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A territory shattered: Gaza faces years of recovery
Despite a fragile US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire.
All 315 abducted and missing of St. Mary’s School now fully accounted for, Diocese Confirms
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has announced the completion of the verification exercise for children and staff forcibly abducted from St. Mary's Catholic Schools - Papiri, Nigeria, on 21 November 2025. All victims have now been reunited with their families.
Pope at Urbi et Orbi: Peace is a shared responsibility
In his Christmas Urbi et Orbi address, Pope Leo XIV renews his plea for peace, reminding the world that it is both God’s gift and humanity’s shared responsibility.
Pope Leo: Since the Word was made flesh, humanity speaks
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Christmas morning Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, recalling in his homily that in the Word of God made flesh, “humanity now speaks, crying out with God’s own desire to encounter us.”
Pope Leo: Announce the joy of Christmas, a feast of faith, charity, and hope
During the Christmas Mass during the Night on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, Pope Leo XIV encourages us to announce "the joy of Christmas" and to celebrate it as "a feast of faith, charity and hope."
Bethlehem celebrates 1st Christmas in two years
A 15-metre Christmas tree lights up Manger Square in front of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem this year after a two-year pause from all festivities in solidarity with the city’s fellow Palestinians in Gaza.
Christmas, ‘sorrowing humanity,’ and the voice of the popes
For the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we look back at the Christmas reflections of previous popes, which renew hope even in the midst of suffering.
Pope Leo XIV’s first “Christmas of Peace”
Seven months after the beginning of his Pontificate, Pope Leo XIV prepares to preside over the Christmas celebrations for the first time, starting with the Midnight Mass in the evening of December 24 in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Cardinal Parolin: Christ is born every time you welcome sick children
On Tuesday, December 23, Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, visited the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital and highlighted how Jesus is present every time attention and care is given to sick children and their families.
Pope Leo asks for 24 hours of peace worldwide at Christmas
Pope Leo addresses journalists outside Castel Gandolfo and answers questions on Ukraine and on assisted suicide laws in the United States.
Russian launches missile and drone strikes against Ukraine ahead of Christmas
Officials say massive Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine have killed at least three people, including a four-year-old child, while cutting power to several regions just two days before Christmas, as the country faces bitter winter cold.
Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine: Christians don't lose hope
The Nuncio to Israel and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, comments on the recent arson attack on the Christmas tree of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Jenin, West Bank.
Cardinal You Heung-sik: Pope invites priests to fraternity
In an interview with Vatican Media, the prefect for the Dicastery for Clergy, Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, explains that Pope Leo’s Apostolic Letter on priestly ministry points out the way to “preserving, proclaiming, and fostering the beauty of a priesthood faithful to Christ, His Word, and the Church.”
Cardinal Parolin: May we not forget the victims of the conflict in Cabo Delgado
The Cardinal Secretary of State has returned from a visit to Mozambique where he met with displaced people fleeing armed Islamist militias.
UN warns against violence ahead of Myanmar elections
Civilians have been threatened by both the military government, which called the elections, and armed groups opposing the current regime, according to the UN’s Human Rights Office.
Nigeria: Kontagora’s Christmas gift – the return of its abducted children
Diocese of Kontagora’s Catholic Bishop, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, on Monday confirmed to Vatican News the release of 130 students and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri on 21 November. The children and staff were part of an original 315 victims forcibly taken by gunmen from the school in the night.
Cardinal Pizzaballa: We will do everything possible for Gaza
Following his second visit in six months to the Gaza Strip—the first since the ceasefire—the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem speaks of a strong desire to return to normal life.
Israel allows 19 new settlements in occupied West Bank
Israel’s security cabinet has approved the recognition of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, deepening the government’s push to expand its presence in the territory.
Christmas joy eases fear for future in West Bank Christian village
The only entirely Christian village of the West Bank is getting ready to celebrate the Lord's coming in an atmosphere halfway between the joy of the festivity and the fear of new attacks by Israeli colonists.
Pope calls for more collegiality in letter on priestly ministry
Marking the sixtieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s decrees on priestly training and on priestly life and ministry, Pope Leo XIV’s new Apostolic Letter aims at a deeper understanding of the ministry and role of priests.