Vatican news At least 15 rescue workers from a civil defense team have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in eastern Lebanon. By Nathan Morley At least 15 rescue workers from a civil defense team have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in eastern Lebanon. The strike near Baalbek destroyed a building of the civil…
Vatican news Patriarch Bechara Boutrous Ra’i, head of Lebanon’s Maronite Catholic Church, renews his call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East. By Joseph Tulloch “In war, everyone is a loser, defeated and broken.” This was stated by Patriarch Bechara Boutrous Ra’i, head of the Maronite Catholic Church of Lebanon, during mass on Sunday…
Vatican news Pope Francis urges political and civil authorities in Amazonian countries to safeguard the fundamental rights of the indigenous Yanomami people, who live on the border between Venezuela and Brazil. By Devin Watkins “I call on the political and civil authorities to ensure the protection of the people (yanomami) and their fundamental rights, and…
Vatican news As the war between Israel and Hezbollah continues to intensify in Lebanon, the Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) announces an emergency campaign to raise at least US$1 million to help the Church Lebanese government to face the worsening humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. country. By Lisa Zengarini In response to…
Vatican news The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem responds to Pope Francis’ recent letter to Catholics in the Middle East to express his deep gratitude for his closeness and affection for the region and reaffirms the Church’s firm commitment to peace and reconciliation despite the circumstances. By Lisa Zengarini Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem,…
Vatican news Ahead of the day of prayer and fasting for peace called by Pope Francis, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, shares his reflections with Vatican News on these 12 months of war, suffering, and fear in the Middle East, which began on that tragic day of October 7, 2023. By Roberto…
Vatican news Speaking to Vatican News, the Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land calls for prayer as millions of innocent people in the Holy Land fear for their lives and those of their loved ones in an escalating conflict. By Linda Bordoni The voices of Church leaders in the Holy Land are being…
Vatican news After Sunday’s Angelus, Pope Francis prayed for flood victims in Vietnam and Myanmar, noted the beatification of Father Moises Lira Serafin, remembered those affected by ALS and issued a renewed appeal for world peace. By Christopher Wells In his reflections on Sunday’s Gospel, Pope Francis reminds us that it is important to know…
Vatican news A statement issued by the patriarchs and heads of the churches of Jerusalem expresses grave concern over the heightened tensions that are putting the region on the brink of all-out war and calls for a negotiated settlement for peace. By Linda Bordoni As the twelfth month of “the current devastating war” approaches and…
Vatican news During the Angelus of the Solemnity of the Assumption, Pope Francis entrusts to Mary, Queen of Peace, the concern and pain of the peoples who suffer because of conflicts and war. He recalls the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and remembers all the peoples of the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar. By…