News

Within Your Gates, Jerusalem

“Within Your Gates: The Forum for the Universal Vocation of Jerusalem” is born, a new interdisciplinary forum promoted by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and developed in collaboration with the academic center of the University of Notre Dame.

Scholas Chairs Congress: AI must liberate, not enslave

The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue participated in the meeting in Indonesia organized by Scholas Occurrentes and United in Diversity. In addition to commemorating the second anniversary of Pope Francis’s apostolic journey to Southeast Asia and the signing of the Istiqlal Interreligious Declaration, the event reflected on themes from the encyclical “Magnifica humanitas” and the “sensible” use of technology.

The Polish harvest tradition mentioned by Pope Leo

A look at Poland’s traditional harvest thanksgiving celebrations, known as “dożynki', which Pope Leo reflected on at the General Audience.

‘Within Your Gates’ forum explores Jerusalem’s vocation to reconciliation and peace

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem launches “Within Your Gates,” an interdisciplinary initiative bringing together scholars and practitioners from different faith traditions and disciplines to reflect on the Holy City’s universal mission.

Catholics, Copts, Muslims: Latin Bishop of Alexandria on Christianity in Egypt

The Latin Apostolic Vicar of Alexandria speaks to Vatican News about the Catholic Church in Egypt, its relations with the Coptic Orthodox and Muslim communities, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Canadian Bishop: When does state neutrality threaten one’s religious freedom?

Following new instructions barring military chaplains from referencing God in certain contexts, Bishop Scott McCaig speaks to Vatican News about the dangerous precedence this policy can set, the road that led to these instructions, an inter-faith committee dedicated to confronting this policy, and the hope that Canadian Catholics have.

Bishop Daibes: International pressure needed to protect Palestinians in the Holy Land

Bishop Jamal Daibes, Bishop of Djibouti and Apostolic Administrator of Somalia, shines the spotlight on the region and calls for international and diplomatic pressure to protect Palestinians in the Holy Land and enable them to remain in their homeland with dignity, freedom and security.

Archbishop Gallagher in Moscow: The war must end

During a bilateral meeting in Moscow, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, and Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, discuss areas of convergence on international issues and address matters concerning the Catholic community in Russia and humanitarian initiatives aimed at beginning a path toward peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Nominations open for 2027 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity

Nominations for the 2027 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity remain open until October 1, 2026, to honour individuals and organizations working to promote peaceful coexistence among peoples.

Why Pope Leo's visit to Spain’s Parliament was historic

Two days ago, Pope Leo XIV made an important stop at the Spanish Parliament at the Congress of Deputies, during his time in Madrid. Prof. Emilio Sáenz Francés, historian and professor of International Relations at Comillas Pontifical University, spoke to Vatican News afterwards about the significance of his speech.

Holy See and Italy renewable energy agreement enters into force

After the initial signing in July 2025, the agreement between the Holy See and Italy to build an agrivoltaic plant in the Vatican’s Santa Maria di Galeria area enters into force. The project aims to provide the Vatican City State with renewable energy.

Holy See calls for moral commitment to protect civilians in conflict

The Holy See highlights the urgent need to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilians, noting increased attacks on religious sites and healthcare workers. Addressing the UN Security Council, it also raises ethical concerns over emerging wartime technologies and calls for peace built on dialogue.

Nigeria: Wukari Diocese facing violence, devastation and humanitarian crisis calls for action

The Catholic Diocese of Wukari has expressed alarm amid a severe humanitarian crisis in southern Taraba State, Nigeria. Recent violence has claimed more than 100 lives, displaced over 98,000 residents, and destroyed 217 churches within the relatively new diocese. Church leaders report that the attacks, predominantly targeting Christian farming communities, persist despite repeated appeals for urgent government action...

From Gaza to Rome: Students begin new chapter at Sapienza University

A group of Palestinian students from Gaza are in Rome and able to start rebuilding their future thanks to a joint initiative of the Sapienza University, the Diocese of Rome and the Community of Sant’Egidio. On the day of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the historic institution, they share their stories of war, displacement and hope.

‘How Kids Roll’: The children of Gaza and their message of peace

An exhibition in Rome tells the story of the war on Gaza through the eyes of children with a selection of photographs, poetry and video installations. An immersive journey that reflects on past and present amid fragility, memory and the longing for a future.

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.