#Vatican News

Pope Francis returned to work full-time on Wednesday following a colon operation, urging the international community to help a struggling Lebanon. The 84-year-old took time to bless children and pose for selfies in the Vatican at the weekly general audience one month to the day after the delicate operation, which saw him hospitalised for over a week.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education encouraged pontifical universities to expand educational opportunities to those who would normally be unable to attend classes in-person full time, but could manage coursework online, such as prisoners, migrants, the homeless, monks, contemplative nuns and even busy bishops. “By making...

Pope Francis releases the prayer intention for the month of August, inviting everyone to work for a transformation of the Church - a work that begins with “a reform of ourselves” through an experience of prayer, charity and service, inspired by the Holy Spirit. In his video message for his...

On the first anniversary of a massive explosion in Beirut which claimed many lives and caused widespread destruction, Pope Francis appeals for the Middle Eastern country of Lebanon, calling on the international community to provide “concrete assistance.”. VATICAN CITY:. Pope Francis during his weekly General Audience appealed for what he...

“When it comes to the Gospel and to the mission to evangelize, Paul is enthusiastic,” said Pope Francis at Wednesday’s General Audience. “Everything in him is dedicated to this proclamation, and has no interest other than the Gospel.”. Headed down a wrong path. The Holy Father is continuing his catechesis...

In Myanmar, the serious political, socio-economic, human rights and humanitarian crises unleashed by the Feb. 1 military coup, have been exacerbated by a raging third wave of Covid-19 infections, with an acute shortage of oxygen and the most basic healthcare almost absent. In this worsening situation, the Catholic bishops of the country have called for a national prayer campaign against the pandemic that is threatening the country and the world.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — With private companies planning to expand their offerings in orbital and suborbital space tourism and more and more civilians already shooting into space, one Jesuit astronomer said if he were ever offered the possibility, he would go. “I know enough to never say no to an...

Now that Italy has banned cruise ships from Venice’s waters, the lagoon city is on its way to becoming “the world capital of sustainability,” says Archbishop Francesco Moraglia, who called for making the city more affordable for its residents. The historic city is in crisis as mass tourism threatens to...

VATICAN CITY — Now that giant cruise ships are banned from fragile waterways near the historic center of Venice, the time has come for the city to become a model of sustainability and supportive of its residents, said Archbishop Francesco Moraglia of Venice. "The risk is (the city) becomes just...

Following the summer break in July, Pope Francis will resume holding his weekly General Audience, beginning this Wednesday, 4 August. Pope Francis’ General Audiences will resume this week on August 4. As is customary, the regular Wednesday meetings were suspended throughout the month of July to allow for a period of rest.

Pope Francis was supposed to visit Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea late last year, but the trip was canceled when the world succumbed to the Covid-19 pandemic. The pope’s eagerness to make the trip was revealed to respected Muslim cleric Yahya Cholil Staquf of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization, after he met Pope Francis at the Vatican in early 2019 to discuss ways to address interreligious conflicts.

Pope Francis has resumed his general audiences, the Holy See announced on Monday. The weekly audience in the Vatican audience hall is planned for this Wednesday. According to media reports, it was sometimes moved there in previous years when it was very hot. Before the summer break, the 84-year-old held...

Pope Francis joins religious organizations and world leaders in calling for an end to the scourge of human trafficking on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. ROME: Over the course of his pontificate, Pope Francis has repeatedly decried the scourge of human trafficking as a crime against humanity. Economy...