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‘Truly historic’: Kuwait’s first church elevated to Minor Basilica
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin presides over Mass at Kuwait’s Our Lady of Arabia Church as it is raised to Minor Basilica, saying the church built on the desert sands is a reminder that "Mary herself once found refuge in those same desert lands.”
News from the Orient - January 16, 2026
In this week’s news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L’Œuvre d’Orient, we go to the Middle East, where Jerusalem’s Christian schools went on strike after the work permits of more than 100 teachers from the West Bank were not renewed.
IFAD President: Agriculture can be a tool for peace and hope
In an interview with Vatican News, the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development speaks about the importance of investing in rural communities as they are the source of food for their own communities and the wider world.
Cardinal Parolin in Kuwait: May clergy and faithful be witnesses of hope
During his first day in Kuwait, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin meets with the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, inviting them to be witnesses of hope in society.
Cardinal Parolin visits Kuwait to strengthen friendship bonds and cooperation
In a joint statement, the Holy See and the State of Kuwait emphasize the importance of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among religions, at the start of Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin's visit.
Pope Leo meets families of victims of Crans-Montana fire
Pope Leo XIV meets with family members of those killed in a tragic fire that struck Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Day, and offers words of faith and consolation.
Bishop of Dedza addresses the dangers of gambling among Malawi’s youth
Lured by advertising, easy mobile access, and hopes of quick money in an economically struggling country, gambling and betting are becoming a growing crisis among Africa’s youth. The situation is leading many young Africans toward addiction, financial ruin, and mental health challenges. In some parts of Malawi, young people have even turned to betting as a means of survival.
Pope praises press freedom in message to Italian newspaper
Pope Leo XIV sends his best wishes for the 50th anniversary of the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, expressing his hope that the press will “always promote communication that is free and dialogical, animated by the search for truth and without prejudice.”
Sri Lanka Church works to ‘keep hope alive’ after devastating floods
The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has mobilized nationwide humanitarian and pastoral support to help communities recover from deadly floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which killed more than 600 people and affected millions late last year.
Open Doors: Number of Christians persecuted worldwide rises to 388 million
As Open Doors releases its World Watch List 2026, reporting a new record in violence against Christians, Cristian Nani, the association’s director, tells Vatican News that many of the victims were women and minors, noting particular concern for sub-Saharan Africa.
Archbishop Grušas: Pray for peace during Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Amid ongoing threats to peace worldwide, Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, President of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, invites Christians to pray for peace during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, held annually on 18-25 January.
Philippines: Record number of people attend Black Nazarene celebrations
Almost 10 million people attend the Masses and procession for this year's Feast of the Black Nazarene —one of the most popular Christian festivals in Asia—in Manila.
Holy Doors of Papal Basilicas sealed until next Jubilee
The Holy See Press Office outlines the schedule of the private rites during which the Holy Doors of the four Papal Basilicas will be sealed.
Pope Leo's mosaic portrait ready for Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
In keeping with tradition, the Vatican Mosaic Studio completes the mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV destined for the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, and reveals the work to the Pope before his Wednesday General Audience in the Vatican.
Kuwait: Cardinal Parolin to elevate Our Lady of Arabia to Minor Basilica
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin is set to travel to Kuwait for a two-day visit, where he will meet with civil authorities and elevate the Church of Our Lady of Arabia to the status of Minor Basilica.
Pope at Audience: Vatican II calls us to friendship with Christ
During his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV continues his new catechesis series on the Second Vatican Council and its documents, looking more closely at "one of the most beautiful and important of the Council," namely the Dogmatic Constitution 'Dei Verbum,' on the Divine Revelation.
Pope: Sense of belonging more important than numbers of people in Church
In the January edition of the Piazza San Pietro magazine, Pope Leo XIV encourages a Swiss catechist struggling to get families involved in her parish by saying that “hours dedicated to catechesis are never wasted”.
Mozambique: Church in Nampula seeks self-sustainability in its 2025-2026 pastoral plan
In a Pastoral Letter for 2025-2026, the Archbishop of Nampula, northern Mozambique, Inácio Saúre, IMC, has challenged the faithful of the Archdiocese to embrace the diocese' pastoral plan and vision for a more financially self-sustaining Church.
West Bank: Settler violence increased by 25% in 2025
An Israel Defence Forces report has recorded a substantial escalation in colonist aggressions in the West Bank during the last year.
UNICEF: At least 100 children killed in Gaza since ceasefire deal
The UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, decries that at least 100 children have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire that was struck in early October.
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