International

Pope Francis: When you protect children from abuse ‘you serve and honour Christ’

In a written message on March 25 to the Vatican’s commission for the protection of minors from sexual abuse, Pope Francis urged the group to continue to “keep watch while the world sleeps,” and to care for victims and survivors by listening “with the ear of the heart” to their experiences. “Abuse prevention,” he said, […]

Pope concelebrates Mass, continues therapy at Santa Marta

Pope Francis’ convalescence continues at his residence of Casa Santa Marta with his continued treatment, mobility and respiratory-related physiotherapy, especially for voice recovery, personal prayer, and concelebrating Mass in the residence’s chapel. These were among the updates the Holy See Press Office provided to accredited journalists regarding the Pope’s health after he was discharged on […]

Vatican Dissolves Miles Christi Religious Institute Amid Ongoing Scandals

The Vatican has officially decreed the dissolution of the religious institute “Miles Christi”, marking the end of its existence as a clerical institute of diocesan right. The decision, formally approved by Pope Francis on February 6, 2025, was announced by the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Bishop Mauricio Landra, […]

Cuba completes release of prisoners following Vatican-mediated deal

In one of his final official acts, and in the wake of a Vatican-mediated deal with the Cuban government, Joe Biden on January 14 removed Cuba from a US terrorism blacklist in exchange for an agreement by the Cuban government to free 553 prisoners. The United States, the European Union, the Catholic Church and rights […]

Pope’s appeal for debt relief gains momentum

In more than 160 countries, Pope Francis’ call for debt relief is becoming manifest, says Eric LeCompte, the Executive Dire-ctor of Jubilee USA Network, a development coalition of more than 750 religious groups and organizations around the world, in an interview with Vatican News. The coalition, which includes Pope Saint John Paul II among its […]

Churches in Ireland and Poland express solidarity with abuse victims and survivors

In 2016, the Vatican’s Ponti-fical Commission for the Prote-ction of Minors established a Universal Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Sexual Abuse. In the press release anno-uncing its creation, the Commi-ssion explained that a “survivor of clerical child sexual abuse made the proposal of a Day of Prayer.” In response, Pope Fran-cis requested […]

Patriarch Pizzaballa: Lenten forgiveness is stronger than violent words of hatred

As the season of Lent began, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has urged Christians to look to the Cross of Christ, which represents the heart of Easter and the hope of the world, especially in times of war, selfishness, and violence. In his Lenten message sent to the faithful of the Holy Land, […]

Ukrainian Nun Honoured for Her Work Supporting Parents Facing Fatal Pregnancy Diagnoses

Amid global discussions on the value of life and ethical dilemmas in modern medicine, Ukrainian nun Sister Giustina Holha Holubets has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to parents facing devastating prenatal diagnoses. On March 5, the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, presented her with the “Guardian of Life” Award […]

Salesians elect Maltese priest Fabio Attard as Don Bosco’s 11th successor

Pope Francis does not accept Cardinal Koch’s resignation: could continue at least until anniversary of Council of Nicea