Category: vaticannews

The Israeli Defence Forces are preparing an extensive operation in the West Bank following a deadly incident near the Palestinian village of Tal. Read all  

200,000 people have been displaced in France while around 70,000 in Spain, as firefighters struggle to contain fires spreading through the two countries. Western Europe has seen exceptionally high temperatures this summer, making it harder to contain fires. Read all  

Churches across Italy take up a nationwide collection on Sunday, 26 July, to support victims of Venezuela’s devastating earthquakes, as humanitarian needs continue to grow. Read all  

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Christophe-Zakhia El-Kassis as the Holy See’s new Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York, where he will represent the Holy See at the UN headquarters. Read all  

Pope Leo invites Bishops gathered in Jakarta, Indonesia, for the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences to be an ever greater sign of God’s presence in their various countries, as they discuss the important issues affecting the life and future of the Catholic Church in Asia. Read all  

Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, looks at the key role local churches play in carrying forward the synodal journey as he addresses participants at the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) in Jakarta, Indonesia. Read all  

In an interview with Vatican Media, Cardinal Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, Secretary General of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, reflects on the fruits of the FABC Plenary Assembly, highlighting faith, the protection of human dignity, and an urgent pastoral response to migration as shared priorities for the Church across Asia. Read all  

On Thursday afternoon delegates to the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) present the results of their table discussions and agree that the Church in the continent is called to be a bridge builder and renew its missionary vocation in the face of the world’s challenges. Read all  

Kenya’s Bishop of Embu Diocese and Vice Chair of the Commission for Youth at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Peter Kemani, says young people in the AMECEA region are seeking answers, inclusion, involvement and want to participate as serious collaborators, including in the Church’s leadership structures. Read all  

Ten years ago, on 26 July 2016, Father Jacques Hamel, pastor of the parish of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray in northern France, was murdered while celebrating Mass. Two terrorists who had pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State slit his throat. One member of the congregation who was attending Mass was also seriously injured. Read all  

In a telegram marking the Italian President’s 85th birthday, Pope Leo XIV assures Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, of his prayers and entrusts him to the protection of the country’s patron saints, Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Siena. Read all  

Intensifying attacks by the Israeli military have killed and injured dozens of Palestinians in the last week. ​ Read all  

One month after devastating earthquakes struck northern and central Venezuela, the country’s bishops call for a reconstruction process free from negligence, corruption and political interests, while urging solidarity with survivors and thanking rescuers, volunteers and Pope Leo XIV for their closeness. Read all  

At the end of his six-day mission to Ukraine, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher reflects on the resilience of a people “willing to suffer for freedom and peace.” Speaking to Vatican Media, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States recalls those who have “lost everything,” reiterates the Holy See’s commitment to humanitarian efforts and peace, … Continue reading “Archbishop Gallagher: Ukraine’s people inspire hope amid suffering”

Amnesty International Regional Office for West and Central Africa has urged Ghanaian authorities to sign the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill into law, passed in July 2023. In a statement, Amnesty International Regional Manager Elise Cannuel said the Bill was a significant step towards protecting victims of witchcraft accusations. Six years ago, on 23 July 2020, 90-year-old … Continue reading “Ghana: Amnesty International urges authorities to pass the Anti-Witchcraft Accusations Bill”

A month after the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, humanitarian efforts continue to address urgent needs while supporting long-term recovery in the country. The Missionary Daughters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (MHSFN), in collaboration with CADIS International, are restoring access to education by reopening their school to serve both existing and displaced students. Read all … Continue reading “Sisters to reopen doors to learning after Venezuela’s earthquakes”

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report, prepared by five UN agencies, reveals that nearly eight percent of the world’s population experienced hunger last year, and that while there have been documented improvements, that the phenomenon still affects nearly 650 million individuals across the globe. Read all  

On the sidelines of a book presentation, the Cardinal Secretary of State expresses hope for a return to negotiations and dialogue with Iran, “for the good of the country and of the world,” as well as in Gaza. He also reaffirms the importance of the Church’s persistent message of peace, and its role to overcome … Continue reading “Cardinal Parolin urges renewed Iran talks as Ukraine peace remains elusive”

More than fifty years after the end of the Secret War, millions of un-exploded ordinances (UXO) still threaten daily life across Laos. In interviews with Vatican Media, Yeng-Chang Cheung-Wu of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and Craig Guwuriro of HALO Trust explain how clearance operations and risk education are helping communities reclaim their land and … Continue reading “Laos, the most heavily bombed country in the world”

Appointed by the Pope on 15 June after his candidacy was approved under the terms of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, Bishop Joseph Chang Yanfeng had served in various roles within the diocese and, since 2021, as its diocesan administrator. Read all