International

A rosary in the Vatican for ‘peace for all the children in the world'

At the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens, 1,300 people—700 of whom are children—join Pope Leo in praying the Rosary in five languages, offering up the Marian prayer for an end to violence around the world.

Pope: Ecological challenge of our time is more urgent than ever

In a meeting with the Hera Group, an Italian multiutility group that manages environmental services in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV reiterates the importance of creating a “culture of care” to counter the “throwaway culture” that permeates our world and its resources.

A Million Children Praying with the Pope is 'a dream come true’

Aid to the Church in Need Executive President Regina Lynch says the “Million Children Praying the Rosary” initiative hopes to promote prayer in families.

Relic of Holy Crib to be placed closer to the faithful

The relics of the Holy Crib – the manger in which the Baby Jesus was laid at His birth – will be moved closer to the faithful to accommodate the restoration of the niche and reliquary where they are normally kept in the Confessio of Saint Mary Major.

“More Than a Thousand Words”: L’Osservatore Romano in images at Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums opens an exhibit at the Vatican Art Gallery to share the artistic and photographic work of the L'Osservatore Romano and the artists that have characterized the newspaper since its graphic redesign in 2020.

Cardinal Ouellet presents International Symposium on Vocations and Charisms

Cardinal Marc Ouellet illustrates the International Symposium “Vocations and Charisms: The Theology of God’s Gifts for a Synodal and Missionary Church,” which will take place in the Vatican’s New Synod Hall on April 15–17, 2027.

Pope to contemplative nuns: The importance of silence in a world marked by speed

Pope Leo XIV meets with the International Commission of Dominican Contemplative Nuns at the Vatican and encourages them to strengthen the value of silence in cloistered life as it creates “spaces of freedom and truth.'

Final report of Synod's canon law commission published

The canon law commission's final report proposes amendments to the Code of Canon Law of the Latin Church, based on the work carried out by the two General Assemblies of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023 and October 2024.

Cardinal Aveline: French Church will have to “water the seeds” of Pope’s visit

The Archbishop of Marseille and president of the French Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, reflects on Pope Leo’s four days in France.

Pope at Audience remembers Polish martyrs

During his General Audience, Pope Leo XIV recalled the Polish martyrs of Pratulin in the Podlasie region: Blessed Wincenty Lewoniuk and his 12 Companions. The Greek Catholics were killed by soldiers of the Russian Empire in the 19th century after refusing to abandon their faith. Their witness shows steadfast fidelity to the Catholic Church and communion with the Successor of Peter.

Pope at Audience: Apostolic Journey to France was 'sign of rebirth'

During his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV recalls various highlights from his recent Apostolic Journey to France from September 25 to 28, and points to the theme of rebirth as a guiding thread.

Sr. Nathalie Becquart: Pope Leo’s Visit to France, a 'moment of grace'

In an interview with Vatican News as Pope Leo's Apostolic Journey to France draws to an end, Sister Nathalie Becquart, Undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, reflects on the Pope’s journey, its impact, and his message of peace and reconciliation in Metz.

‘Paying attention in age of clickbait’ – 2027 World Communications Day theme

The Vatican Dicastery for Communication releases the theme for the 2027 World Communications Day, which is “A New Gaze: Paying Attention in the Age of Clickbait.”

French priest: 'Many are deeply searching; we must serve this faith'

While a secular society and declining numbers in the Church in France are a reality, a visit to the Parish of Notre Dame of the Assumption in Metz at Sunday evening Mass, full of young people and all pews taken, is an example of young people's longing for meaning, according to Fr. Emmanuel Ecker.

Malawi: 125 years of faith, rooted in Christ, serving justice

Malawi has just celebrated 125 years since the Gospel first arrived. Years of faith have built schools, hospitals, and consciences, and it is still growing stronger. The Catholic Lawyers Association of Malawi (CLAM) recently organised what was dubbed a ‘Red Mass’ celebration in gratitude to God for his graces all these years.

Pope: Wars are senseless; Russia and Ukraine should sit down to talk

Speaking to journalists on the flight from Metz to Rome at the end of his Apostolic Journey to France, Pope Leo XIV discusses conflicts and the economic interests that sustain them, saying the Church “continues to raise her voice in proclaiming the Gospel. A few are growing rich from the arms industry; these billions could be used to solve problems such as world hunger.”

Pope Leo XIV bids farewell to France

Pope Leo XIV departs from France's northeastern city of Metz, bringing his fifth Apostolic Journey abroad to an end.

Pope: The future of Europe is not found in uniformity but in the harmony of differences

At the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Metz, Pope Leo celebrates Mass to close out his time in the city on the last day of his Apostolic Journey to France. In his homily, he stresses that choosing forgiveness and mercy over revenge and violence is not a path of weakness, but rather one of strength.

Creative efforts for negotiation and the illusion of rearmament

Our Editorial Director reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s call for Christians to pray the Rosary for peace and his invitation to “sacrifice certain positions for the greater good.”

American Cardinal McElroy explores a Church for the Digital Age

The Cardinal Archbishop of Washington, D.C. calls for human dignity to guide the development of artificial intelligence and the treatment of migrants and refugees, urging solidarity and moral responsibility rooted in Catholic social teaching.

Kenya: Church urges protection for refugee and migrant minors

On World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the Catholic Church in Kenya has called for renewed commitment to the dignity, protection and rights of refugees, migrants and displaced children, urging society to see every child not as a statistic but as a person deserving care, safety and opportunities to thrive.

‘I think Pope Leo truly cares about young Catholics’

As Metz welcomes Pope Leo XIV, a young Catholic professional who lives and works in the eastern French city tells Vatican News that Pope Leo is especially appreciated for 'truly caring for young Catholics,' and for his commitment to peace in Europe and throughout the world.