News

Archbishop Gallagher: Vatican diplomacy has served peace for centuries

In Cape Verde for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Holy See, Archbishop Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, delivers a speech in which he explores the working methods of papal diplomacy.

Holy See: Wars and extreme climate events have lethal impact on food systems

The Holy See laments the impact of war, recessions, climate events, and political instability on the world’s agrifood systems, calling for local food systems to keep human dignity at their center.

From a refugee camp to the World Taekwondo Grand Prix

The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation is giving 8 young athletes the opportunity to participate in the 2026 World Taekwondo Grand Prix in Rome this June, as well as the chance to meet Pope Leo XIV.

Bahrain: Celebrations mark 800 years from death of St Francis

A series of initiatives will be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain to commemorate the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi9;s death. A statement from the Embassy of Italy in Manama, in collaboration with 'This is Bahrain', reveals the intention to underscore “a commitment to dialogue, coexistence, and respect for diversity.”

Suspect arrested over attack on French nun in Jerusalem

Israeli police announce they have arrested a 36-year-old suspect for allegedly attacking a French-born religious sister, who works as a researcher at the French School of Biblical and Archaeological Research in Jerusalem.

Cameroonians hope Pope’s visit will 'bring healing' to a divided country

Ahead of Pope Leo XIV9;s arrival, Cameroonians tell Vatican News that his Apostolic Journey to the African nation could inspire diverse groups to “live together, work together, and get along.'

Cameroon: Separatists announce pause of hostilities for Pope's visit

A statement from Unity Alliance, which brings Anglophone Cameroonian separatist groups together, announces a period of halted fighting ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the conflict-torn region.

Pope: The threat against the entire Iranian people is unacceptable

Addressing journalists in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV asks 'all people of goodwill to always search for peace and to reject war,' calls for a return to the negotiating table to pursue peaceful solutions, and notes that attacks on civilian infrastructure are against international law.

President of American Bishops urges Trump to step back from brink

The President of the US Bishops9; Conference appeals to President Donald Trump to avoid going through with his threat to “destroy the whole Iranian civilization' if Tehran does not agree to re-open the Strait of Hormuz.

Pope appeals to Trump and world leaders: Find solutions to end war

In remarks to journalists, Pope Leo XIV calls on world leaders to “come back to the table” and solve their problems through dialogue.

Cardinal Parolin meets Israel’s ambassador, expresses regret over Holy Sepulchre incident

A meeting took place on Monday between the Holy See9;s Secretary of State, accompanied by the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Gallagher, and Israeli Ambassador Yaron Sideman. During the meeting clarifications were offered regarding the “unfortunate incident” that occurred yesterday, Palm Sunday, when Israeli police prevented Patriarch Pizzaballa and Custos Fr. Ielpo from entering the Holy Sepulchre.

Jerusalem: Easter celebrations ensured at Holy Sepulchre

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land say an agreement has been reached with Israeli authorities to ensure the celebration of Easter celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Restrictions linked to the ongoing conflict, however, remain in place, and liturgies will be streamed for the faithful around the world.

Israeli police stop Latin Patriarch from entering Church of Holy Sepulchre

In a joint press release, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land report they were blocked from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem by Israeli police, calling it 'a manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure.'

Sport and solidarity at the heart of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation

Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Monaco, the CEO of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation reflects on its significance and shared values. She highlights the Foundation’s global mission to prevent drowning and promote human development through sport and education.

Holy See calls for halt to escalating violence in the Middle East

Addressing the UN in Geneva, Archbishop Balestrero stresses the impact on civilians and refugees, urging an immediate halt to violence.

Holy See urges renewed commitment to human dignity in fight against racism

Addressing a UN meeting, the Holy See condemns racism, warns of emerging digital biases, and calls for policies grounded in the equal dignity of every person.

Pope: Authorities must pursue ceasefire and peace through dialogue

Pope Leo XIV issues a brief statement to journalists in Castel Gandolfo, renewing his appeal to “work for peace, not with weapons,” and denouncing the rise in hatred, violence, and death.

Cardinal Gugerotti: Give to avoid being complicit with those who set world ablaze

The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches explains what the Good Friday Collection means in today’s context of war: “For those who have lost everything in those lands, it is a matter of survival. As Christians, it is our duty to restore hope.”

Holy See: Dismantle the barriers that prevent women from accessing justice

The Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations issues a statement calling to ensure access to justice for women and girls across the world by addressing structural barriers and tackling discrimination.

Cardinal Pizzaballa: Abusing God’s name for war is the gravest sin

Speaking against the backdrop of continuing conflict, death, displacement, and division, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem expresses his belief that truth must continue to be told about the ongoing war in the Middle East and that “God is with those who die in war, not with those who abuse his name.”

Holy See on Islamophobia: Freedom of belief is not optional

The Permanent Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations issues a statement warning that when the fundamental freedom of belief is denied, “trust gives way to fear, suspicion replaces dialogue, and oppression breeds violence.”

Franciscan Brother in Lebanon: God does not give permission to kill

Brother Tony Choukri, Guardian of the Franciscan Monastery of St. Joseph in Beirut, tells Vatican News about life under war and calls for peace, emphasising that “human beings are not an object, and death is neither a path nor a tool to change strategies, demography, or borders.”

Women in the Church: 'We have a particular role to play'

The Australian and British Embassies to the Holy See host an event dedicated to bringing women students from around the world together to encourage them on their paths as leaders in the Church and in society.

Vietnamese nuns serve leprosy affected victims, in faith and charity

As Hansen9;s disease continues to afflict thousands of people in Vietnam, religious sisters offer remarkable examples of hidden compassion and resilience.

Order of Malta Lebanon responds to renewed displacement crisis

Israeli strikes against Lebanon have forced over 500,000 people from their homes, compounding an already severe humanitarian crisis. The Order of Malta Lebanon is mobilising nationwide to provide medical care, shelter assistance, and psychosocial support to displaced families facing deep uncertainty and distress.

Cardinal Cupich issues “A Call to Conscience” on portrayal of war

The Archbishop of Chicago issues a 'Call to Conscience' as the tragedy of war is being treated and portrayed as a video game. He warns that the longer we remain blind to the terrible consequences of war, 'the more we risk losing the most precious gift God gave us: our humanity.'

Patriarch Sako: ‘War is not the solution’

As Iran strikes targets across Iraq in retaliation for Israeli-American airstrikes, the Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad tells Vatican News of his deep concern over the risk of a wider regional war, and calls on Iraq’s religious leaders to speak out for peace.

Holy See: Women must be at the heart of the digital transformation of the Americas

The Holy See asks that the digital transformation of the Americas place women and human dignity at its centre. Speaking at the Organization of American States during a session marking International Women’s Day, permanent observer Monsignor Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano also recalls Pope Leo XIV’s warning that women who face violence and exclusion are often “doubly poor.”

Bishop Berardi appeals to Christians and Muslims to unite in prayer for peace

The Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia calls on believers of all faiths to pray “so that the roar of missiles may cease” and that the people of the Middle East may live in communion, highlighting the spiritual context in which the conflict has erupted.

Cardinal David: When war is played like a video game

The Vice President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences reflects on the growing conflict in the Middle East, warning that digital warfare can make violence appear distant from the human suffering it causes.