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Pope Francis to be discharged from hospital on Sunday
Pope Francis is scheduled to be discharged from hospital on Sunday, 23 March. He will return to Casa Santa Marta after the Angelus, during which he will greet and bless the faithful from a window of the Gemelli Hospital at noon.
Netanyahu’s difficulties are behind the return of war in Gaza
Political turmoil in Israel helps explain the collapse of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
Ukraine: Pain, loss, faith, hope and resilience
The head of the JRS International Reconciliation Programme speaks of the ongoing sorrow, fear and grief of war-struck Ukrainians alongside the crucial humanitarian and spiritual support provided by the Church. Despite donor fatigue, the need for aid remains critical and the people look to the world for continued support.
Pope's medical staff to speak to press on Saturday evening
On Saturday evening, members of the Pope Francis' medical team will speak to journalists from Rome's Gemelli hospital, for only the second time since he was hospitalised last month.
On Word Water Day UN calls for action to preserve glaciers
As the UN observes the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, the organization marks World Water Day urging for climate action to protect this vital source of freshwater.
Israel strikes southern Lebanon after rocket fire hits north
Israel escalates tensions on Saturday with airstrikes in southern Lebanon after rockets were fired into northern Israel.
Pope expresses 'great joy' over prayers of support
Pope Francis tells pilgrims from dioceses across Italy that he is overjoyed to know that "you are united to me, and among yourselves, in the Lord Jesus".
Pope to greet crowd at Gemelli on Sunday
The Holy See Press Office announces Pope Francis is scheduled to appear after 12pm to greet the crowd outside Gemelli.
Christians unite in prayer for Pope Francis' health and all who are suffering
On Friday afternoon at the Roman parish of San Lorenzo in Piscibus, Christians of various traditions gathered for an ecumenical prayer service for the health of Pope Francis. The Taizé Community, the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, in collaboration with other denominations, organized the celebration.
Lord's Day Reflection: 'Lessons from the fig tree'
As the Church marks the Third Sunday in Lent, Fr Luke Gregory, OFM, offers his thoughts on the day's liturgical readings, reflecting on the theme, "The Call to Repentance: Lessons from the Fig Tree."
Pope is improving and increasingly uses less high-flow oxygen
While the Pope’s condition continues to be stable, the Holy See Press Office explains “the doctors have not yet given any indication regarding his discharge from the hospital.”
Safeguarding expert Fr Zollner: AI offers risks and opportunities for child safety
Fr Hans Zollner, one of the Church's leading safeguarding experts, tells Vatican News that the Church can play an important role in pointing out the risks of artificial intelligence when those in positions of responsibility are reluctant to do so.
News from the Orient - 21 March 2025
In this week's News from the Orient, produced in collaboration with L'Ouevre d'Orient: Gaza's parish priest calls for peace, Ukrainian and US Church leaders meet in Kyiv, and Lent continues.
Churches continue efforts to restore peace in war-torn DRC
As diplomatic efforts are underway to broker a ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo amid ongoing fighting and territorial advances of the M23 rebels, Congolese Churches continue to hold high-level meetings to involve all parties in their “Social Pact for Peace and Coexistence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes Region”.
First Lenten meditation: Called to remain anchored in Christ
In his first Meditation for Lent 2025, the Preacher of the Papal Household, Father Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap., reflects on the Baptism of Jesus, saying we are called to remain anchored in Christ.
Last, but not least: Advancing the lives of India’s neglected Indigenous peoples
India's Adivasi communities enjoy a deep connection to the forest and their homeland, and the Catholic Church works to support them through education, medical assistance, and community development.
Zambia: Celebrating 120 years of Chikuni Mission: a legacy of faith, education, and community
Zambia’s Monze Diocese has launched a five-year preparatory programme that will lead to the celebration of 125 years of the Chikuni Mission. The mission is one of Zambia’s oldest, established by the French Jesuits led by Fr. Joseph Moreau. Chikuni Mission, a historic Catholic enclave, marks 120 years this year.
Jubilee in French Polynesia: Hope in the Church’s vastest territory
In this remote oceanic land, the Archdiocese of Papeete, led by Archbishop Jean-Pierre Cottanceau, has designated twelve Jubilee parishes, seven of which are on the island of Tahiti. Missionary Father Sandro Lafranconi states: "We began thinking about the Jubilee on Christmas night, when we placed a large anchor in our nativity scenes, symbolizing the hope of Jesus, who never disappoints."