International

Pope Francis meets in Kinshasa with survivors from the war-torn eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and condemns acts of violence after listening to their harrowing testimonies.

Pope Francis’ meeting with the survivors of violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday was deeply touching. The Holy Father was clearly moved as he listened to the stories of those marked by extreme violence, pain and evil that knows no reason.

Pope Francis concludes the second day of his Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo by meeting representatives from several charities in Kinshasa, and thanks them for their precious work for the most vulnerable.

As Pope Francis continues with his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Vatican News speaks to an expert on the Zaire Rite, the liturgy developed specifically for use in that country.

On the second day of his Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pope Francis celebrates Mass for more than a million people at the "Ndolo" airport in Kinshasa, and urges them to lay down their arms, embrace mercy, and be missionaries of peace.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, “the laity have always understood that the Church and the nation are everybody’s business.”

The vicariate of Arabia is a "melting-pot," a region made up of "different realities" in which the challenge is to ensure "the unity of the Church" and, at the same time, to enhance "the beauty of this diversity" that constitutes "a grace." 

Meeting with civil authorities on the first day of his Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pope Francis addresses the most pressing issues affecting the African nation, including ongoing conflict and economic colonialism, and urges the Congolese people to reject violence.

Our Editorial Director says Pope Francis’ first address in the Democratic Republic of Congo was a wake-up call for foreign powers to cease exploiting the lands and peoples of the African continent.

Pope Francis arrives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, beginning his 40th Apostolic Journey abroad and his fifth Journey to Africa.

Pope Francis prays for migrants who have died while seeking to cross the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea, as he greets journalists aboard the papal plane en route to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, Apostolic Nuncio to the Democratic Republic of Congo, shares his thoughts on Pope Francis' Apostolic Journey to the Central African nation, saying the Church seeks to remain close to the plight of the Congolese people.

Posters, gadgets and 'Bienvenue Pape François' flags line the streets of Kinshasa as the Democratic Republic of Congo awaits the arrivale of Pope Francis in a few hours, as he begins his 40th Apostolic Journey abroad.

Pope Francis sets off on his 40th Apostolic Journey abroad to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan for an ecumenical pilgrimage centred on peace and reconciliation, marking his 5th Apostolic Journey to Africa.

In an interview with Vatican Radio, the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Cardinal Mario Grech, explains the role of the Bishops in the synodal process, and why it is important to highlight that role at this stage in the synodal process.

In a letter addressed to all the diocesan and eparchial bishops throughout the world, the General Secretary and the General Relator of the Synod offer considerations on the role of Bishops in the synodal process.

Pope Francis addresses the Sovereign Order of Malta at the conclusion of their General Chapter and encourages them to go forth in their mission after the election of new High Offices, whilst remaining always faithful to Christ.

Pope Francis visits the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, where he entrusts his upcoming journey to DRC and South Sudan to Our Lady.

Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of February, in which he asks parishes to be generous and open communities close to all.

Pope Francis invites Christians to pray for his upcoming Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, saying the African nations have suffered greatly from lengthy conflicts.

Sr Leticia Salazar, Chancellor of the Diocese of San Bernardino in the US state of California, says the ongoing Synodal process she has participated in has “transformed” her.

At the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis reflects on the first Beatitude and says that being “poor in spirit” requires us to welcome everything as God’s gift and strive against society’s throwaway mentality.

Pope Francis joins thousands of young people in St. Peter’s Square in an appeal for peace in our world, especially in war-torn Ukraine.

On his 40th Apostolic Voyage, Pope Francis will travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, from 31 January 31 to 3 February.

The Economy of Francesco organizes second mobilization for Iranian and Afghani women’s rights.

Pope Francis greets a group of 70 Spanish priests involved in youth ministry in the Diocese Barcelona, and urges them not to pursue worldly satisfaction but fraternity in their ministry.

Pope Francis pens a letter to Jesuit Fr. James Martin explaining his recent comments in an interview with AP that “being homosexual is not a crime”, saying he was referring to Catholic doctrine that teaches that every sexual act outside of marriage is a sin.

In an interview with Vatican Media, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin shares his hopes that Pope Francis' upcoming Apostolic Visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan will help promote an end to the violence that wounds both nations, saying the Pope's presence "could mark a turning point in the often tragic events in these countries."

As the Church marks the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jonathan Montaldo offers his thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings under the theme: “Jesus of Nazareth’s poverty of spirit is our blessing”.

Fr. Jim Greene, Executive Director of Solidarity with South Sudan, describes the country’s hopes for Pope Francis’ upcoming Apostolic Journey and the situation on the ground in the North AFr.ican nation.