At Castel Gandolfo, after the recitation of the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV said he continues to follow "with concern the events unfolding in various countries torn apart by war and violence." He urged everyone to unite "our constant prayers" with "generous efforts for peace." He also greeted the many pilgrims gathered in Piazza della Libertà.
During his Angelus address, Pope Leo says God's Kingdom grows quietly through humility, patience and love rather than power, urging Christians to trust in His hidden work and become "small seeds of the Gospel" in the world.
At Castel Gandolfo the Diocese of Albano offers a concert in the Pope's honor for his summer stay. "We live in a world where beauty is lacking. Having the opportunity to come together for an occasion like this is truly a great gift."
On the third day of his mission to Ukraine, the Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations prayed this morning at St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv and visited an area where a Russian missile strike in May killed more than 20 people, including children. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher conveyed the closeness of Pope Leo XIV to everyone he met, saying "there is not a single day when he does not pray for Ukraine and for you, men and women of faith."
Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki is accompanying the Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, during his mission to the Eastern European country. "Unfortunately, the war continues, and at the moment we do not even see any hope for its end. Only God can bring it to a stop."
In Kyiv, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher met with the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, who spoke to Vatican Media about the joy of welcoming the Pope's special envoy, as well as Cardinal Zuppi during his recent visit: "To pray together with the Holy Father's special envoys is to pray with the universal Church. For us, they are a visible sign of the Church embracing us."
Humanitarian agencies are trying to prevent the spread of diseases in Gaza amid severe overcrowding and deteriorating public health conditions.
The signing of the agreement on technical cooperation between the two institutions took place on July 17 at the Vatican. The partnership has also been made possible by the Holy See's clear commitment to strengthening its financial architecture in line with international standards.
As the Church celebrates the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jenny Kraska offers her thoughts on the day's liturgical readings, reflecting on the theme, "The Wheat, the Weeds, and the Weekend.”
As Zambians prepare to vote in the 13 August Presidential and General Elections, the Catholic Bishops have issued a Pastoral Statement urging violence-free, peaceful and civil electoral campaigns and elections.
The Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations is in Ukraine until 21 July as the Pope's envoy for the 35th anniversary of the Renewal of the Structures of the Latin Rite Catholic Church.
In an interview with Vatican News, the Vicar General of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Bishop William Shomali, describes the deep humanitarian crisis facing Gaza's residents, where thousands are living in tents amid the ruins, and explains the Patriarchate's hope of reopening its school to provide children with an education.
A new UNICEF analysis warns that the global economic shock triggered by the conflict in the Middle East could leave more than 23 million additional children at risk of monetary poverty by the end of the year, reversing years of progress and deepening inequality.
Following a meeting with Queen Camilla at Clarence House, representatives of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) share how Catholic Sisters worldwide continue to protect vulnerable women and girls through their work against human trafficking, in conflict zones, and in communities affected by climate change.
Cardinal Zuppi returns to Rome today, 16 July, after a four-day visit to Ukraine. Following celebrations for Ukrainian Statehood Day, the president of the Italian Bishops' Conference met Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and other officials. Discussions focused on prisoners of war, the return of Ukrainian children, humanitarian assistance, and requests from families of detainees for the cardinal to visit prisons in Russia.
Iran's main military command has warned that any U.S. attack on Iranian power plants and bridges would trigger a devastating response against all infrastructure across West Asia.
On the sidelines of the Global Nobel Laureates Assembly in Castel Gandolfo that culminated in the signing of the “Rome Declaration for an Unarmed and Disarming Peace,” Oleksandra Matviichuk, a Ukrainian human rights defender, speaks to Vatican News about the need to reform intergovernmental organizations and to place human beings before technology in order to promote peace and slow down the arms race.
In South Africa, where almost half of young people aged 15 to 34 are unemployed, learning a practical skill can mean the difference between dependency and dignity, despair and hope.
The French National Assembly gave final approval on Wednesday evening, 15 July, to legislation establishing a legal right to assisted dying. Throughout the four years of debate leading up to the vote, the Catholic Church opposed the measure, maintaining that one human being should not intentionally cause the death of another.
The Diocese of Albano offers a concert for Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo, featuring works by Paganini and Bellini, that will take place, with Pope Leo in attendance, on 18 July at the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo.