The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem expresses his hope that the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran will not deteriorate into more “violence and bloodshed”, and he decries the situation of “total devastation” in Gaza.
At the end of their Plenary Assembly, the Bishops of the Central African Republic issue a forceful appeal to the new government to safeguard peace in the country, marked by years of violence, displacement, poverty, and divisions.
Amid the recent political developments in Venezuela, the country’s Bishops invite children and teachers to begin the new school year in the hope of building a society based on justice, peace, and democracy.
The Secretary-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, speaks to Vatican News about his meeting with Pope Leo XIV, and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
The Solemn Closing Mass of the 49th Annual Seminar of the Bishops of Cameroon took place on 10 January 2026 in the Diocese of Kumba. The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Fiango, Kumba, was filled to capacity, resonating with joyful thanksgiving as priests, religious, and laity from the Diocese gathered to express their appreciation for the presence of the country’s Bishops in their diocese, the blessings received, and the successes of the Bishops’ annual seminar.
Pope Leo receives the Venezuelan politician and activist in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.
On the 800th anniversary of Brussels’ Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, the Holy See Secretary of State reflects on the spiritual future of a Europe marked by fragility and a loss of direction.
Amidst domestic violence and the pain it leaves behind, religious sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd share their lives with women and girls in Malta and Portugal, as they face marginalization by society.
At the end of the Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo prays for peace in Iran, where protests continue, and Syria, where the army is battling Kurdish forces in the city of Aleppo. He also condemns the recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilians.
Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. At Al-Maghtas, in Jordan, archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of churches, chapels, hermits’ caves, and a baptistery––places of worship tied to Jesus’ Baptism. In 2015 this area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Three Popes have made pilgrimages there: John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis.
At the Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo encourages Christians to reflect on the gift of their baptism, and to “bear witness to it with joy and consistency.”
Continuing a tradition begun in 1981 by Pope John Paul II, Pope Leo presided over the baptism of 20 children of Vatican employees in the Sistine Chapel.
Pope Leo tells Rome’s young people not to be content with superficial relationships, but to seek the truth, goodness and communion that arise from encountering God and one's neighbour.
A delegation from the Trump administration arrives in Caracas as the United States and Venezuela examine the feasibility of restoring diplomatic relations.
The full text of Pope Leo XIV’s speech at the conclusion of the January 7–8 consistory announces a new meeting of the cardinals in June and insists that victims and survivors of abuse “need to be accompanied with the closeness of authentic pastors.”
Meeting with the representatives of the institutions that collaborated in the Jubilee, Pope Leo expresses his gratitude for their “multifaceted contribution, often hidden” throughout the year and encourages them continue to carry hope in their hearts.
The Latin Patriarchal Vicar of Jordan speaks to Vatican News at the “Baptism of the Lord” Church in Bethany Beyond the Jordan on the occasion of the pilgrimage and Mass for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, on Friday, 9 January. The Bishop stresses the need to respect religious and cultural differences in order to foster peace and justice in the Middle East.
As the Church commemorates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Abbot Marion Nguyen reflects on the theme “Anointing to overflow: Living the Grace of Baptism.”
Caritas Internationalis draws attention to the devastating humanitarian crisis in Sudan amidst the ongoing conflict, urging the international community “to act now to prevent further catastrophe in Sudan.”