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Lenten Retreat: Bishop Varden reflects on 'becoming free'
Bishop Erik Varden delivers his fourth reflection at the Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of Dicasteries, focusing on the theme: “Becoming Free.” The following is a summary of his reflection.
Indonesian Church strengthens fight against human trafficking
Following the rescue of 13 young women in Flores, the Church in Indonesia is doubling down in its efforts to combat human trafficking.
Lenten Retreat: Bishop Varden reflects on 'God's help'
Bishop Erik Varden delivers his third reflection at the Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of Dicasteries, focusing on the theme: “Bernard, the Idealist.” The following is a summary of his reflection.
‘A disgrace for humanity’: UGGC head on fourth anniversary of Ukraine war
The Head and Father of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, reflects on the years that have passed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, saying that despite the worsening tragedy, the people of Ukraine continue to resist, and remain grateful for international solidarity.
Assisi: Thousands of pilgrims venerate relics of St Francis
Thousands of people pass by the major relics of St Francis of Assisi, which are exposed for the veneration of the faithful for the first time in almost 800 years.
Polish faithful mark 116th anniversary of birth of Sr. Dulcissima
On February 7, 2026, people gathered in Poland to celebrate the 116th anniversary of the birth of Servant of God Helena Hoffmann, known as Sr. Maria Dulcissima, whose short life bore witness to love united in the cross of Jesus Christ, inspiring many who seek meaning in suffering and fidelity to God.
Mexican Bishops call for peace amid violence in their country
Following the killing of a Mexican drug lord in a military operation and subsequent organized crime violence erupting in various parts of the country, Mexico's Bishops are calling for restraint, prayers, and prudence, warning against unnecessary travel at this time.
South Sudanese Bishop calls for peace and healing during Lent
As South Sudan struggles with continued violence and a humanitarian crisis, Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Diocese of Tombura Yambio urges the faithful to embrace Lent as a season of spiritual rebirth, reconciliation, and solidarity.
Bishop Varden at Lenten Retreat: St. Bernard, the Idealist
Bishop Erik Varden delivers his second reflection at the Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of Dicasteries, focusing on the theme: “Bernard, the Idealist.” Here is a summary of his reflection.
Lenten Retreat Preacher opens Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican
The Lenten Spiritual Exercises for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of Dicasteries opens on Sunday afternoon with the meditation of Trappist Bishop Erik Varden on the theme of “Entering Lent.”
The suspended lives of Ukrainian refugees
Four years into the conflict, around ten million Ukrainians live away from their homes. Among the internally displaced and refugees abroad, the need for humanitarian assistance is growing, while economic and psychological difficulties are increasing. Despite everything, the desire to return home remains strong.
Pope to Salesians: Continue your service in areas of poverty and war
After celebrating Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Castro Pretorio neighborhood in Rome, Pope Leo XIV met with members of the community founded by Saint John Bosco, to whom the parish is entrusted, expressing appreciation for their service towards young people, especially foreigners.
Pope Leo: Peace is urgently needed, requiring responsible decisions
After the Angelus prayer, the Pope strongly renewed his appeal for the silencing of arms and the cessation of bombings. "A ceasefire must be reached without delay, and dialogue must be strengthened," said the Pope, marking four years since the start of the war against Ukraine. Peace cannot be postponed, he emphasized: "Every war is a wound inflicted on the entire human family, leaving behind death, devastation, and a trail of suffering that marks generations."
Pope at Angelus: This Lent, make your life a unique masterpiece
During his Sunday Angelus address on this first Sunday of Lent, Pope Leo XIV says the Lenten season offers the faithful the opportunity to let the Lord cleanse them, cooperate better with God, and, in doing so, craft their lives as unique masterpieces.
Côte d'Ivoire: Muslim and Christian communities observe the start Ramadan and Lent together
Muslim and Catholic communities began the period of Ramadan and Lent simultaneously on Wednesday, 18 February. At the Sacred Heart Parish in Abobo Anador, within the Archdiocese of Abidjan, this spiritual coincidence was marked early Wednesday evening by a collective breaking of the fast in an atmosphere of fraternity, reflection, and conviviality. Prayers were offered for peace, unity, and social cohesion in Côte d’Ivoire.
Pope: Church must be a stronghold of charity in the contradictions of our time
Pope Leo XIV visits the parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the neighbourhood of Castro Pretorio in Rome, close to the Termini train station and meets the parish community. In his homily, he invited them to be “the yeast of the Gospel in the dough" of an area marked by many difficulties.
Two new blesseds: A Lebanese monk and a French Franciscan
The Pope authorises the beatification of Béchara Abou-Mourad and Gabriele Maria, and recognises the heroic virtues of a Ligurian priest, an Indian Capuchin friar, and a layman from Brescia.
Archbishop Gallagher: God can rebuild nations from the ashes of hatred
The Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, is in Tallinn, Estonia, for a conference on Blessed Eduard Profittlich, a martyr of the Soviet regime and an emblem of "diplomacy and holiness" and "service to the truth against all forms of oppression."
Basílica de la Sagrada Família cross completed on Tower of Jesus Christ
With the installation of the upper arm of the cross on the Tower of Jesus Christ, carried out in Barcelona on February 20, 2026, the Sagrada Família has completed the external works of its central tower, the highest point of the basilica. Interior work on the structure will continue throughout 2027 and 2028.
Pope: Avoid both naiveté and ‘prophets of doom’
Pope Leo receives members of the Italian Episcopal Conference’s “Policoro Project”, which supports young people in the country in finding employment.