Pope Francis arrived in Jakarta for the first of a four-leg journey to southeast Asia that will showcase not only his affinity for the continent but also his desire to advance the cause of peace and unity amid vast cultural and religious diversity.
International News
New Study Says Shroud of Turin Bloodstains Are ‘Consistent With Jesus Christ’s Tortures’
A study published in July revealed that a new analysis of the Shroud of Turin, including the composition and a microscopic analysis of bloodstains, shows that the marks are consistent with the tortures endured by Christ as described in the Gospels.
Holy Land Patriarchs Call for Rapid Cease-Fire as War’s One-Year Mark Approaches
With the approaching one-year mark of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, spurred by the Hamas attack on southern Israeli agricultural communities Oct. 7, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem urged the warring sides to “reach a rapid agreement” for a cease-fire.
Jubilee to Showcase Forgiveness in World Scarred by Anger, Vatican Official Says
With Pope Francis’s 2025 Jubilee of Hope rapidly approaching, the Vatican official charged with organizing the event has stressed the importance of forgiveness and solidarity amid a global climate of anger and resentment.
Vatican Stamp Celebrates U.S.-Holy See Diplomatic Relations
A new Vatican postage stamp celebrates the 40th anniversary of full diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See.
Papal Trip Will Offer Singaporeans a Message of Hope, Cardinal Says
With Pope Francis’s sweeping visit to Asia less than two weeks away, Singapore’s cardinal has said the trip will be an opportunity to send a clear message on issues such as artificial intelligence and the environment and to showcase the diversity and history of the Church in Asia.
Olympic Chaplain Calls on Catholics to Get Ready to Evangelize at LA’s 2028 Games
With Los Angeles set to host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2028, the Catholic Church in the U.S. is “in the quad” — a four-year-period of training between the global competitions — to hone its evangelization game.
Olympic Bell Will Ring Inside Newly Rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral During Every Mass
During the Paris Olympic Games, track and field champions rang the bronze bell located close to the finish line at Saint-Denis’ Stade de France. In December, that same bell will ring in the newly reopened Notre Dame Cathedral during the most sacred part of the Mass.
Amid War, It’s ‘Kind of Business As Usual’ In Jerusalem With ‘A Certain Fearfulness,’ Priest Says
As the Israel-Hamas war edges toward the one-year mark, OSV News spoke with Jesuit Father John Paul, rector of the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem, ahead of his return to Israel following a brief visit to the U.S. in early August.
Pilgrims Flock to Rainy Lourdes to Celebrate Feast of The Assumption at Marian Shrine
If there is one place in the world where it’s worth spending the Aug. 15 feast of the Assumption at least once in a lifetime, it’s the Marian shrine of Lourdes. The national pilgrimage to Lourdes is currently underway — Aug. 12 to 16, attracting a record number of pilgrims.