On January 19, 2025 during his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the Gaza ceasefire agreement, urging respect for the agreement and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
One of the most catastrophic earthquakes to strike the Himalayan region in a century occurred on January 7 in Dingri County and Shigatse, Tibet, with a magnitude of 6.8 (7.1 on the Richter scale), according to the Chinese Earthquake Networks Centre.
On January 7 (Tuesday), Pope Francis accepted the early resignation of Bishop Dominique Rey of Fréjus-Toulon, following years of Vatican scrutiny regarding his ordination practices using pre-Vatican II liturgical books and other concerns.
During his General Audience, on January 8, Pope Francis dedicated his catechesis to the "scourge" of child labour, urging Christians to reject indifference toward the exploitation and suffering of children.
Pope Francis will lead special Jubilee Masses, alongside liturgies for major feasts, honoring the World of Communications and the Armed Forces, Police, and Security Personnel, according to the liturgical agenda released by the Vatican on January 8.
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar (CBCM), has called for an immediate end to violence in the nation, urging all parties to prioritize peace as Myanmar continues to grapple with the devastating impact of nearly four years of civil war.
Pope Francis presided over Mass on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, reflecting on the star that guided the Magi to Jesus as a symbol visible to all, inviting everyone to seek Him in all things.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and Archbishop of Goa, officially assumed office as the President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) on January 1, 2025.
Pope Francis has expressed his “spiritual closeness” to those affected by the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans in a message sent to Archbishop Gregory Aymond of the city.
