-encyclical): ANALYSIS: In recent months, the Pope has returned several times to the themes of social doctrine. In Africa, however, he revealed his thoughts on these issues in greater depth. During his trip to Africa, Pope Leo XIV gave us a glimpse into his interpretation of the Church’s social doctrine — with themes ranging from the societal impact of artificial intelligence to the role of the Church and peace. And everything suggests these will be the themes of the Pope’s first, highly anticipated encyclical. For now, sources agree that the working title of the encyclical is Magnifica Humanitas, “Magnificent Humanity.” Expanding on […]
- [Pope sends new shipment of humanitarian aid to Lebanon and Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-humanitarian-aid-lebanon-ukraine): Both war-torn countries will receive essential medications, and Ukraine will receive other needed items, including food and clothing. In recent days, the new papal almoner, Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, confirmed that Pope Leo XIV sent humanitarian aid to Lebanon and Ukraine, two countries suffering from war. The prelate, who is charged with overseeing the pope’s charitable works, stated that “charity is the Gospel lived out.” “The Dicastery for the Service of Charity serves as the conduit for the pope’s aid. In recent days, we dispatched a trailer to Ukraine containing medicines, food products, hygiene supplies, and clothing. We […]
- [Here are the patron saints of World Youth Day Seoul 2027](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/patron-saints-world-youth-day-seoul-2027): The five saints chosen for the international youth gathering reflect the event’s spiritual themes of truth, love, and peace. The Local Organizing Committee for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 has officially announced the patron saints who will spiritually accompany the next major international gathering of young Catholics, which will take place in the South Korean capital Aug. 3–8, 2027. According to a statement from organizers, the five patron saints of WYD Seoul 2027 are St. John Paul II, founder of World Youth Day; St. Andrew Kim Taegon and his companion martyrs; St. Frances Xavier Cabrini; St. Josephine Bakhita; and St. […]
- [Pope Leo XIV meets archbishop of Canterbury amid deepening church divides](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-archbishop-of-canterbury-amid-deepening-church-divides): The pontiff addressed “new problems” facing Catholic-Anglican dialogue in his meeting with Archbishop Sarah Mullally, the first woman to serve as spiritual head of the Anglican Communion. Pope Leo XIV met with the archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, at the Vatican on Monday. Mullallyʼs first official visit to Rome as the spiritual leader of the Church of England comes amid strained ecumenical relations and division among Anglicans. Mullally’s delegation for her April 25–28 visit included representatives from the Anglican Communion and the recently appointed Catholic archbishop of Westminster, Richard Moth. A more difficult path to full communion In his address […]
- [7 powerful moments from Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Africa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/7-powerful-moments-pope-leo-xiv-africa-trip): Pope Leo XIV spent 11 days in Africa from April 13–23 and visited Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.  Pope Leo XIV recently completed an 11-day trip visiting the faithful in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. With stops in 11 cities across those countries, the Holy Father met with the youth, political leaders, prisoners, families, and many more to share the Gospel message. Here are seven powerful moments from Pope Leo’s trip to Africa: 1. Moving visit to the land of St. Augustine Pope Leo XIV traveled from Algiers to Annaba — ancient Hippo — in what for the […]
- [Pope Leo in the footsteps of Modern Popes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-in-the-footsteps-of-modern-popes): To the ends of the earth: during the first year of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, we have seen how his global journeys continue the modern tradition of papal travel, bringing messages of peace, unity, and faith across continents. Also, one year has passed since the funeral of Pope Francis, on this occasion we take a deep dive into the era of Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI—two popes living side by side. Finally, we look back at Pope Leo XIV’s 11-day Africa trip, John Paul II’s historic synagogue visit, and the Vatican’s urgent call for peace if we have […]
- [Pope Leo XIV tells new priests: 'You are a channel, not a filter'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-new-priests-channel-not-filter): The pope ordained 10 men to the priesthood on Good Shepherd Sunday and later warned at the Regina Caeli against the “thieves” that rob people of freedom, dignity, and peace. VATICAN CITY, April 26, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV ordained 10 new priests in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, urging them to keep the doors of the Church open and to remember that their mission is to welcome, not to exclude. “Today more than ever, especially when statistics seem to indicate a divide between people and the Church, keep the door open! Let people in, and be prepared to go […]
- [These are the Patron Saints for 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-announces-dates-for-2027-world-youth-day-in-south-korea-6074): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday announced that the dates of the next World Youth Day, to be held in Seoul, South Korea, will be Aug. 3–8, 2027.
- [When the Church had Two Popes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/when-the-church-had-two-popes): “Annunzio … Franciscum.” On March 13, 2013, the world watched as white smoke gave way to an unexpected name. When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped onto the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, everything had changed—his vestments, his role, even his name. The 265th Successor of Peter would now be known as Pope Francis. Yet the surprise was not only his identity as the first Pope from the Americas. Something far more unprecedented had just occurred: for the first time in centuries, a reigning pope would serve while his predecessor still lived. Two Popes, One Church As Pope Francis greeted the […]
- [Pope Leo Travels the World in the Footsteps of Modern Popes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-travels-the-world-in-the-footsteps-of-modern-popes): “…During his apostolic journeys, the Pope appears to everyone as a messenger of peace: his travels are what they should always be—bridges of dialogue, encounter, and brotherhood.” With these words, Pope Leo XIV set the tone for what is quickly becoming a defining feature of his pontificate: a Church that moves, encounters, and embraces. Addressing the delegation of the Italian flag carrier that accompanies him across the globe, the Pope framed his travels not as mere diplomatic visits, but as living signs of unity—bridges spanning cultures, nations, and faiths. A Pontificate Already in Motion Only months after ascending to the […]
- [Last Moments of Pope Francis](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/last-moments-of-pope-francis): After more than five weeks in the hospital battling double pneumonia, doctors advised Pope Francis to take two months of rest. Yet the Holy Father chose a different path. Rather than withdraw from public life, he remained close to the faithful—quietly, persistently—until the very end. His final weeks became a testimony not of strength regained, but of love sustained. A Simple Greeting, A Profound Presence Just two weeks after his release, Pope Francis made a brief but meaningful appearance at the closing Mass for the Jubilee of the Sick and the World of Healthcare. At the end of the liturgy, […]
- [Kicked out of Mass as a mischievous child, Pope Leo ordained him Sunday](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/kicked-out-of-mass-as-a-mischievous-child-pope-leo-ordained-him-sunday): Seminarians shared their personal stories of hearing and responding to God’s call to the priesthood.The Diocese of Rome shared the testimonies of eight seminarians who, on April 26, Good Shepherd Sunday, were ordained priests by Pope Leo XIV. Among them is Christian Sguazzino, who as a child was once kicked out of Mass by a priest because he was causing “chaos.” Sguazzino, together with Deacon Danilo Defant and Sister Ester Maddalena Iapenna, shared their testimonies on Friday, April 24, at St. John Lateran Basilica, the cathedral church of Rome, during the prayer vigil for vocations. Sguazzino discovered his vocation at […]
- [Pope Leo’s Algeria visit revives memory of pro-independence clergy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/world-news-roundup-algeria-kenya-vietnam-iraq): Memories of Algeria’s independence struggle stirred by pope’s visit, Catholic film on dating makes splash in Vietnam, Kenyan bishops make plea for marriage, and more in this week’s world news roundup. Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Algeria has revived memories of Catholic clergy who sided with Algerians during the struggle for independence, often at considerable personal cost, ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, reported Tuesday. Among the most prominent was Cardinal Léon-Étienne Duval, who defended the Algerian people’s right to self-determination and condemned torture during the war, drawing fierce criticism from French colonial circles. Archbishop Henri Teissier continued […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV departs Africa, returns to Rome after 11-day papal trip](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-returns-rome-after-africa-trip): The Holy Father visited four countries during his first apostolic visit to Africa.  Pope Leo XIV departed Africa and returned to Rome on April 23, concluding an 11-day visit to several countries that marked his first visit as pope to the continent.  The Holy Father departed Equatorial Guinea after saying Mass at the coastal nationʼs Malabo Stadium. He had earlier visited Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola throughout mid-April.  Hereʼs a look at Leo XIVʼs departure from Africa and return home:  Pope Leo XIV waves from the popemobile at Malabo Stadium in Equatorial Guinea, Thursday, April 23, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media […]
- [Canary Islands bishop on migration: ‘We feel powerless’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/canary-islands-bishop-migration-we-feel-powerless): The bishops of the two Canary Islands dioceses discuss migration there from Africa, an issue likely to be addressed by Pope Leo XIV during his June visit. The bishops of the dioceses of the Canary archipelago shared their concerns regarding immigration just weeks before Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Spain, a journey that will conclude on the islands. The situation on the Canary Islands, arising from pressure caused by immigration from Africa, was behind Pope Francis’ desire to visit the islands; this wish will now be fulfilled by his successor, Pope Leo XIV, who will visit the islands June 11–12 […]
- [Pope Leo XIV Concludes Apostolic Journey to Africa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-concludes-apostolic-journey-to-africa): From Africa to Rome, this week’s Vaticano updates highlight the global mission of the Church—marked by Pope Leo XIV’s final moments on the African continent, major anniversaries shaping Catholic memory, and urgent calls for peace on the world stage. Here’s a closer look at the most important developments from the Holy Father and the Vatican. Pope Leo’s 11-day Trip to Africa Pope Leo XIV has concluded his 11-day Apostolic Trip to Africa with a final stop in Equatorial Guinea, marking the end of a significant pastoral journey across the continent. While in the capital city of Malabo, the Holy Father […]
- [Pope Leo XIV, returning from Africa: ‘I condemn all actions that are unjust’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-returning-from-africa-i-condemn-all-actions-that-are-unjust): Speaking to reporters on his flight from Malabo to Rome, the pope addressed war, migration, same-sex blessings, and the Vatican’s diplomacy with authoritarian governments.ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT — Pope Leo XIV spoke bluntly about war, migration, same-sex blessings, and the Holy See’s relations with authoritarian governments during a roughly 20-minute in-flight press conference with journalists traveling with him from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, to Rome after his apostolic journey to Africa. Before taking questions, the pope stressed that the primary purpose of a papal trip is pastoral rather than political. “When I make a trip — speaking for myself, but today as pope, […]
- [Pope to Equatorial Guinea: 'Carry on the mission of Jesus’ first disciples with joy'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-to-equatorial-guinea-carry-on-the-mission-of-jesus-first-disciples-with-joy): At his final Mass in Africa, Pope Leo XIV urged Catholics to proclaim the Gospel with passion and bear witness through their lives to “the faith that saves.” MALABO, Equatorial Guinea — Pope Leo XIV celebrated the final Mass of his Africa trip on Thursday, urging the Church in Equatorial Guinea to continue proclaiming the Gospel “with passion” and to bear witness through lives shaped by faith, service, and solidarity. The Mass at Malabo’s stadium, where about 30,000 faithful were expected, marked the pope’s last major public event in Equatorial Guinea, the fourth and final African nation on his 11-day […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV visits prisoners, meets with families, says Mass in Equatorial Guinea](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-visits-prisoners-meets-with-families-says-mass-in-equatorial-guinea): The Holy Father is wrapping up his papal trip to the African continent after visiting multiple countries there. Pope Leo XIV said Mass and visited with several communities including incarcerated prisoners during his first full day in Equatorial Guinea on April 22. The itinerary represented the last full day the Holy Father will spend in Africa during the papal trip, which commenced on April 13 and has seen the pope visit Algiers, Cameroon, and Angola before finishing in the small coastal nation. Hereʼs a look at some of Pope Leo XIVʼs activities in Equatorial Guinea on April 22: Follow the […]
- [Cardinals in Rome remember Pope Francis as missionary to all 1 year after death](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-in-rome-remember-pope-francis-as-missionary-to-all-1-year-after-death): Pope Leo XIV, who is traveling in Africa, sent a message to be read at the Mass commemorating the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death. Rome remembered Pope Francis’ legacy one year after his death with a Mass on Tuesday at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where the late pontiff is buried. The same day, while en route to Equatorial Guinea to wrap up his trip to Africa, Pope Leo XIV remembered Pope Francis on the first anniversary of his death, highlighting his predecessorʼs “solidarity with the poorest, the most vulnerable, the sick, children, and the elderly.” Cardinal Giovanni […]
- [Vatican automates its telescope in Arizona for remote use](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-automates-its-telescope-in-arizona-for-remote-use): Thanks to donations, the telescope is now operable remotely by students at Jesuit universities and has already been used by astronomers at the Vatican’s observatory in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. A new automation system for the telescope at the Holy See’s astronomical observatory in Arizona will allow students from Jesuit universities to use it remotely for scientific research. Mount Graham in Arizona is home to the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT), one of the most important observatories managed by the Vatican Observatory (Specola Vaticana). According to a statement issued by the Governorate of Vatican City State, the robotization and automation of […]
- [Who Is Pope Leo’s New ‘Sostituto’ for the Secretariat of State?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/who-is-pope-leos-new-sostituto-for-the-secretariat-of-state): ANALYSIS: 3 key features of Archbishop Rudelli’s appointment. In the complex organizational structure of the Vatican Secretariat of State, recently appointed Archbishop Paolo Rudelli holds a key role. As sostituto, he is not merely the “chief of staff,” as the role is often described. He heads the first section of the Secretariat of State, dedicated to general affairs, which is the organizational machine for the entire Vatican apparatus. In a role that can be described as deputy to the secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, his office is also responsible for managing the Pope’s “signature,” that is, responding to the many letters […]
- [What the World Missed When the Pope Returned to St. Augustine’s Homeland](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-the-world-missed-when-the-pope-returned-to-st-augustines-homeland): COMMENTARY: At the Basilica of St. Augustine, Pope Leo XIV pointed beyond the headlines and recalled Augustine’s vision of the human heart — restless and seeking its rest in God. On April 14, Pope Leo XIV stood in Annaba, in the shadow of the Basilica of St. Augustine, on ground that has carried the memory of one of the Church’s greatest voices for more than 15 centuries. And for a moment, the noise of the week fell away. It should have been one of the defining images of these days: an Augustinian Pope returning to Hippo, to the place where […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to youth and families: ‘Peace be with you’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-youth-and-families-peace-be-with-you): In Equatorial Guinea, the pope told young people and families to let Christ’s light shape a future of love, responsibility, and hope. BATA, Equatorial Guinea — Pope Leo XIV met with young people and families on Wednesday evening in an event marked by singing, dancing, and a stadium full of jubilant Catholics waving Vatican and Equatorial Guinean flags. Even under relentless rain, the atmosphere remained festive, with chants, songs to the Virgin Mary, and crowds greeting the pontiff as he rode around the field in the popemobile. Before the pope spoke, Bishop Miguel Ángel Nguema Bee, apostolic administrator and head […]
- [The Mystery of St. George and the Dragon](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-mystery-of-st-george-and-the-dragon): Why is an early martyr most famous for something he probably didn’t do? A brave soldier slaying the dragon and saving the princess is just about the best and oldest story there is, but what is it doing in the story of an early Christian martyr, and what do we really know about this man named George? With some authority, we can say that a man named George lived at the end of the third century, was a Christian, suffered death in Lydda during the Diocletian persecutions, and developed an early cult that attained a notable level of popularity. Early […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to prisoners: ‘No one is excluded from God’s love’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-prisoners-no-one-is-excluded-from-gods-love): At a prison in Equatorial Guinea, the pontiff urged inmates not to let the past rob them of hope. BATA, Equatorial Guinea — Pope Leo XIV visited a prison Tuesday afternoon, telling inmates that “no one is excluded from God’s love” and urging them to see that even behind bars, there remains the possibility of change, reconciliation, and hope. The pope arrived in the coastal city of Bata after celebrating Mass earlier in the day in Mongomo. Before going to the local prison — one of the country’s harshest and long known for difficult detention conditions — Leo stopped at […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to Equatorial Guinea: Take your destiny into your hands](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-equatorial-guinea-take-your-destiny-into-your-hands): The pontiff urged Catholics in the country to help build a future of hope, justice, and peace. MONGOMO, Equatorial Guinea — Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday urged Catholics in this Central African country to help shape the nation’s future, saying there is “a need for Christians to take the destiny of Equatorial Guinea into their own hands.” The second day of the pope’s apostolic journey in the country opened with the celebration of Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mongomo. The Immaculate Virgin is patroness of Equatorial Guinea. The basilica is the largest religious building in central […]
- [Pope Leo XIV at psychiatric hospital: ‘God loves us just as we are’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-at-psychiatric-hospital-god-loves-us-just-as-we-are): The pontiff, in Equatorial Guinea, said Christian charity means welcoming the vulnerable with dignity. MALABO, Equatorial Guinea — Visiting a psychiatric hospital on Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV said a truly humane society is measured not by how it hides weakness but by how it surrounds the vulnerable with love and stressed that God loves each person “just as we are” while desiring their healing and restoration. “Whenever I visit a hospital, I have mixed feelings: on the one hand, I feel sorrow for the patients and their families. On the other, I admire and am comforted by all that is […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV visits Equatorial Guinea as Africa visit draws to a close](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-visits-equatorial-guinea-as-africa-visit-draws-to-a-close): The Holy Father has already visited Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola as part of his papal visit to the continent. Pope Leo XIV met with civic leaders and cultural stewards in Equatorial Guinea on April 21, coming to the coastal African nation after traveling across much of the continent during his first papal visit there. The Holy Fatherʼs two-day stay in Equatorial Guinea will cap his visit to Africa, during which he has visited and toured Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola. During his first day in Equatorial Guinea, Leo met with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo along with civil leaders and the […]
- [Refusing to inherit hatred and war: Teenagers launch peace initiative at the Vatican](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/refusing-to-inherit-hatred-and-war-teenagers-launch-peace-initiative-at-the-vatican): Forty teenagers from war-torn countries recently took part in the Project Oxygen Teen Peace Summit. Amid worsening armed conflicts in countries such as Ukraine, Nigeria, and those in the Middle East, a group of teenagers recently came to Rome to launch a new peace initiative, Project Oxygen. From May 31 to June 5, 40 teenagers from war-torn regions worldwide, including Ukraine, Nigeria, and the Middle East, participated in peace-building workshops on diplomacy and political engagement in conflict-affected areas. Through Project Oxygen, they aim to shift current narratives about conflict toward a future of creativity and compassion. Their activities included visits […]
- [Itinerary confirmed for Pope Leo XIV’s trip to France: Paris, Lourdes, and Metz](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-france-trip-paris-lourdes-metz): “We are able to publicly confirm that Paris will welcome the Holy Father on Sept. 25 and 26 as part of his apostolic journey to France!” Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich announced.Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will visit the French capital on Sept. 25 and 26 as part of his apostolic journey to France. The prelate made the announcement via his official X account, noting also that the pontiffʼs presence would be “a source of comfort and encouragement for many.” The confirmation coincides with an announcement from the French Bishops’ Conference, which stated via social media that the pope […]
- [Pope Leo XIV addresses difficult questions about selfishness, suicide, and forgiveness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-young-people-selfishness-suicide-forgiveness): In Barcelona on Tuesday evening, ​​Pope Leo XIV addressed the concerns of three young people who shared their personal struggles in a powerful dialogue marked by sincerity, pain, and hope. During the vigil held at the cityʼs Olympic Stadium — on the fourth day of his apostolic journey to Spain — the pontiff answered direct, profound, and heart-wrenching questions with the voice of a shepherd, human sensitivity, and moments of stirring intensity. Discovering one’s vocation in a selfish society Ferrán — baptized this past Easter — asked Pope Leo XIV for guidance on how to keep his gaze lifted in […]
- [Pope Leo XIV builds on teachings of prior pontiffs with apology for slavery, Church’s role](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-slavery-apology-church-role): The Holy Father explained that, in antiquity and the Middle Ages, Catholic individuals and some ecclesiastical institutions participated in slavery as he apologized for the Catholic Church’s role. Pope Leo XIV built on teachings laid out by his predecessors when he apologized for the Catholic Church’s role in slavery in his May 15 encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, but the Holy Father also critiqued papal bulls issued in the late Middle Ages on the subject. “It is impossible not to feel deep sorrow when contemplating the immense suffering and humiliation endured by so many in stark contrast to their immeasurable dignity as […]
- [Pope Leo scores goal for the Gospel at soccer stadium](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-soccer-stadium-gospel-madrid): The faithful of the Archdiocese of Madrid, together with the dioceses of Alcalá de Henares and Getafe, welcomed Leo with a euphoria comparable to that of a decisive goal in a World Cup final. Before a packed Santiago Bernabéu stadium and a crowd fully swept up in the moment, a figure dressed in white made his entrance. Yet it was neither Mbappé nor Cristiano Ronaldo nor any other Real Madrid soccer team legend but Pope Leo XIV. It was a particularly significant moment for the pope at the arena where the team he loves — though, as pontiff, he’s for […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Barcelona calls Catholics to be martyrs of unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-barcelona-martyrs-unity): After an exuberant welcome in the Catalan capital, the pope prayed midday prayer in Barcelona’s cathedral and urged the faithful to be “witnesses and prophets of unity.” BARCELONA, Spain — Pope Leo XIV dedicated Tuesday morning to thanking the thousands of volunteers who helped organize his apostolic journey to Spain before heading to Barcelona to touch the ancient traces of the country’s deeply rooted Christian faith. At the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St. Eulalia, whose construction began at the end of the 13th century on the site of early Christian and Romanesque churches and which became, a century […]
- [The papal mozzetta: Why the pope wears a red cape](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-mozzetta-pope-red-cape): Pope Leo XIV has notably revived the use of the papal mozzetta, which Pope Francis had discarded during his papacy. But what is its history and symbolism? A distinctive feature of Pope Leo XIVʼs apostolic journey to Spain has been the frequent use of the red papal mozzetta, from meeting Spanish royalty in Madrid to praying the Divine Office in Barcelona. When Leo first appeared on the balcony of St. Peterʼs Basilica to the thousands of faithful gathered in the square after his election, many noticed the return of the mozzetta as reestablishing a papal tradition. The mozzetta, which fell […]
- [Pope Leo to visit Peru in November, according to country’s president](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-peru-visit-november): The Vatican has not yet made an official announcement regarding an apostolic visit to Peru, which could also include stops in Uruguay and Argentina. Peruvian President José María Balcázar stated on Sunday, June 7, that Pope Leo XIV will arrive in the country on Nov. 10. When asked — while in the northern city of Chiclayo — about the date of the Holy Fatherʼs arrival in Peru, the president replied that the trip “is scheduled to begin on Nov. 10,” according to RPP. However, the Vatican has not yet made an official announcement regarding the apostolic visit, which could also include […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV meets lawmakers, visits historic Catholic sites in Madrid, Barcelona](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-spain-photos-madrid-barcelona): The Holy Father has met with Catholic and civic leaders in Spain and addressed its Parliament while celebrating Mass and holding gatherings with young people.  Pope Leo XIV continued his seven-day trip to Spain with visits to Catholic sites, meetings with numerous communities including abuse victims, and a historic address to the Spanish Parliament.  The Holy Father will continue the apostolic visit through June 12. His events so far in the European country have also included a massive gathering with young people in Madrid and a visit to the historic Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St. Eulalia in Barcelona. […]
- [Pope Leo XIV meets with 6 abuse victims in Madrid](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-abuse-victims-madrid): Pope Leo listened attentively and promised that the proposals offered by the victims for improving the Churchʼs response to abuse would serve as a foundation for future efforts. On Monday, June 8, the third day of his apostolic journey to Spain, Pope Leo XIV met with six victims of abuse committed “by members of the clergy and the Church” in the country. The Holy See Press Office confirmed the meeting, noting that it took place in the afternoon at the apostolic nunciature in Madrid. The victims, the Vatican stated, were “accompanied by Church personnel engaged in supporting and accompanying victims.” The […]
- [Pope Leo XIV meets with Bad Bunny in Madrid](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-bad-bunny-madrid-meeting): The pontiff and the Puerto Rican singer were able to greet each other and converse, taking advantage of the fact that both were in the city at the same time. The long-awaited meeting finally took place. As confirmed by the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV met with Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny and his family at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Monday, June 8. For a few minutes, the pontiff and the Puerto Rican singer — whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio and who has performed 10 concerts in the Spanish capital (one of which coincided with the popeʼs […]
- [Pope Leo XIV jokes in Spain that AI still thinks Pope Francis is in charge](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-ai-joke-pope-francis): At a lunch with Spanish bishops, the pope joked that artificial intelligence needed a reminder that the Church has a new pontiff. Pope Leo XIV’s lunch with Spain’s bishops at the apostolic nunciature in Madrid offered a glimpse of the pope’s more informal and humorous side. Yago de la Cierva, who is overseeing the organization of the pope’s trip to Spain, said Leo broke the ice before blessing the meal with a comment that drew laughter from those present. “He said that before leaving for the trip, he had contacted artificial intelligence to ask: What should the pope say to […]
- [Pope Leo XIV tells Spain’s parliament every human life must be protected](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-spain-parliament-protect-life): The pontiff warned against subordinating human dignity to shifting majorities and called for stronger protections for life, migrants, families, peace and religious freedom. MADRID — Pope Leo XIV made history Monday by becoming the first pope to address Spain’s Congress of Deputies, delivering a forceful appeal to the country’s political class to defend human dignity and protect life “from conception to its natural end.” The June 8 address, given before about 700 guests amid tight security, drew a standing ovation that lasted nearly seven minutes, with shouts of “Long live the pope!” echoing through the chamber. In his speech, Pope […]
- [As Pope Leo XIV Visits the Sagrada Família, Gaudí's Vision Continues to Transform Lives](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/as-pope-leo-xiv-visits-the-sagrada-familia-gaudis-vision-continues-to-transform-lives): On June 10, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Holy Mass in Barcelona’s Basilica of the Sagrada Família and inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ, marking the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death and becoming only the third pope to visit the iconic basilica. The visit comes at a pivotal moment in the history of one of the world’s most recognizable churches, as the completion of its tallest tower brings Gaudí’s vision closer than ever to fulfillment. Produced by Paola Arriaza-Flynn, EWTN News’ new documentary, Sagrada Familia: The Masterpiece Uniting Heaven and Earth, explores why the basilica remains far more than an […]
- [Ferdinand Habsburg: Faith, Racing, and the Legacy of Blessed Karl](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ferdinand-habsburg-faith-racing-and-the-legacy-of-blessed-karl): Most people know Ferdinand Habsburg as a professional endurance racing driver competing at the highest levels of motorsport. Fewer know that the great-grandson of Blessed Karl of Austria carries a rosary into the cockpit before every race. ROME — During a recent gathering of the European Order of St. George in Rome, EWTN spoke with Ferdinand Habsburg, professional endurance race car driver, member of the historic Habsburg family, and great-grandson of Blessed Karl of Austria. In a wide-ranging conversation with Andreas Thonhauser, Vice President and Chief Global Officer of EWTN, Habsburg reflected on the role of faith in his life, […]
- [Antonio Banderas tells Pope Leo XIV: 'I am a victim of God’s spell’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/antonio-banderas-pope-leo-gods-spell): Actor joins Pope Leo XIV at Madrid gathering on culture, art, economics, and sports during the pope’s apostolic visit to Spain. MADRID — This cityʼs Movistar Arena became a kind of modern “Court of the Gentiles” on Sunday, where faith and contemporary art met to explore the mystery of the human person under the guidance of Pope Leo XIV. The gathering brought together leading figures from Spanish culture with an international profile, including actor Antonio Banderas. Sports were represented by legendary badminton player Carolina Marín, a three-time world champion, while academia was represented by José María Coello de Portugal, vice […]
- [Pope Leo XIV in Madrid: Corpus Christi must not become museum of the past](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-corpus-christi-madrid): At Mass in Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles, the pope called Spain’s centuries-old Eucharistic devotion “a school of faith” for the present and future. Madrid, Spain, June 7, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called on Spain to renew its historic Eucharistic faith, warning that the country’s centuries-old religious traditions must not become “a museum of the past to be visited” but remain “a school of faith from which to draw even today.” The pope made the appeal while presiding over Mass, a procession, and Eucharistic blessing for the solemnity of Corpus Christi in Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles, one of […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV meets royalty, civic leaders, hundreds of thousands of youth in Spain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/photos-pope-leo-xiv-meets-royalty-civic-leaders-hundreds-of-thousands-of-youth-in-spain): The Holy Father launched his six-day trip to the European country with a whirlwind first day of diplomatic visits and meetings with societal leaders. Pope Leo XIV launched his six-day trip to Spain on June 6 by meeting with the countryʼs royalty before holding gatherings with civic leaders and huge crowds of young people in the capital city of Madrid. The Holy Father met with the countryʼs King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia before paying a visit to a social services project in Madrid and then finishing the day with a massive gathering of hundreds of thousands of young Spanish […]
- [In Spain, Pope Leo XIV tells young people: 'You can change history, do it with love'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/in-spain-pope-leo-xiv-tells-young-people-you-can-change-history-do-it-with-love): The pope spoke with hundreds of thousands of young people in Madrid on the first day of his six-day apostolic visit to Spain. Pope Leo XIV was greeted by a spirit of youthful eagerness in Madridʼs Plaza de Lima on the evening of June 6, with many youth crying with emotion and others chanting: “This is the popeʼs youth!” The event brought together more than 600,000 young people, according to the authorities. Pope Leo XIV greets young people at Madridʼs Plaza de Lima, June 6, 2026. The pope was especially comfortable in Spanish, a language in which he spoke on […]
- [Women in the Vatican welcome Montserrat Alvarado as new prefect for communication](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/women-vatican-montserrat-alvarado-communication): The Women in the Vatican Association strives “to create an increasingly constructive and fruitful network of knowledge, friendship, and solidarity among all members,” according to its president. An association of women working in the Vatican has welcomed the appointment of Maria Montserrat Alvarado as the new prefect of the Dicastery for Communication. “On behalf of the Women in the Vatican Association (DIVA), I would like to extend our warmest wishes to you on your new appointment as prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, entrusted to you by the Holy Father,” wrote association President Margarita Romanelli, who recently retired after working […]
- [Pope Leo XIV tells leaders in Spain that he comes to promote a national 'reconciliation'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-tells-leaders-in-spain-that-he-comes-to-promote-a-national-reconciliation): The Holy Father met with King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and their daughters Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía after arriving in the European nation. MADRID — Pope Leo XIV told government leaders in Spain on June 6 that he came to the country “to confirm, encourage and inspire a renewed loyalty of believers to the Gospel, as well as a deeper reconciliation and cooperation between the different forces of this Nation.” The Holy Father landed at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport after which he moved directly to the royal residence. There he was received with honors by King Felipe VI, Queen […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: "Do not water down Christianity"](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-do-not-water-down-christianity): From communications and education to missionary outreach and evangelization, Pope Leo XIV’s activities this week underscored a consistent theme: the Church’s mission must remain centered on truth, authentic witness, and the proclamation of the Gospel. Maria Montserrat Alvarado Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication Pope Leo XIV has appointed Maria Montserrat Alvarado as the next Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication. The appointment will take effect on November 1. Alvarado currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of EWTN News, a position she has held since 2023. In her new role, she will oversee the Holy See’s […]
- [10 things to know about the Catholic Church in Spain for Pope Leo XIV’s visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/10-things-to-know-about-the-catholic-church-in-spain-for-pope-leo-xivs-visit): Pope Leo XIV will visit Spain from June 6–12, making stops in Madrid, Barcelona, the Canary Islands, and Tenerife. This is the ninth time a pope has visited the country. John Paul II visited Spain five times and Benedict XVI traveled there on three occasions. During this trip, Pope Leo will take part in 20 official events, with some of the most anticipated moments being a large vigil with young people, an open-air Mass celebrating Corpus Christi, and a procession through the streets of Madrid. Here are 10 things to know about the Church in Spain, with a special focus […]
- [Pope to German students: Your Catholic faith is a way of life, not a label](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-catholic-students-faith-way-life): The Holy Father highlighted the principles guiding Catholic student associations in Germany — of which Pope Benedict XVI was also a member — religion, scholarship, friendship, and homeland. Pope Leo XIV received members of German Catholic student associations at the Vatican on June 5, reminding them that they “represent Catholic values in society not as those who carry partisan flags but as representatives of the common good of humanity.” In his address in the Paul VI Audience Hall, the Holy Father also highlighted the principles guiding the associations — of which Pope Benedict XVI was also a member — religion, […]
- [Cardinal Koovakad to lead Sanremo meeting on interreligious dialogue](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-koovakad-sanremo-interreligious-dialogue): The October gathering follows a pastoral letter by Bishop Antonio Suetta on charity, Christian witness, and the proclamation of the Gospel to Muslims living in the diocese. Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, will lead a meeting in Sanremo on Oct. 9 dedicated to the theme “Interreligious Dialogue Today in the Social and Cultural Context of Our Diocese.” The event is part of a broader diocesan initiative launched by Bishop Antonio Suetta, who published a pastoral letter on Pentecost Sunday outlining guidelines for charity, dialogue, and the proclamation of God’s love to Muslims “who live […]
- [June consistory of cardinals will address synod, war, artificial intelligence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/june-consistory-cardinals-synod-war-ai): The gathering will function as “a space for mutual listening, discernment, and shared exploration of certain issue,” Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re said.  Several working sessions and four themes ranging from war to synodality are planned for the next consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV. From reflection on the international situation to a possible “updating” of the doctrine of just war, to a discussion of the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas to the steps of the synodal process, the cardinals are called upon for broad discussions in multiple sessions. The plans were reported Thursday by Vatican News. The themes were outlined by Cardinal […]
- [Pope calls on Catholic universities to be authentic, instill ‘passion for the truth’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-calls-on-catholic-universities-to-be-authentic-instill-passion-for-the-truth): Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday addressed presidents and senior administrators from Catholic institutions belonging to the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. Catholic universities should reflect “authenticity as true disciples of Christ” as they guide students’ desire for knowledge into a passion for the truth, Pope Leo XIV told university presidents from the United States on Wednesday. “As young men and women come to your colleges and universities looking to study a specific degree, oftentimes motivated by future job perspectives, yours is the noble task of guiding that desire for knowledge so that they may also ‘learn to seek and […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: We must rediscover signs and symbols of the sacred liturgy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-sacred-liturgy-signs-symbols): Pope Leo XIV: We must rediscover signs and symbols of the sacred liturgy At the Wednesday general audience at the Vatican on June 3, Pope Leo XIV called Catholics to be open to an “encounter with God by rediscovering the signs and symbols of the sacred liturgy.” “We need to let ourselves be educated by the rites of the liturgy, tending to the beauty of our celebrations with a delicate hand and without arbitrariness,” Leo said to the faithful. Liturgy as rite, sign, and symbol Leoʼs remarks were part of his catechesis on the liturgy, focusing on the Second Vatican Councilʼs document Sacrosanctum […]
- [Pope Leo XIV accompanied him through his cancer battle. Now they will meet again in Madrid](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-cancer-teen-madrid-reunion): After surviving cancer, a Spanish teen prepares to reunite with the pope who accompanied him through his illness. During the Jubilee of Youth, held in Rome from July 28 to Aug. 3, 2025, unforgettable scenes filled the Eternal City: young pilgrims singing hymns with guitars, praying quietly near the fountains, and recording videos to share their faith on social media. Among the thousands of young people who passed through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica was Ignacio Gonzálvez, a 15-year-old Spaniard. But during the pilgrimage, he began to experience intense chest pain. He was rushed to Bambino Gesù Hospital, […]
- [The Second Consistory of Leo XIV: A Method of Government?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-second-consistory-method-government): ANALYSIS: The extraordinary consistory can include the creation of new cardinals, but it can also be a consistory for discussion.  Pope Leo XIV’s second consistory of his pontificate on May 31 did not include the creation of new cardinals, it has now been confirmed. This is unsurprising, as new cardinals are typically announced at least a month before the consistory to give them time to prepare. It therefore would have been highly unlikely for him to create new cardinals at Sunday’s gathering. Pope Francis left behind a sizeable College of Cardinals. At his death, 135 cardinals could have voted in […]
- [Inside the Launch of ‘Magnifica Humanitas’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/inside-launch-magnifica-humanitas): The presentation of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, “on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence,” was the biggest event of its kind at the Vatican since the release of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’in 2015.  On both occasions, a panel of distinguished clerics and laypeople appeared in the New Synod Hall — the same theater-like setting where cardinals meet in the days preceding a papal conclave — to praise and explain a new papal document. But this year, the roster was even more prestigious, featuring a 10-minute talk by the Pope himself. The most remarkable part […]
- [This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of June](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-june-prayer-intention-sports): “In times of war and extreme polarization, sport is one of the few things that bring us closer together,” the pope said in a video released on X on June 2. Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of June is for the value of sports. “In times of war and extreme polarization, sport is one of the few things that bring us closer together,” the pope said in a video released on X on June 2. He added: “Let us pray this June that sport may be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, […]
- [U.S. Catholic charismatic leaders announce ecumenically-oriented evangelization initiative](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-charismatic-renewal-evangelize-america): The launch of “Evangelize USA” was announced following Pope Leo XIVʼs May 30 audience with members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service. Members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service (CHARIS) in the United States have announced the launch of a new, ecumenically-oriented organization, Evangelize America, that aims to reignite the Catholic charismatic renewal from the grassroots. The initiative was announced May 30 following an audience Pope Leo XIV held with members of CHARIS in which he expressed encouragement for their apostolate. Deacon Darrell Wentworth, who serves as a deacon in the Diocese of Richmond, Virginia, and will serve as […]
- [Fulton Sheen’s missionary legacy hailed by Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-fulton-sheen-missionary-legacy): The pontiff praised Venerable Sheen, who will be beatified Sept. 24, as “a light of faith, hope, and love” whose radio and television broadcasts brought the Gospel to millions. Pope Leo XIV on Monday praised the missionary legacy of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the famed American evangelist who will be beatified Sept. 24 in St. Louis, calling him “a light of faith, hope, and love.” The pope made his remarks June 1 during an audience with participants in the general assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies, recalling Sheen’s long service as national director of the societies in the United […]
- [Pope Leo XIV highlights ‘key aspects’ of Catholic Charismatic Renewal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-catholic-charismatic-renewal): Pope Leo XIV encouraged members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal to pursue their mission by placing themselves at the service of dioceses and parishes. In his first meeting with members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR), Pope Leo XIV focused on five “key aspects” of the spirituality that characterizes the movement. “God has indeed blessed your communities with so many gifts, including spiritual vitality,” Leo declared before thousands of charismatic Catholics who gathered with him on May 30 in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. “The years following the Second Vatican Council were a time of great expansion […]
- [‘Invisible, silent, misunderstood work’: The pope’s school for diplomats at 325 years](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pontifical-ecclesiastical-academy-325-years): The Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome was founded in 1701 as a training ground for the popeʼs ambassadors. The Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, the school in Rome that trains young priests to serve as ambassadors for the pope, is celebrating the 325th anniversary of its founding this year. Located at Romeʼs Piazza della Minerva and established in its current form in 1850, the academy is a crucial part of the Holy Seeʼs worldwide diplomatic mission and among the oldest institutions of its kind. Pope Leo XIV marked the anniversary with a visit to the academy on April 27, reminding the community […]
- [Pope Leo XIV appoints EWTN News President to lead Vatican communications department](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-appoints-ewtn-news-president-montes-alvarado-to-lead-vatican-communications-department): Montserrat Alvarado becomes the first lay woman appointed prefect of a dicastery of the Holy See. Pope Leo XIV has appointed Maria Montserrat Alvarado, President and Chief Operating Officer of EWTN News, as Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication. The appointment will take effect Nov. 1, 2026. Since 2023, Alvarado has overseen EWTN News’ global and multilingual news operations across television, radio, print, digital, and social media platforms. During her tenure, she helped expand the network’s international news presence and deepen collaboration across its multilingual platforms. “Montse’s background in international media, public affairs, and Church engagement has helped shape […]
- [Pope Leo XIV Addresses Europe's Demographic Crisis, AI, Gaza, and Ukraine](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-and-europes-demographic-crisis): Pope Leo XIV addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today, from Europe’s demographic decline and the rise of artificial intelligence to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The Holy Father’s remarks underscored a recurring theme of his pontificate: the defense of human dignity amid social, technological, and geopolitical upheaval. A Warning on Europe’s Demographic Future Speaking to members of the European Parliament, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern over what he described as Europe’s demographic crisis, warning that the continent is living through a period of “drastic sterility.” The pope argued that declining birth rates are […]
- [Pope Leo will visit a polarized Spain in political turmoil but where all sides want to hear him](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-spain-visit-political-polarization): In the divisive political climate in Spain, some say there is the risk that political factions will try to use the popeʼs words to their advantage. Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to Spain will take place against a political and social backdrop marked by intense polarization. The divided political climate coincides with an unprecedented event in Spanish democracy: the indictment on charges of alleged corruption by a former prime minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, who held the office when Pope Benedict XVI visited the country 15 years ago. Zapatero’s scheduled court appearance in connection […]
- [Pope receives Ferrari Luce steering wheel — Italian brand’s first fully electric car](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ferrari-luce-steering-wheel): A delegation from the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer met Pope Leo at Castel Gandolfo on May 26. Pope Leo XIV this week received as a gift the steering wheel of the Ferrari Luce, the Italian brand’s first fully electric car. Leo also had the opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat of the new vehicle, presented by Ferrari as “not only the ‘electric Ferrari,’ but an entirely new Ferrari.” In a statement, the Italian brand said the meeting with the Holy Father took place at the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo on the morning of Tuesday, May 26, with […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to visit the Republic of San Marino on Aug. 22](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-san-marino-visit-august-22): The Holy Father will spend half a day in the microstate in north-central Italy before traveling around 14 miles northeast to the city of Rimini, Italy. Pope Leo XIV will travel to the Republic of San Marino, an independent sovereign state within the Italian peninsula, on Aug. 22 as part of his trip to the Italian province of Rimini. The Vatican announced the visit in a statement from the Prefecture of the Papal Household, noting that the trip is part of his pastoral agenda in Italy. The visit follows an invitation extended some time ago by the then-captains regent Matteo […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Our world is more divided, but shared humanity unites us](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-shared-humanity-centesimus-annus): The pontiff addressed members of the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation on May 30. Pope Leo XIV on May 30 emphasized to Catholic lay leaders that, in a world increasingly divided by war and polarization, shared humanity can help unify it. During a private audience at the Vatican with the members of the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, Leo in his remarks referenced his recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, explaining that current challenges prompt fundamental questions about life. “Indeed, it is precisely when faced with adverse circumstances that the human person is called to reconsider the fundamental questions that have gently prodded […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: The Trinity teaches that every creature is made for communion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-trinity-communion-angelus): Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that the mystery of the Holy Trinity teaches Christians to see every creature as made for communion — and warned that division, polarization, and contempt for differences leave the world spiritually barren. Speaking before the Angelus on May 31, the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the pope reflected on Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus in the Gospel of John, saying the feast reveals that God’s own life is a communion of love into which humanity is invited. “The Trinity helps us to love everyone and everything: We discover that every creature is made for communion, […]
- [Can wars still be just? Pope Leo XIV addresses the issue in Magnifica Humanitas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/magnifica-humanitas-just-war-pope-leo-xiv): The destructive power of modern weaponry and dubious claims to justification mean just war theory, which includes legitimate self-defense, must be reexamined. Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, is a paean to peace that warns of the danger of “a world in a permanent state of belligerence” even more threatening than the Cold War era. In that era, the pope writes, despite the existence of grave conflicts, “the awareness persisted that a new global conflict had to be avoided at all costs.” Following the Second World War, “peace was made the focus of the international order, as attested in […]
- [Vatican Expert Explains Magnifica Humanitas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-expert-explains-magnifica-humanitas): When Pope Leo XIV presented his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, he did something highly unusual. Rather than leaving the document’s presentation to cardinals, theologians, and experts—as is customary in the Vatican—the pope personally attended and addressed the gathering himself. For veteran Vatican journalist Frank Rocca, who was present at the event, the pope’s participation underscored the significance of the document and the urgency of its message. “Well, certainly the presence of the Pope always adds a lot of weight to any occasion in the Vatican or anywhere else,” Rocca observed. “And we can’t think of any precedent for this, that […]
- [AI and the Future of Work: Why Pope Leo XIV Is Calling for a Human-Centered Economy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ai-and-work-pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-a-human-centered-economy): Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the global economy, reshaping industries, and raising urgent questions about the future of work. From factory floors to corporate offices, few sectors remain untouched by the technological revolution now underway. For Pope Leo XIV, however, the conversation cannot be limited to efficiency, productivity, or economic growth. As governments, businesses, and researchers debate the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, the Church is insisting that the human person must remain at the center. With the publication of his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo has made clear that technological progress must always serve humanity, never replace […]
- [Forming Minds in a Digital Age: Pope Leo XIV on AI, Education, and Human Formation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/forming-minds-in-a-digital-age-pope-leo-xiv-on-ai): As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms society, Pope Leo XIV is urging educators, students, and policymakers to ask a deeper question than how technology can make life easier. The real question, he suggests, is what kind of people we are becoming. In his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo identifies artificial intelligence as one of the defining challenges of our time. While public debate often focuses on AI’s impact on employment, economics, and security, the pope argues that something even more fundamental is at stake: the formation of the human person. Beyond Information: The Formation of the Human Person According to […]
- [135 Years After Rerum Novarum: Pope Leo XIV's Vision for Human Dignity in the Age of AI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/135-years-after-rerum-novarum-pope-leo-xivs-vision-for-human-dignity-and-ai): When Pope Leo XIV chose his papal name, he was already signaling the direction of his pontificate. Just two days after his election, the new pope explained that his choice was inspired primarily by Pope Leo XIII, whose landmark 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the social upheavals of the Industrial Revolution. Today, more than a century later, Pope Leo XIV sees humanity facing a similar moment of transformation—this time driven by artificial intelligence and the digital revolution. As he explained to the College of Cardinals, “Sensing myself called to continue in this same path, I chose to take the name […]
- [Pope Leo XIV meets with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson): The pontiff met with Johnson at the Vatican on May 28 and was formally invited to visit his native city next year. Pope Leo met with the mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, at the Vatican on May 28. Johnson, who has served as mayor since 2023, met with the pontiff for the first time since his election. He also used the occasion to formally invite the pontiff to visit his native city, Chicago. In a press briefing to journalists after the audience, Johnson explained that the two discussed the policies of the United States government under President Donald Trump, including […]
- [Leo XIV: Don’t water down Christianity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-warning-watering-down-christianity): The pontiff said the Church must respond to religious indifference not by softening the Gospel’s demands but by offering credible witness to Christ. Pope Leo XIV warned Thursday against the temptation to make Christianity more attractive by diluting its content or softening its demands, telling Vatican evangelization officials that the faith is transmitted above all through credible Christian witness. “It is certainly not by watering down the content or softening the demands that Christianity can be made attractive but by bearing witness with humility and courage to ‘the way, the truth, and the life’ that has converted and sanctified so […]
- [Antoni Gaudí: A model of holiness and dialogue for Spain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/antoni-gaudi-holiness-sagrada-familia): Before Pope Leo’s visit to Barcelona, an architect and a priest discuss Antoni Gaudíʼs holiness and skill, which enabled him to envision Sagrada Família Basilica and transcend deep divisions in Spain. On June 9, as part of his apostolic journey to Spain, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Barcelona. There, he will inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Basílica de la Sagrada Família and celebrate a Mass commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of its first architect and designer, Antoni Gaudí. Interest in Gaudí, whom Pope Francis proclaimed venerable in 2025, has grown recently alongside rumors […]
- [Vatican offers pastoral support to promote Magnifica Humanitas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-pastoral-aid-magnifica-humanitas): The pastoral aid kit includes summaries of key themes, questions for reflection, concrete cases, and prayers along with activities designed for children and young people. The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has presented a pastoral aid or kit on Magnifica Humanitas with the aim of making the new encyclical by Pope Leo XIV more easily understood. On May 27, the dicastery explained on social media how the pastoral kit is structured and provided a link to it. The material includes summaries of key themes, biblical texts and citations, questions for reflection, concrete cases, and prayers. Additionally, it features activities designed for children and young people. […]
- [Pope sets up commission to tackle $290 million debt at Padre Pio’s hospital](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-padre-pio-hospital-debt-commission): The hospital in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, where the saint known as Padre Pio lived for most of his life, has debts estimated to run between about $290 million to $350 million. Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday created a commission to identify solutions for long-term sustainability at the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a major hospital complex founded by St. Pio of Pietrelcina and directly overseen by the Vatican Secretariat of State. The Catholic hospital — which is located in the southern Italian region of Puglia — is facing a debt crisis from which “we will emerge together,” Secretary of State […]
- [Pope urges priests to respect ‘norms of the liturgy’ to avoid confusion at Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-priests-respect-liturgical-norms): Pope Leo’s catechesis focused on the Second Vatican Councilʼs constitution, “Sacrosanctum Concilium,” a document that transformed the way Catholics celebrate Mass. At the general audience on May 27, Pope Leo XIV urged priests to respect the “norms of the liturgy” and not to make changes to the Mass “on their own initiative,” in order to avoid confusing the faithful. “I encourage all priests to respect the texts and norms of the liturgy with openness, humility, trust in God’s greatness, and with sincere fidelity to ecclesial communion,” the pope said in remarks in St. Peterʼs Square. Pope Leo XIV waves to pilgrims […]
- [Anthropic co-founder points to 3 ethical challenges of AI at Magnifica Humanitas presentation](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/anthropic-ai-ethics-vatican-magnifica-humanitas): Christopher Olah singled out the duty to the global poor, rediscovering and rethinking what it means to flourish as a human being and the need for discernment on the part of AI model developers. During the presentation of Pope Leo XIVʼs first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, the co-founder of Anthropic, Christopher Olah, pointed to three major ethical challenges posed by the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and called for a profound discernment regarding its future. On May 25, addressing representatives from the realms of academia, diplomacy, and religion gathered in the Vatican’s Synod Hall, Olah stated that the questions raised by AI “are […]
- [Society of St. Pius X names priests to be consecrated bishops July 1](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sspx-priests-bishop-consecrations-excommunication): The SSPX named four priests to be consecrated as bishops without papal permission — despite a warning from the Vatican that the “schismatic” consecrations would incur excommunication. The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) announced the names of four priests to be consecrated as bishops on July 1 without the permission of Pope Leo XIV.  The general house of the society published the announcement on May 26 after being warned by the Vatican on May 13 that its plan to consecrate bishops without a papal mandate would constitute “a schismatic act” and carry the penalty of excommunication. The consecrations will take place […]
- [Pope decries ‘drastic sterility,’ discrimination against motherhood in Europe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-europe-drastic-sterility-family): Leo addressed members of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Demography and others during a conference on the family and demographics. Pope Leo XIV decried a rejection of Christian values in European institutions, leading to what he characterized as “a time of drastic sterility” and “purportedly family-friendly policies” that also support abortion. In a May 25 audience with members of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Demography, the pope underscored the central place of the family — founded on marriage between a man and a woman — as a pillar for avoiding both excessive state intervention and the advance of individualism. The […]
- [From the Vatican to Australia: Sistine Chapel exhibit debuts in Sydney](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sistine-chapel-immersive-exhibit-sydney): The Vatican Museums and the Archdiocese of Sydney held a conference in Rome to launch the exhibition ahead of the 2028 International Eucharistic Congress. The Vatican Museums and the Archdiocese of Sydney have launched an immersive experience of the Sistine Chapel in Sydney, Australia. The exhibit will enable visitors to experience Michelangeloʼs world-famous Renaissance frescoes beyond the Vatican ahead of the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney in 2028. A conference was held in Rome on May 22 to celebrate the initiative “Sistine Chapel Revelations: An Immersive Exhibition.” Barbara Jatta, director of the Vatican Museums; Archbishop Anthony Fisher, OP, of Sydney; […]
- [Pope Leo unveils his encyclical: AI has ‘even greater consequences’ than Industrial Revolution](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-unveils-magnifica-humanitas-ai): The pope thanked Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah for his presence at the presentation: “What a great sign of hope it is that with our differences we can listen to one another.” VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Monday personally attended the presentation of his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, in an uncustomary gesture. Upon his arrival at the event, held in the Vaticanʼs Synod Hall, he was greeted with sustained applause from an audience made up of members of the Roman Curia, representatives of academia, and the diplomatic corps. Among the speakers was Canadian Christopher Olah, co-founder of Anthropic, one of […]
- [Tolkien, Beethoven, MLK Jr., and Hannah Arendt: The voices that resonate in Magnifica Humanitas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/magnifica-humanitas-cultural-references): In his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV draws on a broad range of cultural and philosophical figures for inspiration. As the first encyclical of his pontificate, Magnifica Humanitas, published Monday, can beregarded as an indication of Pope Leo XIVʼs doctrinal approach. One of the most significant aspects of magisterial documents like encyclicals is the sources of inspiration the pope draws upon beyond the strictly ecclesial sphere — that is, not only citations from great theologians, Church Fathers, or pontiffs but also references from traditions and disciplines outside the Church. For example, Leo XIV cites Viktor Frankl, the physician and survivor of four […]
- [When to say ‘no’ to AI in the classroom and at home: A key warning of Magnifica Humanitas](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/when-to-say-no-ai-classroom-home): Pope Leo XIV issues a broad call to rethink what it means to educate people in the use of artificial intelligence and its implications, especially for young people. Pope Leo XIV devotes a substantial portion of his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, to the impact of the digital revolution on education and family life. The pontiff acknowledges that “rapid technological transformations reveal just how unprepared we are on the educational level.” He warns that “the pervasiveness of digital media fosters a culture of immediacy and hyper-stimulation, which gives rise to fatigue, boredom, and apathy concerning the effort required for seeking the truth.” In […]
- [Full text of Magnifica Humanitas: Read Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/full-text-magnifica-humanitas): The encyclical sets out the Churchʼs social teaching for the age of artificial intelligence. Download and read the complete document. Pope Leo XIV signed Magnifica Humanitas, the first encyclical of his pontificate, on May 15. The document was released by the Holy See on May 25.  The encyclical develops the Churchʼs social teaching in light of artificial intelligence, situating new questions of human dignity, labor, and the common good within the tradition that runs from Rerum Novarum through Centesimus Annus and Laudato Si’. Download and read the full encyclical as a PDF below.Magnifica Humanitas Full Text English Version Magnifica Humanitas Full Text English Version This article was originally […]
- [Leo XIV at Pentecost: The Spirit overcomes war with the omnipotence of love](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-pentecost-spirit-overcomes-war): The pontiff prayed that the Holy Spirit would save humanity from war, misery, and sin. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV marked Pentecost Sunday with a plea for peace, praying that the Holy Spirit would save the world “from the evil of war” and renew the Church in its mission to transform confusion into communion. Celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on May 24, the pope centered his homily on the risen Christ’s appearance to the disciples in the upper room, where Jesus showed them “his hands and his side” and breathed the Holy Spirit upon them. “The Lord reveals his glorious […]
- [EWTN News explains: Why do popes issue papal documents and what are they?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-documents-explained): Encyclicals, motu proprios, apostolic constitutions, and exhortations — here is a guide to some of the types of documents the pope uses to lead the Catholic Church. This week the Vatican announced the upcoming release of Pope Leo XIVʼs long-awaited first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. Amid anticipation of the encyclical there is renewed interest in what papal documents are. Understanding these documents has become important for Catholics as well, as they typically reveal the popeʼs pastoral and theological vision for the Church. So, what are the different types of papal documents, and how should Catholics interpret them? Papal bull A papal bull is […]
- [In Italian region marred by toxic waste, Pope Leo XIV praises ‘beauty no injustice can erase’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-land-of-fires-beauty): The Holy Father on May 23 met with Church leaders and local residents at Acerra in Italyʼs “Land of Fires.” Pope Leo XIV greeted residents and civic leaders in the southern Italian town of Acerra on May 23, a region marred by toxic wastes but possessing what the pope said was “beauty no injustice can ever erase.”  “In life, we come to understand that the more fragile a beauty is, the greater the care and responsibility it demands,” the pope told the crowd in Acerraʼs Piazza Calipari.  Pope Leo XIV addresses crowds in the Piazza Calipari in Acerra, Italy, May […]
- [In Italy’s ‘Land of Fires,’ Pope Leo XIV laments ‘the cry of creation and the poor’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-land-of-fires-cry-creation-poor): The Holy Father said Pope Francis‘ encyclical Laudato Si’ is a framework for addressing the social and environmental crises of the region. Pope Leo XIV arrived in Italyʼs “Terra dei Fuochi,” or “Land of Fires,” for a one-day visit on May 23, the first pope in history to meet with this population amid a yearslong battle against illegal waste disposal. The pope arrived in Acerra around 8:45 a.m., landing at the Arcoleo sports field, where he was immediately welcomed by Acerra Bishop Antonio Di Donna. Numerous dignitaries were also present, including Tito d’Errico, the mayor of Acerra. Pope Leo XIVʼs […]
- [Vaticano: Pope Leo, Mary, and the New Encyclical](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leos-new-encyclical): Pope Leo XIV has released his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, focused on human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence. The Vatican has also launched a new commission on AI as the Holy Father calls young Catholics to persevere in the faith and highlights the central role of the sacred liturgy in the life of the Church. As the Church continues to celebrate the month of May, Pope Leo XIV renewed devotion to the Rosary during a pilgrimage to Pompeii, encouraging Catholics everywhere to rediscover this “ancient and beautiful devotion” through the example of St. Bartolo Longo and the Dominican […]
- [Why Catholics celebrate Mary as ‘mother of the Church’ the day after Pentecost](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/why-catholics-celebrate-mary-mother-of-the-church): The Catholic Church celebrates the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church each year on the Monday after Pentecost. This year, it falls on May 25.  In 2018, Pope Francis added the memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, to the Roman calendar. This memorial is celebrated each year on the Monday after Pentecost. This year it will be celebrated on May 25. In the decree on the celebration, the then-head of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Cardinal Robert Sarah, wrote that the intention for the memorial was to help […]
- [Pope Leo XIV discusses major challenges of EU and its future with European bishops ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-european-bishops-eu-challenges): While the bishops proposed many possible topics for the meeting, the pontiff emphasized dialogue and peace as priorities. The pope also said migrants must be respected and needed services not denied. Pope Leo XIV met on May 21 with the Commission of the Episcopal Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), with whom he discussed the future of the EU and reflected on current global challenges. This marks the second official meeting between the Holy Father and the institution, which is the official association of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of all European Union member states. The organization views the encounter as […]
- [Magnifica Humanitas: Pope invokes justice to combat ‘anti-human vision’ in AI](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/magnifica-humanitas-pope-invokes-justice-to-combat-anti-human-vision-in-ai): Published Monday, the pope’s new encyclical warns of a “culture of power” fueled by the digital revolution and artificial intelligence. In his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, published Monday, Pope Leo XIV calls on society and AI developers to implement “shared standards of social justice” in order for artificial intelligence to respect human dignity and serve the common good. AI is not a morally neutral tool; It matters not only how it is used, but how it is designed, Leo writes in “Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” published May 25. Magnifica Humanitas means “Magnificent Humanity” in Latin. He […]
- [Leo XIV authorizes beatification of 80 civil war martyrs ahead of his trip to Spain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-spanish-civil-war-martyrs-beatification): In addition, the pope will declare four other religious from various countries as venerable. On May 22, Pope Leo XIV approved the promulgation of six decrees from the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, following an audience granted to its prefect, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro. With the pontiffʼs authorization, 80 martyrs of the Spanish Civil War and the Lebanese Patriarch Elias Hoyek will be beatified. In addition, Salesian missionary Constantino Vendrame; discalced Carmelite from Cameroon Brother Jean Thierry; Spanish religious María Ana Alberdi Echezarreta; and Brother Nazareno da Pula, a Capuchin lay brother, will be declared venerable. The 80 ‘Martyrs of […]
- [Peace, unity, and AI: What Pope Leo’s messages reveal about his thought](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-thought-ai-peace-unity): Ahead of the publication of Leoʼs first encyclical, what do his writings and speeches, both before and after his election, reveal about his thought? During his papacy and before, Pope Leo XIV has revealed his thought on a myriad of issues in his speeches, homilies, and writings, and several clear themes have emerged.  He has made artificial intelligence a priority and has also not hesitated to speak out against war, calling for, as he has often repeated, a “disarmed and disarming peace.” In his first homily as pope, he also underlined his desire for “a united Church, a sign of […]
- [Czech cardinal reflects on martyrs under communism ahead of priest beatifications](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/czech-cardinal-martyrs-under-communism): The two priests were imprisoned and executed by the Czechoslovak communist regime because of its hatred of the Catholic faith, according to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Cardinal Michael Czerny this week reflected on the martyrdom of Catholics who gave witness to Jesus Christ under communist rule in eastern and central Europe during the “Blessed Martyrs Under Communism” conference in Rome hosted by the Czech Republic’s embassy to the Holy See. Czerny, the Czech-born prefect for the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, discussed the canonization causes of two Czech priests — Father Jan Bula and Father Václav […]
- [Marian Images throughout the Streets of Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/marian-images-throughout-the-streets-of-rome): Rome’s streets, squares, and narrow alleyways are home to more than 500 Marian street shrines, known as the Madonnelle. Painted, frescoed, or sculpted, these sacred images have long been woven into the city’s spiritual and cultural identity, serving as places of prayer, gratitude, and quiet encounter. Some passersby pause for a moment of reflection; others light candles or leave ex-votos in thanksgiving. Together, these small yet powerful signs of devotion form a living tradition that continues to shape daily life in the Eternal City. Discovering the Madonnelle of Rome EWTN Vatican correspondent Veronica Giacometti joined Fr. Giorgio Picu of Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi for a walking […]
- [Mary, Mother of the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mary-mother-of-the-church): With roots reaching back to the 13th century, the Pontifical Theological Faculty Marianum is one of world’s leading centers in Mariology — the theological study of Mary.  Entrusted to the Order of the Servants of Mary, the faculty welcomes hundreds of students every year – including priests, religious, and lay scholars from all over the world.  Since receiving formal recognition from the Holy See in 1950, the Marianum has offered specialized academic degrees in Mariology at the highest level.  Today, it remains an international reference point for researchers and theologians.  In an interview with EWTN, the president of the faculty, Fr. […]
- [Marian Devotion and the Last Four Popes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mary-and-the-last-four-popes): Devotion to the Virgin Mary has shaped the spiritual lives and pontificates of many popes, offering a deeply personal dimension to their ministry. For St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, and Pope Leo XIV, Mary has been not only a theological figure, but a true spiritual mother and guide. St. John Paul II and “Totus Tuus” St. John Paul II’s Marian devotion was captured in his episcopal motto, Totus Tuus (“Totally Yours”), expressing his complete entrustment to Mary. “When the Holy Father became bishop in Kraków, he already adopted the motto Totus Tuus,” recalled Fr. Paweł Ptasznik. “It was […]
- [Honoring Our Lady of the Rosary](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/honoring-our-lady-of-the-rosary): May is traditionally known as “Mary’s month,” a time when Catholics around the world turn their attention in a special way to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Amid the beauty of spring and the approach of summer, the Church reflects on her role as Mother of God and her place in the history of salvation. Pope Leo XIV’s Pilgrimage to Pompei This year, that devotion was marked in a particular way on May 8, the feast of Our Lady of Pompei. Pope Leo XIV commemorated the first anniversary of his pontificate with a pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Virgin of […]
- [Pope encourages young man fearful of the future: ‘The love of Jesus will always accompany you’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-young-man-fearful-future): Replying to a letter from a young man about to start college, Pope Leo offers him reassurance, encouragement, and fatherly advice about life and his future hopes and dreams. Pope Leo XIV sent a moving letter filled with tenderness, understanding, and valuable guidance to an 18-year-old man who had expressed his fears regarding uncertainty of the future and the new chapter he is about to begin in his life at a university. In just a few weeks, young Pietro from Reggio Calabria in Italy will finish high school and begin his university studies, a major change about which he feels […]
- [Vatican warns that AI ‘deepfakes’ threaten the human experience](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-ai-deepfakes-human-encounter): A top Vatican official warned of the dangers of AI at a conference ahead of the pope’s upcoming encyclical. Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, on Thursday criticized AI deepfakes as a threat to human encounter. Speaking at a conference on AI in Rome on May 21, Mendonça warned of the dangers of AI, saying that it can “have painful consequences on the destiny of individuals.” “When a deepfake lends a personʼs face to words they have never spoken … it is the very grammar of the human encounter that is altered,” Mendonça […]
- [Pope Leo XIV says lay movements must serve communion, not power](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-lay-movements-communion): The pontiff said authority in the Church is a gift of the Holy Spirit that requires listening, free elections, and fidelity to the whole Church. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV told leaders of international associations of the faithful, ecclesial movements, and new communities Thursday that governance in the Church must never become a vehicle for prestige or personal power but must serve communion and the spiritual good of the faithful. Speaking May 21 in the Synod Hall to participants in a meeting promoted by the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life, the pope reflected on the theme of governance […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Nations must put common good ahead of particular interests](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-common-good-diplomacy): Though diplomacy and dialogue are essential for positive international relations, they must be accompanied by “a deeper conversion of heart,” the pope said. Pope Leo XIV told a group of ambassadors on Thursday that nations should measure their success by how well they treat those on the margins, not by the level of power or prosperity they have reached. “Courteous and clear dialogue, essential though it is, must be accompanied by a deeper conversion of heart: the willingness to set aside particular interests for the sake of the common good,” the pope said in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic […]
- [Synod office sets path to 2028 ecclesial assembly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/synod-office-2028-ecclesial-assembly): A new Vatican document outlines four stages for local Churches, bishops’ conferences, and continental bodies to assess how synodality is taking root after the 2021–2024 Synod on Synodality. VATICAN CITY — The General Secretariat of the Synod has published a new document to guide the “path of implementation of the Synod” through an ecclesial assembly in October 2028 at the Vatican. The 18-page document, titled “The Path of Implementation of the Synod: Towards the Assemblies 2027–2028 — Stages, Criteria, and Tools for Preparation,” establishes a four-stage process and a common method for local Churches, episcopal conferences, and continental bodies. The […]
- [Pope Leo XIV on AI and Liturgical Renewal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-and-france-and-ai): Pope Leo XIV Highlights AI, Faith, and the Liturgy in Latest Vaticano Updates In this week’s Vaticano Updates, Pope Leo XIV addressed some of the most pressing spiritual and cultural questions facing the Church today, including artificial intelligence, perseverance in the faith among young Catholics, the importance of the sacred liturgy, and the Vatican’s growing engagement with emerging technologies. Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical to Address Artificial Intelligence The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical will be published on May 25. The Holy Father is expected to personally present the document during an event in the Vatican Synod […]
- [How does Pope Leo pray?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/how-pope-leo-xiv-prays): In an interview released by the Augustinians, the popeʼs personal secretary offers details about the Holy Fatherʼs prayer life and insights into his style of governance. Pope Leo XIV goes through his day centered on prayer, silence, and seeking God amid his responsibilities at the helm of the Church, said his personal secretary, Peruvian priest Father Edgard Rimaycuna, in an interview released May 18 by the Order of St. Augustine. Rimaycuna offered details regarding the daily spiritual life of the pontiff, whom he described as a man who “lives always in the constant presence of God.” “From the very start […]
- [EWTN News explains: What is a papal encylical?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-a-papal-encyclical): Papal encyclicals are a powerful way the pope shapes global debates and articulates Church doctrine, but how should Catholics understand them? With the announcement of Pope Leo XIVʼs first papal encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas: “On the Protection of Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” there is much anticipation as to what guidance the pope will provide on the digital revolution and emerging technologies such as AI. But what are papal encyclicals, and what can they reveal about the popeʼs priorities on the world stage and for the Church? The pope’s pastoral letter A papal encyclical is a pastoral letter written by […]
- [Pope Leo explains why Vatican II’s reform did not change only ‘the rites’ of the liturgy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-explains-why-vatican-iis-reform-did-not-change-only-the-rites-of-the-liturgy): On May 20, the pope began a series of messages focused on “Sacrosanctum Concilium,” a constitution on the sacred liturgy and the first document promulgated by the Second Vatican Council. Pope Leo XIV said Wednesday that the liturgy occupies a central place in the life of the Church, since it “touches the very heart” of the mystery of Christ — because it is “at once the space, the time, and the context” in which the Church receives from him “her very life.” The liturgy, he said at the general audience in St. Peterʼs Square, is where “the work of our redemption is […]
- [Leo XIV laments that after receiving confirmation, many young people ‘disappear from the parish’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-confirmation-youth-parish): Speaking to a group of young people soon to be confirmed, Pope Leo XIV encouraged perseverance in the faith and emphasized that faith is lived in community, not in isolation. Pope Leo XIV lamented that after being confirmed, many young people no longer attend church. He asked those awaiting confirmation to “pay special attention” to one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, perseverance. The pope met on Saturday, May 16, with those awaiting confirmation from the Archdiocese of Genoa, Italy. In an impromptu message, the Holy Father said that “one of the greatest joys of a bishop is celebrating […]
- [Pope Leo expresses ‘deep concern’ for future of Lebanon, calls for strengthening unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-lebanon-christian-unity): The pope met with the chief bishop of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Cilicia headquartered in Lebanon, emphasizing his concern for that country and the role of ecumenism for Christian unity. On Monday, May 18, Pope Leo XIV received at the Vatican His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the most prominent figures in Eastern Christianity.  The Armenian Apostolic Church, part of the Oriental Orthodox Church, is headquartered in Antelias, Lebanon.  During the audience held at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father underscored the profound bond uniting the two churches, marked in a […]
- [Pope Leo XIV thanks Catholic Extension Society for its assistance to migrants and the poor](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-catholic-extension-society): The pope expressed his gratitude to the papal society founded in 1905, which raises funds to support and strengthen under-resourced mission dioceses throughout the United States.  In an address to its board of governors, Pope Leo XIV thanked the Catholic Extension Societyon May 18 for the assistance it provides to the poor. The pontiff praised the organization’s founder, Father Francis Clement Kelley, who more than 120 years ago “sought to reach out to remote faith communities across the United States in order to bring to them the very life of Christ through the sacraments and the support of a larger Catholic community.” “This […]
- [SSPX and Rome: A half-century of canonical tensions](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sspx-rome-half-century-canonical-tensions): As one of the leading experts on Lefebvrism sees it, reconciliation is impossible as long as the Society of St. Pius Xʼs rejection of certain parts of the Second Vatican Council persists. The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) went from full communion with Rome to formal rupture in less than two decades, a break that has never been fully healed. On May 13, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, warned that the episcopal consecrations without a papal mandate — which the society has announced will take place July 1 — will […]
- [Vatican to publish Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical May 25](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-to-publish-pope-leo-xivs-first-encyclical-may-25): The pope signed ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ (“Magnificent Humanity”) on May 15, the 135th anniversary of the publication of the landmark social encyclical ‘Rerum Novarum.’ The Vatican announced Monday that Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical will be published on May 25, with the title Magnifica Humanitas. Pope Leo will speak at a presentation for the release of the social encyclical — a papal letter to the Church — at 11:30 a.m. Rome time on May 25, in the Vaticanʼs Synod Hall. The Vatican also confirmed that the full title of the encyclical is Magnifica Humanitas: On the Protection of Human Dignity in the Age of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: AI communication must preserve ‘human voices and faces’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-ai-communication-human-voices): The pontiff marked World Communications Day by urging technology to remain centered on human dignity. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged Catholics and communicators to promote forms of communication that respect the truth of the human person in the age of artificial intelligence, while also calling for renewed care for creation and peace as Laudato Si’ Week begins. Speaking after praying the Regina Caeli May 17 from the window of the Apostolic Palace, the pope noted that many countries were marking World Communications Day, whose theme this year, he said, is “Preserving Human Voices and Faces.” “In […]
- [Vatican sets up commission on artificial intelligence](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-artificial-intelligence-commission): Pope Leo XIV approved the new body as the Vatican prepares for his first encyclical, expected to address artificial intelligence through the lens of Catholic social teaching. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has approved the creation of a new Vatican commission on artificial intelligence to coordinate the Holy See’s response to the rapidly expanding technology and its implications for human dignity, integral development, and the Church’s own internal use of AI. The move comes as the Vatican is preparing for the release of Leo’s first encyclical, which is expected to deal extensively with artificial intelligence and its ethical, social, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV rejects use of death penalty in fight against organized crime, drug trafficking](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-death-penalty-drug-trafficking): The pope addressed parliamentarians and representatives from across Europe, Central Asia and North America participating in a conference on illicit drugs hosted by the Italian Parliament. Pope Leo XIV called for respect for human dignity in the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking and reiterated his rejection of the death penalty, torture, and any degrading punishment in the face of a scourge that, he warned, “imperils the very future of our societies.” In a May 15 audience with participants in the Second International Conference on the Fight against Drugs and Organized Crime in the OSCE region — dedicated to […]
- [One Year with Pope Leo: Prayer, Peace, SSPX, Fatima](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/one-year-with-pope-leo-of-prayer-peace-sspx-fatima): One year with Pope Leo has brought focus to the historic character of his election: the first American Pope, the first Augustinian Pope, and more. From the first moments of his pontificate, Pope Leo made clear that peace would stand at the heart of his mission as Successor of Peter. We deep dive into the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, and we go inside the conclave that elected Pope Leo in an exclusive interview with one of the Cardinal Electors. On the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, Pope Leo commemorated the 45th anniversary of the assassination attempt of St. John […]
- [Pope Leo XIV’s First Year: A Pontificate Marked by Peace, Tradition, and Augustinian Spirit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-first-year-peace-tradition-and-augustinian-spirit): “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum… Habemus Papam!” The announcement echoed across Saint Peter’s Square and throughout the world on May 8, 2025, ushering in a historic moment for the Catholic Church. The election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV stunned many inside and outside the Vatican, while filling countless faithful with joy and hope for the future of the Church. For those who knew the future pope personally, the moment was deeply emotional. Fr. Ludovico Maria Centra, rector of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, recalled the overwhelming reaction shared by many close to the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV's Monthly Prayer Intentions and the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-monthly-prayer-intentions-and-the-popes-worldwide-prayer-network): For more than 150 years, the popes of the Catholic Church have entrusted the faithful with a special mission of intercessory prayer — a spiritual tradition that continues to shape the life of the Church under Pope Leo XIV. The practice began in 1879 when Pope Leo XIII introduced the monthly papal prayer intention and entrusted it to the Apostleship of Prayer, now known worldwide as the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. Today, during the first year of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV has renewed that mission in a new digital age, inviting Catholics across the globe not only to pray […]
- [One Cardinal Speaks about Pope Leo XIV's Conclave](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/one-cardinal-speaks-about-pope-leo-xivs-conclave): Polish Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś is among the youngest cardinals that participated in the last conclave.   In an exclusive interview with EWTN, conducted inside the Archbishop’s Palace in Kraków, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kraków reflects on why the election of the new pope proceeded so quickly, whether Robert Prevost was considered a leading candidate from the outset, and what kind of superior he was before his election to the papacy.   As a longtime member of the Dicastery for Bishops, Cardinal Ryś offers us insights that few others can provide.  Your Eminence, it’s been a year since the conclave in which you […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: the Pope of Peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-the-pope-of-peace): From the very first moments of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV made clear that peace would stand at the heart of his mission as Successor of Peter. Speaking to the world from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica following his election, the Holy Father immediately placed the theme of peace before the faithful and the nations of the world. “To all people wherever they may be, to all nations, to the whole earth: peace be with you.” For many Catholics listening across the globe, those first words resonated deeply at a moment marked by war, instability, and growing international tensions. […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to visit France in September, including a stop at UNESCO headquarters](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-visit-france-in-september-including-a-stop-at-unesco-headquarters): The visit will mark the popeʼs fifth international apostolic journey. Pope Leo XIV will undertake an apostolic journey to France from Sept. 25 – 28, a visit which will include a stop at the headquarters of UNESCO. The trip was officially announced on May 16 by Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni. The Holy See did not immediately release the full itinerary of the trip. The visit will mark the popeʼs fifth international apostolic journey. The pope has already visited Turkey and Lebanon (in late 2025) and Monte Carlo (in March 2026). In April he undertook a major voyage to Africa — […]
- [The SSPX Again Says No to the Catholic Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-sspx-again-says-no-to-the-catholic-church): COMMENTARY: The Society’s answers will always be No, even when the Church first offers Yes. Numerous accounts of the illicit and gravely sinful episcopal ordinations by the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) have termed it a “crisis.” Is it? Not for the SSPX, it would seem. Choosing to ordain four new bishops on the precise anniversary that their four previous bishops were excommunicated in 1988 suggests a rather celebratory disposition toward the canonical penalties. For the two ordaining bishops, who were first excommunicated in 1988, it is their second time around on the excommunication carousel. Perhaps they enjoy the […]
- [Vatican releases biopic on Pope Leo XIV’s early years in Rome](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-releases-biopic-on-pope-leo-xivs-early-years-in-rome): The Dicastery for Communication released a documentary on July 1 about the then-Robert Prevost’s two decades in the Eternal City. The Vatican has released a new documentary, “Leone a Roma,” about Pope Leo XIV’s early years in Rome before his election to the papacy. Following its previous documentaries, “León de Perú” and “Leo from Chicago,” the documentary premiered July 1 on the Vatican News YouTube channels in English, Italian, and Spanish. The documentary covers the then-Father Robert Prevost’s nearly two decades in the Eternal City. He first came to Rome to study canon law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas from […]
- [Vatican official to Catholic journalists: Be ‘disciples before influencers’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholic-journalists-disciples-before-influencers): Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu reflected on the importance of communicating the truth in a digital age of trends. Editor’s Note: The following is the keynote address delivered by Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, to young Catholic media professionals and guests during the closing dinner of the 2026 EWTN Summer Academy on July 1 in Rome. Gratitude and hope Allow me to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude for the invitation to address you at the Summer Academy 2026. This gathering fills me with much hope and joy. It gladdens my heart to see young Catholic photographers, writers, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to spend July 4 with migrants on Italian island of Lampedusa](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-lampedusa-migrants-july-4): Only about 80 miles from Tunisia, Lampedusa is a main gateway for Africans escaping poverty and violence to enter the continent of Europe. Pope Leo XIV will follow in his predecessor Pope Francis’ footsteps with a visit to a major migrant landing point, the Italian island of Lampedusa, on July 4. Continuing his summer of day trips in Italy, the first U.S.-born pope will spend the U.S. Independence Day greeting immigrants, celebrating Mass, and visiting the tombs of Africans who have died at sea while making the dangerous boat crossing to Europe. Lampedusa, which is part of the Italian region […]
- [What is the SSPX? A look at the traditionalist Catholic group in schism with the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-is-the-sspx-a-look-at-the-traditionalist-catholic-group-in-schism-with-the-church): The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) is a traditionalist group that is not in full communion with the Catholic Church and has a canonically irregular status. One day after the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) consecrated four bishops without the permission of Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican issued a decree declaring that the bishops involved in the consecrations have incurred automatic excommunication and that the group is in schism. In a defiant move and despite repeated pleadings from Rome not to move forward, the SSPX went ahead on July 1 with the consecration of four new bishops without […]
- [2 SSPX bishops hold dubious distinction of being excommunicated twice](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sspx-bishops-excommunicated-twice): Society of St. Pius X bishops Galarreta and Fellay have been excommunicated twice: by Pope John Paul II in 1988 and again on July 2 for the canonical offense of schism. Two bishops of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) — Spaniard Alfonso de Galarreta and Swiss Bernard Fellay — incurred automatic excommunication by committing the canonical offense of schism following the ordination of four bishops without the permission of Pope Leo XIV. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on July 2 declared that the SSPX is in a state of schism following the ordinations. With this […]
- [What are schism and excommunication in the Catholic Church?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/what-are-schism-and-excommunication-in-the-catholic-church): Just what are schism and excommunication in the Catholic Church? Here’s an explanation. Recently a community of Poor Clare nuns in Spain announced their decision to leave the Catholic Church, thus committing the canonical crime of schism and incurring excommunication. Italian Archbishop Carlo María Viganò is also undergoing a Vatican extrajudicial process for schism. Just what are schism and excommunication in the Catholic Church? An explanation follows. Schism According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, schism is “the rupture of ecclesiastical union and unity, i.e. either the act by which one of the faithful severs as far as in him lies the ties which bind him to the social […]
- [Vatican begins 5-year, 5-million-euro restoration of Renaissance frescoes in Hall of Raphael](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-begins-5-year-5-million-euro-restoration-of-renaissance-frescoes-in-hall-of-raphael): The conservation work marks “a pivotal moment both in the history of restoration and in the history of Italian Renaissance art,” according to Vatican Museums Director Barbara Jatta. The Vatican Museums has launched an ambitious restoration to the frescoes of the Hall of Raphael in the Apostolic Palace, expected to take five years and to cost 5.5 million euros (around $6.3 million). The Renaissance frescoes — which date to the early 16th century and have been virtually untouched since their creation — are in dire need of cleaning and repairing, according to the Vatican Museums. A team of over 20 […]
- [Vatican formally notifies SSPX bishops of excommunication](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-formally-notifies-sspx-bishops-of-excommunication): Because the traditionalist group consecrated bishops without papal approval, the Vatican issued a decree on July 2 declaring those bishops and their consecrators automatically excommunicated. One day after the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) consecrated four bishops without the permission of Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican issued a decree declaring the excommunication of all bishops involved in the ceremony. Published on July 2 by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the decree specified that the consecrating bishops, Bishops Alfonso de Galarreta and Bernard Fellay, as well as the four bishops consecrated, Bishops Pascal Schreiber, Michael Goldade, Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, […]
- [Parolin: SSPX ordinations are ‘schismatic’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/parolin-sspx-ordinations-are-schismatic): Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the episcopal ordinations carried out without papal mandate by the Society of St. Pius X “deeply wound” Church unity. ROME — Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said Wednesday that the episcopal ordinations carried out earlier in the day without papal mandate by the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) constitute a schismatic act. “I don’t think there is much to say about this episode,” Parolin said at an event July 1. “First of all, I want to express great sorrow. I want to express great sorrow because, speaking of the unity of the Church, […]
- [SSPX consecrates bishops in defiance of Rome’s schism warning](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sspx-consecrates-bishops-in-defiance-of-romes-schism-warning): The unauthorized July 1 rite in Écône, Switzerland, came despite Pope Leo XIV’s appeal to “please turn back” and could trigger automatic excommunication for the six bishops involved. Pope Leo XIV is not even two years into his pontificate and he is already facing one of the most delicate episodes of his ministry: a new rupture within the Church. In a defiant move and despite repeated warnings from Rome, the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) went ahead Wednesday with the consecration of four new bishops without a pontifical mandate — an act of open disobedience to the authority of […]
- [Pope Leo XIV names nun, cardinal to succeed Cardinal Czerny at human development office](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-names-nun-cardinal-to-succeed-cardinal-czerny-at-human-development-office): Sister Alessandra Smerilli, FMA, is the third woman in history to be nominated to lead a Vatican dicastery. Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday named Italian economist Sister Alessandra Smerilli, FMA, to succeed Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ, as prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Czerny will turn 80 on July 18, while the 51-year-old Salesian sister has been secretary, the No. 2 position at the dicastery, since August 2021. She was previously an undersecretary from March of the same year. The pope has also appointed a pro-prefect to serve alongside Smerilli: Italian Cardinal Fabio Baggio, CS, who has […]
- [Blood of Christ, Victor Over Demons, Save Us](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/blood-of-christ-victor-over-demons-save-us): “You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers… with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:18-20) “Don’t hold yourselves cheap, seeing that the creator of all things and of you estimates your value so high, so dear, that he pours out for you every day the Most Precious Blood of his only-begotten Son.” ―St. Augustine of Hippo With our beloved Mother Church enduring such tremendous trials in our day, it is an ideal time to embrace devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Christ. As Servant of […]
- [Vatican Observatory addresses one of science’s greatest enigmas: quantum gravity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-observatory-addresses-one-of-sciences-greatest-enigmas-quantum-gravity): A conference addressed the subject of quantum gravity with regard to the incompatibility of quantum mechanics with general relativity, presenting a challenge for researchers to propose solutions. The Vatican Observatory, one of the oldest astronomical institutions in the world, hosted its prestigious Vatican Observatory Lectures at its headquarters in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, last week. This year’s series focused on quantum gravity. The event brought together internationally renowned experts and a select group of doctoral students and young researchers who delved into one of the most complex and fascinating problems in modern physics: unifying quantum mechanics with general relativity. The difficulty […]
- [Vatican financial watchdog loses autonomy](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-financial-watchdog-loses-autonomy): The Authority for Financial Information and Supervision is now effectively structured as an office, with its leadership appointed directly by the pope for five-year terms. VATICAN CITY — The Vatican’s financial intelligence and anti-money-laundering authority has been overhauled under a new 12-article statute that eliminates its president and board and places it under a new structure led by a director and deputy director appointed by the pope. The Authority for Financial Information and Supervision, known by its Italian acronym ASIF, is now effectively structured as an office, with its leadership appointed directly by the pope for five-year terms and operating […]
- [Pope Leo strengthens Roman Curia with new appointments in key Vatican dicasteries](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-strengthens-roman-curia-with-new-appointments-in-key-vatican-dicasteries): With Tuesday’s nominations, the pope changed the No. 2 positions in dicasteries for which he appointed the top officials earlier this year. Pope Leo XIV continues to make changes to the leadership of the Roman Curia with new appointments to the No. 2 position in two key dicasteries: the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, responsible for promoting and ensuring the proper application of canon law in the Latin and Eastern Churches, and the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, tasked with channeling resources for the charitable work of the Holy Father. The Vatican announced June 30 that the pontiff appointed Bishop […]
- [Amid abuse scandal in UK, Pope Leo XIV appoints apostolic administrator to Northampton](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/amid-abuse-scandal-in-uk-pope-leo-xiv-appoints-apostolic-administrator-to-northampton): On June 30, the pontiff appointed Archbishop Richard Moth of Westminster to temporarily replace Bishop David Oakley, charged with sexual abuse. Amid a sexual abuse scandal affecting the Diocese of Northampton in the United Kingdom, Pope Leo XIV named an apostolic administrator to oversee the diocese until a new bishop is appointed. The pontiff named Archbishop Richard Moth of Westminster to replace Bishop David Oakley, who was charged with abuse of an underage girl. In a statement addressing the charges against Oakley, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales expressed its pain upon learning of them and offered a heartfelt apology […]
- [How St. John Paul II's Legacy Continues to Shape the Church's Defense of Human Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-john-paul-ii-and-his-pro-life-legacy): VATICAN CITY — The Catholic Church’s defense of the dignity of every human life has remained a defining priority across modern pontificates. Few popes, however, made the protection of life as central to their teaching as Pope St. John Paul II. Throughout his nearly 27-year pontificate, the Polish pope consistently proclaimed the sanctity of human life from conception until natural death, authoring some of the Church’s most influential documents on human dignity, including Evangelium Vitae (“The Gospel of Life”) and his catechetical series known as the Theology of the Body. More than three decades after the publication of Evangelium Vitae, […]
- [Italy's 'Boys' Town' Continues 73-Year Mission](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/italys-boys-town-continues-73-year-mission): ROME — Just 30 minutes outside the center of Rome, a quiet community has been transforming the lives of vulnerable young people for more than seven decades. Spread across 63 acres of land, La Città dei Ragazzi (“Boys’ Town”) was founded in 1953 by Irish-born Monsignor John Patrick Carroll-Abbing as a refuge for orphaned and disadvantaged boys in the aftermath of the Second World War. Today, the institution continues that mission by welcoming young migrants and minors from unstable family backgrounds, offering them education, stability, and the opportunity to build a new future. For many of its former residents, Boys’ […]
- [What the Church believes about IVF](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/church-ivf-teaching-catholic-belief): 1 in 6 couples struggle with infertility worldwide.   Not being able to conceive can be a very difficult experience for couples wanting to start a family.   In the late 1970’s, a medical breakthrough happened with the first successful birth through In Vitro Fertilization, commonly known as ‘IVF’, a medical procedure in which an embryo is created in a petri dish in a laboratory before being transferred into the womb.  In an interview with EWTN’s Zofia Czubak, Fr. Francesco Giordano, director of Human Life International, explains the complex moral and ethical implications of this practice and why the Catholic […]
- [Pope Leo XIV pleads with SSPX to halt episcopal consecrations [Update]](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-pleads-with-sspx-to-halt-episcopal-consecrations): The pontiff appealed to the traditionalist group to call off their planned episcopal consecrations — but their leaderʼs reply made it clear they would go ahead. Pope Leo XIV has issued a letter to the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) asking it not to proceed with its planned July 1 consecrations without papal approval. But the society replied with its own letter the same day, making it clear that its plans had not changed. In a letter published June 30, the eve of the episcopal consecrations in Écône, Switzerland, the pope issued a final appeal to the SSPX superior general, […]
- [Pope Leo's Full Letter to Superior General of the SSPX](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leos-full-letter-to-superior-general-of-the-sspx): Pope Leo XIV has issued a letter to the traditionalist Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) asking them not to proceed with their planned July 1 consecrations without papal approval. The full text is below: Letter of Pope Leo XIVto the Reverend Davide Pagliarani,Superior General of thePriestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X With a paternal heart, and aware of the responsibility entrusted to me by the Lord as the Successor of the Apostle Peter, I address you and, through you, the bishops, priests, seminarians and faithful connected to the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X. The Church recognizes the devotion […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Peter and Paul show the path to Christian unity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-peter-and-paul-show-the-path-to-christian-unity): The pontiff celebrated Mass on June 29 and bestowed the pallium on 35 new archbishops. Pope Leo XIV has called on Christians to emulate the example of Sts. Peter and Paul in working toward the unity of the Church and of all Christians. The pontiff’s words were delivered during a Mass on June 29 at St. Peter’s Basilica for the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, the patron saints of Rome. During the Mass, Leo also bestowed the pallium — a circular band of lamb’s wool worn on the shoulders — on the 35 metropolitan archbishops appointed by the pope […]
- [Pope Leo XIV dismisses schismatic Spanish priest](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-dismisses-schismatic-spanish-priest): In 2024, the priestʼs obstinacy had previously led his bishop, José Ignacio Munilla, to remove him from any office or position within the diocese. Pope Leo XIV has decreed the dismissal from the clerical state of Francisco José Vegara Cerezo, who served as a priest of the Spanish Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante, following a canonical process that was initiated due to his repeated public rejection of the authority of Pope Francis and, subsequently, of Leo XIV himself. The case dates back to 2023, when a dialogue with Vegara Cerezo began following the publication of a 20-page manifesto in which he labeled […]
- [Pope Leo XIV prays for Venezuela quake victims at Angelus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prays-for-venezuela-quake-victims-at-angelus): The pope expressed solidarity with those affected by recent earthquakes, following a reflection on “detachment, loss and hospitality” in Christian love. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed his closeness to the people of Venezuela after recent earthquakes, offering prayers for the victims and encouragement to rescue workers. “I wish to express my solidarity with our Venezuelan brothers and sisters affected by the recent earthquakes, which have caused numerous deaths and injuries, as well as extensive damage to property,” the pope said after praying the Angelus on June 28 in St. Peter’s Square. “Praying to the Lord for […]
- [Pope Leo XIV closes consistory with appeal to help world find God’s paths to peace](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-closes-consistory-with-appeal-to-help-world-find-gods-paths-to-peace): The pope thanked the College of Cardinals for their work during a two-day extraordinary consistory, highlighting their reflections on war, poverty, and social fragmentation. Pope Leo XIV on June 27 thanked the College of Cardinals for their work during their two-day extraordinary consistory, highlighting their reflections on war, poverty, and social fragmentation as well as deeper wounds such as loneliness and loss of meaning. The pope said in his closing address that he was “particularly struck by the way [the cardinals] spoke about young people,” especially in their suffering that can at times lead “to the extreme despair of taking […]
- [Cardinal Müller calls SSPX consecrations schismatic, defends the Latin Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-muller-calls-sspx-consecrations-schismatic-defends-the-latin-mass): The former Vatican doctrine chief likened the Society of St. Pius X to the ancient Donatist schism, days before its planned July 1 episcopal consecrations at Écône. Cardinal Gerhard Müller has called the Society of St. Pius X’s planned consecration of four bishops without papal mandate a schismatic act, while stressing that the dispute turns on authority, not the Traditional Latin Mass, which he affirmed remains valid. In an interview with “EWTN News In Depth,” the former prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith said episcopal ordinations carried out “without the pope are absolutely impossible, against the […]
- [Thousands take part in Rome's March for Life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/thousands-take-part-in-romes-march-for-life): ROME — Thousands of people filled the streets of Rome on Saturday for Italy’s annual “Scegliamo la Vita” (“Let’s Choose Life”) march, bringing together families, young people, religious communities, and pro-life organizations in a colorful procession advocating for the protection of human life from conception until natural death. Now in its 15th year, the march has become one of Italy’s largest annual pro-life demonstrations. While participants renewed their opposition to the country’s abortion laws, this year’s event also focused heavily on proposals currently under discussion that would legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide. The joyful atmosphere of music, banners, and families […]
- [Leo XIV encourages representatives of North American Jesuit colleges as they confront challenges](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/leo-xiv-encourages-representatives-of-north-american-jesuit-colleges-as-they-confront-challenges): The pope reflected on the Jesuits’ four Universal Apostolic Preferences to address todayʼs challenges: the Spiritual Exercises, walking with the poor, a hope-filled future, and the care of creation. In an audience with representatives of Jesuit colleges and universities in North America, Pope Leo XIV proposed four ways to address current challenges. In his address on June 25, the Holy Father referenced several of the major challenges facing humanity, which he said is undergoing an “epochal change.” Specifically, he pointed to the secularization of societies, where many people are “seeking to push any mention of God out of the public […]
- [Cardinals confront a ‘wounded world’ at opening of synodal consistory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinals-confront-a-wounded-world-at-opening-of-synodal-consistory): The 178 cardinals attending the two-day consistory spoke of growing polarization within their respective societies. Confronting a world marked by deepening division, widespread suffering and a crisis of meaning were the main topics for discussion during the opening session of the extraordinary consistory of cardinals on June 26 in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. The 178 cardinals attending the two-day consistory, run in a synodal format, spoke of growing polarization within societies, with some saying it is often fueled by misinformation and exacerbated by digital communication that hinders rather than fosters genuine dialogue. The theme of the first session was: […]
- [Pope Leo XIV defends synodal consistory as path to ‘grow in communion’ ](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-defends-synodal-consistory-as-path-to-grow-in-communion): Acknowledging reservations among some cardinals, the pope urged confidence in the format in his opening address, and asked that they offer him their “strong, explicit and public” support. Pope Leo XIV opened his second extraordinary consistory of cardinals on June 26 by defending his decision to conduct the gathering in a synodal format, acknowledging that the approach is unusual, but insisting that the Lord is leading the Church along this path so that she can “grow in communion.” Addressing 178 cardinals in the Paul VI Hall on the first of two days of discussions, Leo encouraged them to “engage wholeheartedly” in a synodal, working group structure, adding that he was “well aware that, for many of us, this is not […]
- [Pope Leo XIV meets with Synod on Synodality teams ahead of 2028 assembly](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-meets-with-synod-on-synodality-teams-ahead-of-2028-assembly): The pontiff met with the synod members to conclude a conference at the Vatican June 23-25. Pope Leo XIV met privately with members of the Synod on Synodality’s continental bodies at the Vatican on June 25, as they concluded a recent conference to reflect on the synod’s implementation ahead of the ecclesial assembly in October 2028. Held on the eve of the two-day extraordinary consistory of cardinals, which began at the Vatican on June 26, the pontiff’s meeting with the synod members concluded a three-day gathering to discuss the document “Towards the Assemblies 2027-2028: Stages, Criteria and Tools for Preparation,” published […]
- [Pope Leo XIV sends 100K euros to Venezuela for humanitarian aid after major earthquakes](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-sends-100k-euros-to-venezuela-for-humanitarian-aid-after-major-earthquakes): Venezuela was hit by two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude on June 24. Pope Leo XIV has sent 100,000 euros (about $114,000) in humanitarian aid to Venezuela following two devastating earthquakes that hit the country on June 24. The Holy Father sent the funds in order to express his closeness to the Venezuelan people through a donation made via the papal almoner, the pope’s charitable office, according to Vatican News. The financial aid has been sent to Church leaders in the country, and the amount was agreed upon after consultations with the apostolic nuncio to Venezuela, Archbishop Alberto […]
- [Vaticano Updates: Pope Leo Warns SSPX of Schism, Highlights the Eucharist, and Vatican Rejects German Lay Homily Proposal](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-says-no-to-lay-homilies): ROME — This week at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV addressed growing concerns surrounding the Society of St. Pius X’s planned episcopal consecrations, continued his catechesis on the Second Vatican Council by reflecting on the Eucharist, and the Holy See reaffirmed the Church’s discipline regarding the preaching of the homily during Mass. Pope Leo XIV warns SSPX ahead of planned episcopal consecrations The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) has issued an open letter and a Declaration of Faith addressed to Pope Leo XIV and the College of Cardinals ahead of the Extraordinary Consistory taking place at the Vatican on […]
- [Pope Leo XIV Convenes Second Consistory Amid Continued Concerns Over ‘Synodal’ Structure](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-convenes-second-consistory-amid-concerns): ANALYSIS: Increased participation and opportunity to submit contributions to the Holy Father are new elements to the meeting, but skepticism endures. This week’s extraordinary consistory of cardinals — the second of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate — aims to address criticisms made of the previous consistory that took place in January, but concerns remain going into the meeting regarding its synodal structure and discussion topics. The June 26-27 consistory, to be attended by both voting and non-voting members of the College of Cardinals in the presence of the Pope, will take place in the audience and synod halls of the Paul […]
- [Padre Pio statue appears to weep blood in Italian parish](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/padre-pio-statue-appears-to-weep-blood-in-italian-parish): A statue of Padre Pio in Italy has allegedly shed a tear of blood. The parish priest believes the phenomenon to be real, but the Church must investigate and verify. Santa Maria delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace) parish in the small Italian town of Casalba has found itself in the media spotlight after a statue of St. Padre Pio appeared to show a tear of blood trickling down its face. The discovery was made in April, when a parishioner noticed an unusual detail on the face of the saint from Pietrelcina: A reddish tear, resembling blood, appeared to be […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Sport is an opportunity for spiritual growth](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-sport-is-an-opportunity-for-spiritual-growth): The pope met with members of the Italian Swimming Federation at the Vatican on June 25. Pope Leo XIV this week emphasized that sports are important for spiritual growth and human development. In a private audience with members of the Italian Swimming Federation on June 25, the pontiff highlighted the value of competitive sport as a means of instilling important values and fostering the growth of the body and mind. “Sport, when practiced well, is medicine for both body and spirit,” Leo said in his remarks. “It integrates the different dimensions of the human person and directs them toward very […]
- [Vatican hosts Christians, Dharmic faiths to strengthen fraternity in Europe](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-hosts-christians-dharmic-faiths-to-strengthen-fraternity-in-europe): Representatives of Christianity and Dharmic religions present in Europe gathered in Rome this week to reflect on fraternity and promote interreligious dialogue and cooperation across the continent. The Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue organized the June 23–24 meeting at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, also known as the Angelicum, under the theme: “Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs in Europe: Building Fraternity through Dialogue and Collaboration.” According to a June 24 Vatican statement, “some prominent religious leaders, academics, scholars and representatives of Christianity and the Dharmic religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism)” took part in the conference. The […]
- [English edition of Pope Leo XIV's early writings set for release](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/english-edition-of-pope-leo-xivs-early-writings-set-for-release): The book “Freedom Under Grace,” which contains the popeʼs writings from his time as an Augustinian friar, will be released in September. Pope Leo XIV’s early writings as a friar and prior general of the Augustinians are set to be released in September 2026, the Vatican announced this week. According to Vatican News, the writings will be published in the volume Freedom Under Grace: Reflections on the Spiritual Tradition That Formed Me. The volume will include homilies, speeches, and letters from then-Father Robert Prevost. It was originally published in Italian on May 6 by the Vatican Publishing House under the title Liberi […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Writing is an act of humanity that leads to God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-writing-is-an-act-of-humanity-that-leads-to-god): The pope met with authors to mark the 100th anniversary of the Vatican Publishing House. Pope Leo XIV this week emphasized the importance of writing, describing it as a human expression of truth that ultimately leads to God. In an audience with a group of authors on June 24, Leo discussed the enduring value of literature amid rapid digitalization. In his remarks, he urged authors to inspire readers to seek truth through their work. The encounter between the pope and writers marked the 100th anniversary of the Vatican Publishing House, also known as Libreria Editrice Vaticana, shortened to LEV, in […]
- [Pope Leo XIV appoints new bishop of Ponce, Puerto Rico](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-appoints-new-bishop-of-ponce-puerto-rico): Father Geraldo Ramírez Torres was appointed the ninth bishop of Ponce on June 24. Pope Leo XIV on June 24 appointed Puerto Rican priest Father Geraldo Ramírez Torres as the new bishop of the Diocese of Ponce in the Caribbean territory. The pontiff also accepted the resignation of Bishop Rubén Antonio González Medina, C.M.F., who has led the diocese since 2015. According to a Vatican press release, Ramírez was born in Villalba, Puerto Rico, on Nov. 17, 1967. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Ponce on Nov. 19, 1991. His academic training included a bachelor’s degree in […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: The Eucharist is a powerful antidote to division](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-the-eucharist-is-a-powerful-antidote-to-division): At his Wednesday general audience, the pope continued his catechesis on Vatican II’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, reflecting on the mystery of the Eucharist. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV said Wednesday that the Eucharist is a “powerful antidote” to division in the world, calling on Catholics to “draw with faith from this source of divine life” and to allow themselves “to be transformed by the mystery we celebrate.” “Thus, by incorporating us into Christ, the Eucharist teaches us to adopt the very style of life of the Lord Jesus, which was marked by the free gift of Himself,” […]
- [Vatican promotes Peter’s Pence 2026 collection](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-promotes-peters-pence-2026-collection): The annual collection to support the popeʼs charitable activities takes place June 28, and donations can be made now online. As Pope Leo XIV carries out his global mission, the Vatican is calling on the faithful worldwide to support him through the traditional Peter’s Pence collection this Sunday, June 28, the day before the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.  No contribution is too small; every gift counts: It doesn’t matter whether you can offer a grain of sand or a mountain; what truly matters is participating and giving what is within your means, according to Peter’s Pence Office. To […]
- [SSPX issues declaration of faith to Pope Leo XIV and cardinals ahead of consistory](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/sspx-issues-declaration-of-faith-to-pope-leo-xiv-and-cardinals-ahead-of-consistory): The traditionalist society published an open letter to the Vatican on June 24, ahead of the extraordinary consistory of cardinals and their episcopal consecrations without papal approval. The traditionalist Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) issued an open letter and a declaration of faith to Pope Leo XIV and the College of Cardinals on June 24. Ahead of the extraordinary consistory of the cardinals at the Vatican on June 26-27 and the SSPX’s upcoming episcopal consecrations on July 1 without papal approval, the group issued the letter as well as the declaration reaffirming their attachment to Church tradition. “We are […]
- [Vatican publishes Pope Benedict XVI's private homilies in English](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-publishes-pope-benedict-xvis-private-homilies-in-english): The Vatican Publishing House released the English edition of “The Lord Holds Us by the Hand” on June 24. The Vatican has published, for the first time in English, a collection of Pope Benedict XVI’s private homilies from 2005-2017. According to Vatican News, the Vatican Publishing House has published “The Lord Holds Us By the Hand,” previously released in Italian in 2025 under the title “Il Signore Ci Tiene per Mano.” The book contains Benedict’s homilies delivered during private Masses both during his time as pope and after his resignation from the papacy in 2013. The volume includes homilies from […]
- [EU tells EWTN News that Pope Leo's AI vision mirrors Europe's own rules](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-ai-vision-europe-tech-rules): Brussels says the popeʼs encyclical Magnifica Humanitas echoes values already written into Europeʼs tech laws, even as Parliament moves to ease parts of the AI Act. The European Commission has told EWTN News that Pope Leo XIV’s call for AI to serve human dignity and the common good reflects principles already embedded in the EU’s approach to regulating technology, as lawmakers voted on Tuesday to postpone certain obligations under the bloc’s landmark AI Act. “We could not agree more with the vision of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and with the need for a robust legal framework for AI,” Thomas […]
- [‘Summer Christmas’: Why does the Church celebrate the birthday of St. John the Baptist?](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/st-john-the-baptist-birthday-summer-christmas): Because it falls exactly six months before the solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord, John the Baptist’s birthday is sometimes known as “Summer Christmas.” St. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, is one of only three people in history — after Jesus and Mary — whose birthday is celebrated in the Church’s liturgy. In fact, the Nativity of St. John the Baptist on June 24 is a solemnity, meaning it is the highest form of Catholic feast day. And because it falls exactly six months before the solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord, it is sometimes known […]
- [Vatican rejects German bishops’ request for lay homilies at Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-rejects-german-bishops-request-for-lay-homilies-at-mass): The Dicastery for Divine Worship said the homily is “intrinsically linked” to the proclamation of the Gospel and reserved to ordained ministers. VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has rejected a request by the German Bishops’ Conference to allow lay faithful, in exceptional circumstances, to preach the homily during the celebration of the Eucharist. The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments communicated the decision in a letter dated June 17 addressed to Bishop Heiner Wilmer, president of the German Bishops’ Conference. In the letter, released by the Vatican on June 23, the dicastery said it is “not […]
- [International Widows’ Day: How Jesus and St. Augustine show Church’s concern for widowed women](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/international-widows-day-how-jesus-and-st-augustine-show-churchs-concern-for-widowed-women): According to biblical texts and the tradition of the Catholic Church, widows have a place of privilege and special care in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Widows have a place of privilege and special care in the Judeo-Christian tradition, according to biblical texts. On International Widows’ Day, annually observed on June 23, the Church has the opportunity to honor these women who, throughout the ages, have meaningfully supported their families and communities after the loss of their spouses. Widows in Scripture In St. Lukeʼs Gospel, Jesus’ encounters with widows began in his infancy, when he was presented in the Temple of Jerusalem, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV to UN: To combat hunger, focus on humanity](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-to-un-to-combat-hunger-focus-on-humanity): The pontiff visited the headquarters of the U.N. World Food Programme in Rome on June 22. Pope Leo XIV called on the United Nations (U.N.) to prioritize people in combating world hunger and said feeding the hungry is an essential part of peacemaking. The pontiff visited the headquarters the World Food Programme (WFP) in Rome on Monday. In his remarks, Leo emphasized the seriousness of world hunger, explaining that it often fuels other social challenges, particularly migration. “More than merely a humanitarian concern, hunger erodes social cohesion, heightens the risk of conflict, and fuels forced migration,” Leo said. “In effect, […]
- [Pope Leo XIV warns no doctor should ever 'decide on the life of an embryo'](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-warns-no-doctor-should-ever-decide-on-the-life-of-an-embryo): His remarks were made during a Monday audience with the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation. Pope Leo XIV defended the dignity of human life at every stage and warned about the risks of a medicine subordinated to technical or utilitarian criteria at the Vatican on Monday. “No doctor should ever allow himself, on the basis of laboratory algorithms, to decide on the life of an embryo or of an elderly person,” the pope said June 22 during an audience with members of the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation. “Medicine must never become a servant of programmed death!” he emphasized. The foundation began its work […]
- [After meeting with pope, collaboration between Vatican, abuse victims takes ‘a step forward’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-abuse-victims-dialogue-step-forward): The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors held the first structured dialogue with Ending Clergy Abuse on June 15-16 in Rome. After a meeting at the Vatican in October last year, Pope Leo XIV and a network for victims of clergy sexual abuse and continue to build collaboration through conversations with the Vatican’s safeguarding commission. The pope “is interested in dialogue and in seeing what can be done in his new role. I think the fact that he received us was a sign of trust on his part, because in the past the relationship between survivors’ groups and the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Contemplation makes Christians credible witnesses](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-contemplation-makes-christians-credible-witnesses): At the Angelus, the pope urged the faithful to make room for silence before God and said “no one can turn a blind eye” to refugees seeking safety. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that contemplation is not reserved for saints, monks, or hermits but is a necessary part of Christian life that helps make believers credible witnesses to the Gospel. “We must not think that contemplation is an exclusive experience, reserved only for a few saints or for monks and hermits,” the pope said June 21 before leading the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square. Reflecting on […]
- [Special Olympics Swimmer Shows That Down Syndrome Is No Barrier to Greatness](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/special-olympics-swimmer-shows-that-down-syndrome-is-no-barrier-to-greatness): For more than five decades, the Special Olympics movement has transformed the lives of millions of people with intellectual disabilities through sport. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the organization has become a global force for inclusion, respect, and human dignity, helping athletes discover their talents and reach goals many once thought impossible. A Champion in the Pool and in Life Among these athletes is Italian swimmer Gabriele Di Bello, whose journey through the Special Olympics has become a powerful witness to perseverance, faith, and the limitless potential of every human person. Di Bello has been involved with Special […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Catholics and Jews must work together to fight antisemtism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/catholics-jews-antisemitism-pope-leo): The pontiff addressed representatives of the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York on June 15. Pope Leo XIV affirmed on June 15 the shared heritage of Jews and Catholics, emphasizing that they must be united against antisemitism and in serving those in need. In an address at the Vatican to representatives of the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York, the pontiff praised their organization as “an instrument of global Jewish philanthropy, providing essential humanitarian aid and social services to vulnerable populations.” He also drew parallels between their work and the Catholic Churchʼs commitment to human development. “These efforts reflect a […]
- [Pope receives Syro-Malankara delegation, calls for preservation of identity in diaspora](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-syro-malankara-church-identity): Pope Leo XIV addressed a delegation of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, encouraging them to preserve and promote “the inestimable treasures incarnated by all the Eastern Churches.” Pope Leo XIV received a delegation from the Syro-Malankara Church on June 15 on the occasion of its first convention for clergy and laity residing in Europe, urging them to preserve and promote their identity, particularly within the context of the diaspora in Europe and the United States. The origins of this Church lie in the Christian tradition of India, specifically in the state of Kerala, and trace back to the Christians evangelized by […]
- [Seminarians Take to the Soccer Field for Rome's St. Paul's Cup](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/seminarians-soccer-rome-st-pauls-cup): As Pope Leo XIV continues to highlight the values of sport as a path to fraternity, encounter, and human flourishing, nearly 100 seminarians and priests studying in Rome gathered for the third annual Coppa di San Paolo, or St. Paul’s Cup. Football and the Universal Language of Faith The seven-a-side football tournament, organized by the Pontifical Scottish College and the Pontifical Beda College, brought together participants from nine pontifical colleges representing countries from around the world. For a day, cassocks gave way to football kits as future priests took to the pitch in a celebration of friendship, vocation, and the […]
- [Pope Leo XIV Highlights Sport as a School of Fraternity, Peace, and Faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-sport-peace-fraternity-faith): Whether on the pitch, the court, or the road, sport offers lessons that extend far beyond competition. Since the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly praised the values that athletic life can foster, including solidarity, fraternity, discipline, mutual respect, and peace. Sport as a Team Sport for Life Even during lighter, off-script moments with the faithful, the Pope has returned to the theme. Speaking about his own experience with sport, Pope Leo joked that “everyone now knows” he plays tennis, before recalling that he also played American football when he was younger and later soccer with seminarians […]
- [Why Ferdinand Habsburg Prays the Rosary Before Every Race](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/ferdinand-habsburg-rosary-before-race): The Order of St. George of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine brings together faith, service, and Christian witness in a living community. Rooted in the legacy of Saint George, it was established in the 15th century as a military order to advocate the Christian faith and combat threats to Christendom.  To this day, it continues to highlight a spiritual life shaped by courage, charity, and fidelity to Christian values — but also speed!  Ferdinand Habsburg-Lothringen is a motor racing driver for the Alpine Endurance Team, and over the course of his career he has won several major titles, including the 24 […]
- [Pope Leo XIV honors Mother Cabrini as model for Church on migration](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-honors-mother-cabrini-as-model-for-church-on-migration): At the birthplace of the first U.S. citizen canonized as a Catholic saint, the Chicago-born pope said the Church is still challenged by migration today. SANT’ANGELO LODIGIANO, Italy — Pope Leo XIV paid tribute Saturday to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first U.S. citizen ever canonized as a Catholic saint, holding her up as a model for how the Church should respond to migrants today. Before returning to the Vatican after a daylong visit to the northern Italian city of Pavia, the pope traveled to Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, in the Diocese of Lodi, the birthplace of Cabrini, the Italian-born missionary who […]
- [Pope Leo XIV says care for creation is a requirement of faith](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-says-care-for-creation-is-a-requirement-of-faith): In a video message to the Austrian World Summit, the pope urged believers, wealthy nations, and religious communities to help build a “culture of care” for the environment. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV said those who believe God created the world are called to take on a greater responsibility for caring for creation, describing it as a requirement of faith. In a video message to participants in the 10th Austrian World Summit — an annual international event on climate, sustainability, and the environment taking place Tuesday at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna — the Holy Father recalled that “the […]
- [At St. Augustine’s tomb, Pope Leo XIV urges Pavia to honor every human life](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/at-st-augustines-tomb-pope-leo-xiv-urges-pavia-to-honor-every-human-life): In a visit to the northern Italian city, the Augustinian pope prayed before the relics of St. Augustine, called for civic peace and solidarity, and comforted young cancer patients and their families. PAVIA, Italy — Pope Leo XIV on Saturday visited the Basilica of St. Peter in Ciel d’Oro in Pavia, where the relics of St. Augustine are kept, in what amounted to a kind of homecoming for the Augustinian pope. The basilica, whose construction began in the eighth century, has housed the mortal remains of St. Augustine since around the year 722, when they arrived in Pavia from Cagliari. […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Synodality can help us avoid being another Tower of Babel](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-synodality-can-help-us-avoid-being-another-tower-of-babel): The pontiff addressed participants of the Borgo Dialogues at the Vatican on June 19. Pope Leo XIV on Friday highlighted the role of synodality in promoting the common good and avoiding new divisions. In his private audience with the participants of the Borgo Dialogues at the Vatican on June 19, Leo praised their work as a commitment to the “ecological, social, and economic transformation of the world.” He also described their work as grounded in the Church’s vision to promote global unity. “Your dialogues have been structured on the Catholic Church’s vision of synodality, listening from the ground up while […]
- [Vatican recognizes martyrdom of 20 priests killed during Spanish Civil War](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vatican-recognizes-martyrdom-of-20-priests-killed-during-spanish-civil-war): The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints recognized the martyrdom of Servant of God Juan Torres Torres and 19 companions from the Diocese of Ibiza in Spain who were killed out of hatred for the faith at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War in 1936. On June 18, the Vatican published the decree regarding these martyrs as well as the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Clara Andreu y Malferit (1596–1628), a nun at the Hieronymite monastery of San Bartolomé in Inca in Mallorca. The diocesan phase of the beatification process for these Spanish martyrs was opened in […]
- [Pope Leo XIV Warns Against SSPX Schism, Calls for Care of Creation and Truthful Journalism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-and-sspx-and-ecology-and-journalism): From preserving ecclesial unity and supporting grieving families to promoting environmental stewardship, responsible journalism, and interreligious cooperation. Pope Appeals for Unity with Society of St. Pius X Pope Leo XIV has cautioned that the Society of St. Pius X’s planned episcopal consecrations without papal approval could lead the traditionalist group further toward schism. Speaking to journalists outside Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father reiterated his desire for reconciliation and ecclesial unity. “We have invited them, and I am still considering making another appeal,” the Pope said, urging the group to remain in communion with the Church. The Society […]
- [Pope Leo XIV remembers Cardinal Ruini as a shepherd who guided the people of God](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-camillo-ruini-funeral-pope-leo): At the funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pontiff praised the late Italian cardinal’s humble service, trust in God, and commitment to truth. VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV presided Thursday over the funeral rites for Cardinal Camillo Ruini, remembering him as a servant of the Church who “knew how to guide the people of God.” The funeral liturgy took place June 18 at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica, two days after Ruini died late Tuesday, June 16. Several cardinals, archbishops, and bishops were present to bid farewell to one of the most prominent figures […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Failure to understand Eastern Christianity impoverishes the Church](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-eastern-catholic-churches): The pope addressed members of the Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches at the Vatican on June 18. Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the value of the Eastern Catholic Churches, warning that failing to understand them is harmful to the Church. In a private audience with members of the Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches on June 18, Leo highlighted the great gift of the Eastern Churches in communion with Rome. He also explained that these Churches offer Catholics a rich diversity, often unknown to the wider Church. “Yes, the Eastern Catholic Churches have a great […]
- [Pope Leo expected to visit 5 Peruvian cities in November, president says](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-peru-visit-five-cities): The president of Peru had a nearly two-hour private meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on June 18. VATICAN CITY — Peruvian President José María Balcázar said Pope Leo XIV has given him “permission” to confirm to reporters the pope’s intention to visit five cities in the country — Lima, Chiclayo, Piura, Pucallpa, and Cusco — during the first half of November. “He has confirmed to us that he will be in Peru in the first half of November. From Lima, he will go to Chiclayo, from Chiclayo to Piura, from Piura to Pucallpa, in the jungle, and […]
- [Pope Leo XIV declares American religious founder Mary Teresa Tallon venerable](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/mary-teresa-tallon-venerable-pope-leo): On June 18, the pope issued a decree recognizing the heroic virtue of the foundress of the Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate in New York, among several others. Pope Leo XIV has declared American religious sister Mary Teresa Tallon venerable. The pontiff signed a decree on Thursday recognizing the heroic virtue of the foundress of the Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate in New York. He also recognized the heroic virtue of several others, bringing them closer to sainthood. Just before signing the decree, he met with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. Mary Teresa […]
- [Pope Leo XIV urges universities to promote peace in a divided world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-universities-peace-divided-world): The pontiff met with the board of governors of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on June 18. Pope Leo XIV on Thursday highlighted the role of universities in an increasingly polarized world, describing them as “privileged places for dialogue.” During a private audience at the Vatican with the board of governors of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on June 18, Leo said the universities can be promoters of peace at a time “often characterized by violence and pointed rhetoric.” “While not always easy, universities must constantly work to ensure that opportunities for meaningful encounters remain available,” Leo said in his […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Spain is an example of unity despite differences](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-spain-unity-differences): The pontiff reflected on his recent apostolic journey to Spain during his general audience on June 17. Pope Leo XIV dedicated his general audience on June 17 to reflecting on his apostolic journey to Spain the previous week, during which he visited Madrid, Barcelona, ​​and the Canary Islands. In his remarks, the pope praised Spainʼs “very rich Catholic tradition” and highlighted the countryʼs “joyful expression of their faith” as well as the affection shown to him by the people. “In the case of Spain, I was able to observe with joy how much people of every age and situation were […]
- [Pope Leo XIV prays for parents who have suffered the loss of a baby](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prays-for-parents-who-have-suffered-the-loss-of-a-baby): Pope Leo XIV assured his prayers “for all parents who suffer the loss of a child, especially a baby,” on the occasion of the upcoming Day for Life, which will be celebrated in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland this coming Sunday, June 21. In a message signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope said he is praying that these parents “find consolation and peace in the knowledge of God’s love for them” and for the child they have lost. “This divine love gives meaning to the life of every person and, far from ending with death, […]
- [Cardinal Ruini, John Paul II’s chief strategist in Italy, dies at age 95](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/cardinal-ruini-john-paul-iis-chief-strategist-in-italy-dies-at-age-95): Architect of the Italian Church’s ‘cultural project,’ he led high‑stakes fights over life, family, and secularism while seeking to re‑anchor Catholic witness in national culture. Cardinal Camillo Ruini, a formidable strategist of the Church in Italy during the pontificate of St. John Paul II and a key architect of its post-Cold War engagement with politics and culture, died Tuesday in Rome. As head of Italy’s bishops’ conference and vicar of Rome during the 1990s and the 2000s, the cardinal often took strong and influential stances on social and moral issues, giving him a reputation for helping to shape ecclesiastical and […]
- [Speaking truth to power: When the pope addresses governments](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/papal-speeches-governments-life-war-migration): From Westminster Hall to the U.N., popes have been invited to address civic assemblies during their travels. How have they used these speeches to challenge leaders on life, economics, and migration?During his apostolic journey to Spain from June 6–12, Pope Leo XIV became the first pontiff in history to address the Spanish Parliament, using the occasion to urge the country’s political class to defend human dignity and protect life “from conception to its natural end.” The pontiff also joined the list of other pontiffs since St. Paul VI who have been invited to speak to government assemblies during their journeys. While it […]
- [Pope Leo XIV comforts elderly suffering from loneliness: God’s love ‘forgets no one’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-comforts-elderly-suffering-from-loneliness-gods-love-forgets-no-one): In 2026, the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus.The Vatican on Monday published Pope Leo XIV’s message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which this year will be celebrated on July 26 with the theme “I Will Never Forget You.” Reflecting on this theme, taken from a verse of the book of the prophet Isaiah, the Holy Father emphasized that “these are words that fill us with comfort and hope.” He recalled the “painful feeling of being forgotten,” something shared by […]
- [Pope Leo XIV defends journalism against the drug of ‘fake news’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-defends-journalism-against-the-drug-of-fake-news): In a message to Italian newspaper L’Adige, the pope urged journalists to resist “artificial polarizations” and serve as “instruments of truth.”VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV defended the importance of rigorous journalism against “the drug of fake news” and “artificial polarizations” in a message to the Italian newspaper L’Adige on the occasion of its 80th anniversary, celebrated Tuesday. In his message to the newspaper, the pope urged journalists to “safeguard voices and faces, cultivate seriousness in every report and every analysis, preserve the beauty of cultures and territories.” He also called on them to “strengthen communities in the truth that […]
- [Pope warns SSPX bishop ordinations risk deepening schism](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-warns-sspx-bishop-ordinations-risk-deepening-schism): The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) said it plans to consecrate four priests as bishops on July 1 without the permission of Pope Leo XIV. CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope Leo XIV cautioned that the planned ordination of Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) bishops could push the group toward schism, urging them again to stop and remain in communion with the Church. “We have invited them, and I am still considering making another appeal, to say: ‘Do not do this. Let us try to live communion in the Church.’ But it is their choice. They must understand what […]
- [Pope Leo XIV says evil crumbles when the Gospel is lived out](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-gospel-evil-crumbles-angelus): VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that when the Gospel is proclaimed and lived out, evil gives way before the power of the risen Christ. Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace for the June 14 Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, the pope reflected on the day’s Gospel from Matthew, saying it “brings us a great gift, for it draws all who hear it into Jesus’ gaze.” “It is a story that bears witness to the attentiveness of this gaze, as well as telling us what the Lord sees,” Pope Leo said, citing the passage in which […]
- [10 of the most powerful moments of Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Spain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-spain-moments-powerful-highlights): From packed squares and emotional encounters with the faithful to emphatic calls for peace, unity, and evangelization, Pope Leo XIVʼs recent visit to Spain offered no shortage of memorable moments. The Holy Father visited Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands from June 6–12. Throughout his journey, the pope connected with Catholics across the country while highlighting Spainʼs rich spiritual heritage and encouraging believers to renew their faith in an increasingly secular world. Here is a look at 10 of the most powerful moments from Pope Leoʼs visit to Spain: 1. Over a million Catholics join Pope Leo for Corpus Christi […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV finishes trip to Spain with Mass, meetings in Canary Islands](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-spain-photos-canary-islands): The Holy Father spent a week in Spain meeting with Catholic and civic leaders, visiting historic sites, and holding major papal Masses. Pope Leo XIV departed Spain for Rome on June 12, finishing a weeklong trip to the European country marked by meetings with national leaders and bishops and a historic Mass at the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia. The Holy Father spent time in Madrid and Barcelona before finishing his visit in the Canary Islands off the coast of Europe. Throughout his weekʼs trip he also met with civic groups, including those that minister to migrants, and visited a […]
- [Pope Leo XIV’s advice to priests: ‘Holiness cannot be lived in isolation’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-priests-holiness-fraternity): The World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests takes place every year on the solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.The journey toward holiness is fulfilled in union with Christ’s perfect heart — a holiness that cannot be lived in isolation, Pope Leo XIV said in a message for the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests. “Cherish your priestly fraternity: Seek one another, listen to one another, and support one another. The priest who isolates himself slowly fades away; the priest who walks alongside his brothers grows,” the pope said in the June 12 […]
- [The Miracle at the Heart of Every Mass](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/vaticano-the-miracle-at-the-heart-of-every-mass): As the Church continues to reflect on the celebrations of Corpus Christi held across the world last week, the feast’s central message remains unchanged: Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. The Eucharist: More Than a Symbol The annual solemnity, which brought thousands of faithful into the streets of Rome in Eucharistic processions and public acts of devotion, points Catholics back to the mystery celebrated at every Mass. While the external celebrations have concluded, the reality they honor continues daily on altars throughout the world. Father Michael Baggot, LC, invited professor of theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas […]
- [Pope Leo XIV's Historic Corpus Christi in Spain](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xivs-historic-corpus-christi-in-spain): Pope Leo XIV’s fourth Apostolic Journey abroad brought him to Spain from June 6-12, marking the first papal visit to the country since Pope Benedict XVI traveled to Madrid for World Youth Day in 2011. A Eucharistic Witness in the Heart of Madrid During the weeklong visit, the Holy Father traveled across Spain, visiting Madrid, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife, gathering with millions of faithful for prayer vigils, Masses, and personal encounters. One of the most significant moments of the journey came on June 7, when Pope Leo celebrated the Solemnity of Corpus Christi in Madrid. More than 1.2 million […]
- [The Tantum Ergo: How a Eucharistic Miracle Inspired One of the Church’s Most Beloved Hymns](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/the-tantum-ergo-how-a-eucharistic-miracle-inspired-one-of-the-churchs-most-beloved-hymns): Among the Church’s many chants and hymns, the Pange Lingua (Tantum Ergo) holds a special place in Catholic devotion to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Traditionally sung during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, when the Eucharist is exposed for adoration, the hymn gives voice to the Church’s wonder before a mystery that surpasses human understanding. Its final two stanzas, commonly known as the Tantum Ergo, continue to accompany Eucharistic adoration and benediction in churches throughout the world. The hymn is a prayer of adoration before the Holy Eucharist, a mystery so profound that it has stirred both […]
- [True Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/true-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus): Among the many devotions that have shaped Catholic spirituality, few have spread as widely as devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Rooted in Christ’s love for humanity and closely linked to the Eucharist, the devotion is now observed throughout the world, especially during the month of June. The Revelations That Sparked a Global Devotion Its origins, however, can be traced to a small town in eastern France: Paray-le-Monial. There, in the seventeenth century, Jesus appeared to a Visitation nun, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, revealing His Sacred Heart and inviting the Church to respond to His love. Father Étienne Kern, […]
- [Migrants in Tenerife tell Pope Leo XIV: We do not ask for privileges or compassion](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-migrants-tenerife-las-raices): At Las Raíces reception center in Spain’s Canary Islands, the pope heard testimonies from migrants who risked their lives crossing the Atlantic and urged a more humane response rooted in dignity.TENERIFE, Canary Islands — “No one leaves their land, their family, and their roots by choice when they can live in peace,” said Bousso Diouf, a woman from Senegal who spoke with the moral authority of someone who risked her life crossing the Atlantic in a wooden boat, knowing the journey could last a week or end adrift at sea. Diouf was among the migrants who greeted Pope Leo XIV […]
- [Pope Leo XIV Completes Gaudí's Vision, Encourages Monastic Silence, and Welcomes Young Peacebuilders](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-completes-gaudis-vision-and-encourages-monastic-silence): From Spain to the Vatican, this week brought significant moments in the ministry of Pope Leo XIV, including the completion of a century-old architectural vision, encounters with young leaders from conflict zones, and words of encouragement for Catholics facing hardship around the world. Pope Leo XIV Inaugurates the Tower of Jesus Christ in Barcelona One of the most historic moments of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey to Spain came in Barcelona, where he inaugurated and blessed the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Basilica of the Sagrada Família. The event marked the completion of a central element envisioned by the […]
- [We're Hiring: EWTN Global Services Management Intern](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/were-hiring-global-services-intern): EWTN Global Catholic Network Career Opportunity · Internship EWTN Global Services Management Internship 📍 Rome, Vatican Office 🏛 Fondazione EWTN NEWS ETS About the Role This internship offers the opportunity to contribute to the mission of EWTN — the world’s largest religious media outlet — developing hands-on skills in international relations, executive coordination, cross-cultural collaboration, and strategic communications, directly from our Vatican office in Rome. Duties & Responsibilities Support the coordination and continuous improvement of executive projects, schedules, meeting agendas, and related logistics. Facilitate effective workflows, meetings, processes, and events involving global staff. Help coordinate and monitor collaborative frameworks, ensuring […]
- [Pope Leo XIV tells human traffickers in Tenerife: ‘Stop. Repent’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-traffickers-tenerife-stop-repent): The pope urged migrants to embrace integration while warning traffickers that they “will have to appear before divine justice.” SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LA LAGUNA, Spain — For the first time during his apostolic journey to Spain, which concluded Friday, Pope Leo XIV raised his voice with unusual force. He did so in Tenerife, speaking against human traffickers: those who charge staggering sums to help migrants cross the ocean and those who enslave them mercilessly. “For every life lost, every family deceived, every body subjugated, every woman threatened, every worker exploited, you will have to appear before divine justice,” the pope said. “Break […]
- [PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV holds prayer vigil, visits prison, says Mass at historic basilica in Barcelona](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-barcelona-photos-vigil-prison-mass): The Holy Father will next visit the Canary Islands before wrapping up his seven-day visit to Spain. Pope Leo XIV continued his historic visit to Spain on June 10 with a whirlwind series of events in Barcelona including a visit to a penitentiary and Mass at the famed Sagrada Familia Basilica.  The Holy Father will now depart mainland Europe and visit the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain, finishing his trip on June 12 before returning to Rome.  Here is a look at what Pope Leo XIV has been up to in Barcelona:  Pope Leo XIV blesses ambulances near […]
- [Pope tells Catholics to pray for those who ‘have lost their lives at sea’ in Canary Islands visit](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-canary-islands-migrants-sea): Referring to the sea surrounding the island, he said it represents the difficulties of life, quoting St. Augustine: “No one is able to cross the sea of this world unless borne by the cross of Christ.” On the first day of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — the final stage of his trip to Spain before traveling to Tenerife and returning to Rome on Friday — several deeply moving scenes unfolded. At the dock of Arguineguín, which six years ago became known as the “dock of shame” due to the abandonment there of thousands of […]
- [With the World Cup, Pope Leo XIV shares an important lesson from soccer](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/with-the-world-cup-pope-leo-xiv-shares-an-important-lesson-from-soccer): Soccer, Pope Leo said, “helps us remember something very important: that life is not a race to be run in solitude; it is something played as a team, and we must learn to run together.” With the FIFA World Cup having begun on Thursday, during his apostolic visit to Spain Pope Leo XIV shared a reflection regarding soccer, highlighting the importance of learning teamwork as a lesson for life. “Soccer also helps us remember something very important: that life is not a race to be run in solitude; it is something played as a team, and we must learn to […]
- [Pope Leo XIV calls for ‘examination of conscience’ on migrants at Canary Islands port](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-examination-of-conscience-on-migrants-at-canary-islands-port): ARGUINEGUÍN, Canary Islands — Pope Leo XIV on Thursday called for an “examination of conscience” on migration during a visit to the port of Arguineguín in Spain’s Canary Islands, a site that became a symbol of the collapse of migration management in 2020. The small fishing port on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria was once dubbed the “dock of shame” after more than 2,600 migrants were left crowded outdoors there for weeks six years ago, many sleeping on rough concrete after crossing the Atlantic in fragile boats from Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Morocco, and parts of the Sahara. On June […]
- [Pope Leo XIV prayed with this young man’s rosary in Barcelona — and gave it back](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-prayed-with-this-young-mans-rosary-in-barcelona-and-gave-it-back): “We went without expecting anything, and we came back with the greatest gift we could have received,” Sergi told EWTN News. Sergi, a young Catalan man, was surprised by an encounter with Pope Leo XIV in Spain on June 10 he will never forget. During the pope’s visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat, an abbey northwest of Barcelona, Sergi handed Leo his rosary. The pontiff slipped it into his pocket before using it minutes later to pray. Unexpectedly, the story did not end there — after the event, Sergi managed to recover his prized sacramental, now prayed […]
- [A century later, Pope Leo XIV fulfills Gaudí’s dream](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-gaudi-dream-sagrada-familia): The Sagrada Familia Basilicaʼs spectacular central spire is crowned by a white cross that makes it the tallest church in the world. One of the historic milestones of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Spain was the opportunity to realize Antoni Gaudí’s dream: the inauguration and blessing of the Tower of Jesus Christ, coinciding exactly with the centenary of the great architect’s death. “God’s architect” died leaving behind a vast legacy of art and devotion visible throughout Barcelona — like an open-air Gospel sculpted in stone. The spectacular central spire — crowned by a white cross that makes the basilica the […]
- [‘I’m still on cloud nine,’ says pilot who shared cockpit with Pope Leo XIV](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-pilot-cloud-nine-flight): Ángeles Hernández had the experience of a lifetime as she served as the co-pilot on the flight taking Pope Leo XIV from Madrid to Barcelona.Since the time Ángeles Hernández discovered her calling to become a pilot after boarding a Boeing 747 as a child bound for a visit to England, she never imagined that, decades later, she would sit in the cockpit of an Iberia airplane flying the successor of St. Peter from Madrid to Barcelona. During takeoff, the pope was invited to the cockpit, where they shared an exchange she said she will never forget.  “I think I’m still […]
- [Peruvian boy whose family struggles to make ends meet asks pope why bad things happen](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-suffering-barcelona-renzo): In Barcelona’s Raval — a lively neighborhood where more than half the population is of migrant origin — joy palpably filled the streets on Wednesday. Before celebrating Mass on June 10 at Barcelonaʼs iconic Sagrada Familia Basilica, Pope Leo XIV brought his affection to this community in one of the cityʼs most disadvantaged yet vibrant areas, demonstrating that the pope has not come to just admire churches but to touch human suffering. In this neighborhood, St. Augustine Church houses — within the premises of a former convent — a soup kitchen run by the Missionaries of Charity and the Mano […]
- [Pope Leo XIV: Fragility in old age can teach our efficiency-obsessed world](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-elderly-fragility-efficiency): The pontiff, who is traveling in Spain, sent a letter to be read at a Vatican symposium on the elderly. Pope Leo XIV has called for greater respect for the elderly, affirming that their fragility still has much to teach humanity today. In a letter sent via the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to the participants of the June 10 symposium in Rome titled “A Bridge Toward Heaven,” the pontiff expressed his hope that their efforts would encourage “renewed attitudes of respect, gratitude, and esteem toward the elderly.” Leo also criticized the modern tendency to equate strength with mere […]
- [Pope Leo entrusts his pontificate to Our Lady of Montserrat: May she ‘guide us to Jesus’](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-entrusts-his-pontificate-to-our-lady-of-montserrat-may-she-guide-us-to-jesus): After visiting a prison, Pope Leo headed to the Abbey of Montserrat northwest of Barcelona and nestled among towering rock formations that resemble sculpted figures of animals or objects. MONTSERRAT, Spain — The rugged silhouette of the Montserrat mountain range was one of the first symbols of Catalonia that Pope Leo XIV saw from above as his plane brought him to Barcelona from Madrid on June 9. The following day, the pope traveled by car to the mountainous area of Montserrat — whose name in Catalan means “serrated mountain” — home to a Benedictine abbey, which rises to a height […]
- [Pope Leo XIV honors Our Lady of Almudena with Golden Rose, reflects on Spain’s Christian heritage](https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-honors-our-lady-of-almudena-with-golden-rose-reflects-on-spains-christian-heritage): The origin of the gifting of a golden rose is unknown, but it is considered one of the oldest papal traditions dating back to 1096. For more than a thousand years, generations of Catholics in Madrid have turned to Our Lady of Almudena in times of celebration, hardship, and prayer. On June 8, that enduring devotion received one of the Church’s highest marks of recognition when Pope Leo XIV bestowed a Golden Rose upon the historic statue. “As a symbol of the pope’s filial love for the Virgin Mary, I will place a Golden Rose at her feet,” Leo said during […]

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