VATICAN NEWS

Pope Francis broke with predecessors on policy, appointments, and papal trips, sociologist says
The University of Notre Dame hosted the lecture on their Rome campus on Thursday.
King Felipe VI of Spain installed as protocanon of the Basilica of St. Mary Major
“Protocanon” is an honorary title reserved exclusively for the Spanish head of state, recognizing the monarch as a collaborator of the pope.
Vatican urges Catholic organizations to divest from mining sector for the common good
Around 40 faith-based organizations are participating in the "Platform for Divestment in the Mining Industry," meeting March 19–21 in Rome.
EWTN News explains: What is the ‘papal almoner’?
The papal almoner is a key position in the Vatican, one that has played a vital role in the Church and its charitable undertakings for centuries.
Vatican secretary of state urges end to Iran war, warns of escalation
Cardinal Pietro Parolin said he would tell Trump and Israel to “stop as soon as possible.”
Nigerian bishops tell the pope: Our people are dying
As Christians in their country suffer increased persecution, the Nigerian bishops bring the hopes of a nation to Rome.
Collection for the Holy Land: Christians need concrete hope, not just consoling words
Now more than ever, the Christian minority in the Holy Land needs the support it receives through the annual Good Friday collection as ongoing violence in the Middle East has curtailed pilgrimages.
Pope Leo calls bishops to Rome to discuss families, ‘Amoris Laetitia’ in October
Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on marriage and the family followed two contentious synods at the Vatican dominated by debate over divorce.
From Pius IX to Francis: 7 modern popes who strengthened devotion to St. Joseph
The popes of the last two centuries have sought the protection and intercession of St. Joseph in times of personal and societal need, elevating his status as a patron for all Catholics.
Holy See calls on UN to eradicate surrogacy ‘in all its forms’
Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See’s permanent observer to the United Nations, laid out the economic reasons surrogacy exists, the harm it does, and why it is wrong.
Pope Leo XIV: ‘Each baptized person is an active agent of evangelization’
The pope’s message at the general audience focused on the “communion of the faithful” as taught in the second chapter of Lumen Gentium.
Vatican court orders partial retrial in ‘trial of the century’ finance case
Judges cite procedural flaws tied to papal decrees, requiring renewed proceedings while leaving prior convictions formally intact.
At a time of conflict, Pope Leo sends a bridge-builder to the United States
Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the new papal envoy to Washington, has been shaped by a diplomatic career in geopolitical hot spots.
Leo XIV to journalists: War is not a video game; guard against propaganda, verify the news
Pope Leo XIV exhorted journalists to fact-check the news and show the true face of war.
Pope urges Church to see abuse prevention as ‘a natural expression of faith’
Leo addressed the topic in a March 16 audience with members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
Pope Leo meets author critical of Opus Dei
Gareth Gore is the author of the 2024 book “Opus,” which accuses Opus Dei of financial misdeeds and spiritual and physical abuse against its members.
Pope Leo XIV: God ‘cannot be enlisted by darkness’
During a pastoral visit to a Rome parish, the pope warned against invoking God to justify violence.
Pope urges ceasefire in Middle East
Speaking at his Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo XIV urged Christians to bring the Gospel to a world marked by violence and injustice.
Preacher of the Papal Household: ‘Fraternity is where true conversion takes place’
In a sermon to the pope and the Roman Curia, Preacher of the Papal Household Father Roberto Pasolini explained that achieving true fraternity poses many challenges and requires inner transformation.
Pope Leo XIV to move into papal apartment of Apostolic Palace
The move was announced on March 14 by the Holy See Press Office, more than 10 months after Leo’s election.
Mathematicians can become ‘signs of hope for the world,’ Pope Leo XIV says
On the International Day of Mathematics, Pope Leo XIV sent a message inviting reflection on the role good mathematics can play in today’s world.
Pope questions Christians’ role in wars, implies need for confession
“Do those Christians who bear grave responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage to make a serious examination of conscience and to go to confession?” the pontiff asked.
Former Vatican auditor general speaks out about his ongoing case against the Vatican
“If the Vatican finances are sound, it means that our Church will continue. If the Vatican finances are not sound, it’s going to have problems,” former Vatican auditor general Libero Milone said.
Notre Dame and the Vatican launch new initiative at papal gardens
The University of Notre Dame and the Laudato Si’ Center recently launched the Global Alliance initiative at Castel Gandolfo in Italy.
Pope names Spanish Augustinian as papal almoner
Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín will succeed Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who has been appointed metropolitan archbishop of Łódź, Poland.
More than 80 scientists sign Vatican peace manifesto
The Pontifical Academy for Life has launched a new initiative appealing to the scientific and academic world to contribute to the pursuit of peace.
Synod calls for more leadership roles for women but female diaconate ‘not yet ripe’
The Synod on Synodality’s study group on “Women’s Participation in the Life and Leadership of the Church” has issued its final report, calling for expanded leadership roles for women in the Church.
Tehran cardinal meets with Pope Leo XIV after being evacuated from Iran
Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan Cardinal Dominique Mathieu witnessed the first days of military clashes in the Iranian capital.
The religious sisters in Vatican leadership
The percentage of Vatican employees who are women grew from 19.2% to 23.4% during the first decade of the last pontificate.
Pope Leo calls Maronite priest killed in bombing ‘a true shepherd’
“I am close to all the Lebanese people at this time of grave trial,” the pope said on March 11.
Vatican promoting dialogue on Cuba, Cardinal Parolin says
The Vatican secretary of state pointed to recent contacts with Cuban and U.S. officials as the Holy See seeks a dialogue-based solution on the island.
Vatican releases program for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Monaco
The one-day visit to the principality on March 28 will include meetings with the Catholic community and young people, as well as a Mass in a stadium.
Vatican to host conference on molecular biology and regenerative medicine
The March 23–24 meeting in Vatican City will bring together scientists, physicians, and bioethicists to examine the ethical challenges of biotechnology from a Christian perspective.
Pope Leo accepts resignation of arrested Chaldean Catholic bishop
Pope Leo has appointed Bishop Saad Sirop Hanna to oversee the Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle of San Diego as apostolic administrator following the resignation.
Pope Leo tackles topic of domestic abuse on International Women’s Day
Responding to a woman writing to the Vatican magazine Piazza San Pietro, Pope Leo decried violence against women and emphasized that educating young people in respect is the key to preventing it.
Pope Leo says parishes should reflect a Church that ‘cares for her children’
The pontiff encouraged a Rome parish facing poverty and social challenges to show its closeness to those wounded and searching for hope.
Pope Leo XIV warns of wider Middle East conflict
At his Sunday Angelus, the pope voiced alarm over violence and fear spreading from Iran across the region.
Large family with 13-year-old in seminary and a baby named Leo touches pope’s heart
When their 13-year-old son entered the minor seminary, his parents had no idea that one day the whole family would meet Pope Leo XIV, an encounter that was a special blessing for them all.
Pope Leo XIV appoints new envoy to the U.S.
Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia has until now served as the Vatican’s representative to the United Nations in New York.
Father Pasolini at the Vatican: Conversion and humility are paths to peace in times of conflict
In a Lenten sermon to the pope, Roman Curia, and Vatican employees, Capuchin friar Father Roberto Pasolini drew the connection between humility, conversion, and peace in life of St. Francis of Assisi.
Pope to Italian newspaper: In age of AI, respect role of journalists and dignity of readers
Pope Leo XIV congratulated the Corriere della Sera on its 150th anniversary and offered advice on how to continue to fulfill its service to society.
Cardinal Zen urges Society of St. Pius X to trust Pope Leo
The 94-year-old Chinese prelate weighed in on the ongoing discussions between the Holy See and the Society of St. Pius X in a post on X.
Holy See to UN: Christians are the most persecuted community in the world
The Holy See’s permanent observer to the UN provided statistics demonstrating the extent of the persecution of Christians worldwide.
This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of March
In a video released on X, the Holy Father posed a question to the faithful: “Would you imagine what a world without wars would be like? A world without the terror of approaching explosions?”
A pope’s magnificent bet on a young Bernini
An exhibition in Rome traces how Pope Urban VIII backed the 25-year-old artist behind St. Peter’s soaring bronze canopy — and the decade-long project that helped define Baroque Catholicism.
Vatican secretary of state warns of Iran escalation
Cardinal Pietro Parolin says sidelining international law and embracing “preventive war” could ignite a broader conflict and deepen civilian suffering.
Vatican synod report urges women’s input in preparing future priests
The report also warns seminaries must not become an “artificial environment” detached from the ordinary life of the faithful.
International Theological Commission: Human life is a vocation
New Vatican-approved document weighs challenges posed by AI and social media.
Pope Leo XIV explains the Church’s ‘human and divine dimensions’
The pope’s catechesis focused on the dogmatic constitution Lumen Gentium, one of the pillars of Vatican II.
Pope ‘cannot comment’ on Jimmy Lai’s imprisonment
The pontiff spoke to reporters for the first time since Dec. 23.