Vatican News

As war plagues the world, Pope Francis and religious leaders make an adamant appeal for a universal ceasefire, as part of the Community of Sant’Egidio's prayer for peace to mark the closing of its 36th 'Spirit of Assisi' event at Rome's Colosseum.

Addressing the Pontifical Theological Institute “John Paul II” for Marriage and the Family Sciences, Pope Francis highlights the need for the Church as well as the State “to listen and support families” in these turbulent times, reminding that the family is the very fabric of society, while warning against ideological approaches.

Speaking after the Angelus, Pope Francis recalls that today is World Mission Day, and he encourages us to support missionaries with prayer and concrete solidarity. He also invites us to pray for peace in Ukraine and in the world, noting that he will participate in an interreligious prayer for peace on Tuesday at Rome's Colosseum.

After “appropriate consultation and assessment,” the Holy See and the People's Republic of China agree to extend for another two years the validity of the agreement first concluded in 2018. The Holy See intends to continue a respectful and constructive dialogue to further the mission of the Catholic Church and the good of the Chinese people.

In his address to business leaders and entrepreneurs gathered for the 27th World Congress of UNIAPAC, an international union of business executives, Pope Francis urges members to use their God-given gifts to work towards a more caring and inclusive economy.

Vatican News, together with the Dicastery for Culture and Education's Gravissimum Educationis Foundation, will feature special reports prepared by media students at Catholic universities in the Philippines and India. The project aims to allow students to share inspirational stories on their faith, the Church, and communion with the universal Church globally, while providing local news under the banner: "Good Makes Headlines!"

On the occasion of the festival, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See sends "joy greetings and best wishes" to all Hindus who will be celebrating Diwali in a congratulatory letter. Diwali or Deepavali is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, and the celebration is full of lights, fireworks, prayers and family meals.

Pope Francis prays for Nigeria, where devastating floods have killed over 600 people and displaced 1.4 million and have caused tremendous damage to property and critical infrastructure.

Pope Francis' new book “I Ask You in the Name of God. Ten Prayers for a Future of Hope”, makes an impassioned plea for nations to set aside war and the threat of nuclear destruction.

In a message to the World Food Forum taking place in Rome, Pope Francis reminds participants that in a world impacted by interconnected crises, the centrality of the human person must never be forgotten.

Pope Francis announces that the Assembly meetings of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality will take place in two sessions: in October 2023 and October 2024.

Pope Francis is calling on children throughout the world to pray the Rosary on Tuesday for peace in Ukraine and other war-torn areas, as part of the initiative “A million children praying the Rosary”.

Sister Petrini and Father Ruiz emphasized that the development of digital technology in communications must pursue the common good of citizens at the UN “Plenipotentiary Conference” held in Bucharest, Romania, from September 26 to October 14.

Meeting 300 young people from Belgium, Pope Francis encourages them to live out their faith with creativity amid difficulties and crises and says the Church needs their enthusiasm to build a world imbued with the values of fraternity, peace and reconciliation.

On Sunday, October 9, Pope Francis canonized two Italians in St. Peter's Square, Rome. The new saints are Giovanni Battista Scalabrini and Artemide Zatti.

Pope Francis prayed that “in this hour of immense sadness,” the injured and the grieving families might be able to find “divine healing and consolation” and “support and strength from the solidarity of their neighbours and fellow citizens.”

The Holy See Press Office publishes the schedule, logo, and motto for Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey to Bahrain on 3-6 November, where he will attend the “Bahrain Forum for Dialogue”, under the motto “Peace on earth to people of goodwill”.

Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace on Oct. 2, the pope dedicated nearly all of his Angelus address to the war in Ukraine.

The Holy See Press Office announces “Speak with the heart: Veritatem facientes in caritate” as the theme for the 57th World Communications Day.

The Holy See Press Office announces that Pope Francis will undertake an Apostolic Journey to Bahrain at the beginning of November.