Pope Francis said the people who have been trapped in a parish in Gaza had a decent meal for the first time in a long time after a ceasefire was established between Israel and Hamas.
International News
Pope Lauds Gaza Ceasefire as Deal Goes Into Effect, Pushes Two-State Solution
by Elise Ann Allen (Crux) As a ceasefire agreement to the war in Gaza took effect, Pope Francis praised the milestone, voicing hope that authorities can achieve a lasting peace and advocating for a two-state solution. During his Jan. 19, Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis made the Vatican’s first public statement about the Gaza ceasefire […]
Holy Land Catholic Leaders: End of Gaza War Is Not End of Conflict
As Israel and Hamas near a ceasefire, Catholic ordinaries in the Holy Land said the deal is a necessary step but also acknowledged that more has to happen to “credibly address the deep-rooted issues” at the core of the conflict.
Pope Francis Offers ‘Baby Bonus’ to Vatican Employees
Pope Francis put his money where his mouth is this week when it comes to his constant appeals for couples to procreate, offering a financial incentive to permanent Vatican employees who have more children.
Pope Injures Arm in a Fall, Wears Sling at Audiences
Pope Francis was wearing his arm in a sling during his meetings and audiences Jan. 16 after hurting his right arm in a fall.
Best Gift a Child Can Receive is Faith, Pope Says at Baptisms
When children are baptized, their parents and the church are giving them the greatest gift ever: the gift of faith, Pope Francis said before baptizing 21 infants in the Sistine Chapel.
Medjugorje: A Pathway to Peace and Reflection for One Queens Chaplain
While the Vatican has acknowledged the “abundant spiritual fruits” experienced by people visiting and praying at the site of reported Marian apparitions at Medjugorje, it has yet to sign off on their authenticity. Still, local devotees regularly visit this small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they believe that Mary, Mother of Jesus, has regularly appeared to a half-dozen “visionaries” since they were children in 1981. They said she identified herself as “The Queen of Peace.”
Pope Names First Woman Prefect of Vatican Office, With Cardinal as Pro-Prefect
Pope Francis this week made the novel decision to appoint the first-ever woman as prefect of a Vatican department, naming Italian Consolata Sister Simona Brambilla as head of the Dicastery for Religious.
St. Peter’s Holy Door Sees More Than Half Million Pilgrims in Two Weeks
More than half a million pilgrims crossed the threshold of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the first two weeks after Pope Francis opened it.
God Does Not Reject, Forget Anyone, Pope Says on Feast of Epiphany
Just as the star over Bethlehem called to and welcomed everyone to encounter the newborn Jesus, God today calls on the faithful to welcome everyone, creating safe, open spaces to find warmth and shelter, Pope Francis said.