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Pope Leo meets families of victims of Crans-Montana fire
Posted on 01/15/2026 04:54 AM ()
Pope Leo XIV meets with family members of those killed in a tragic fire that struck Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Day, and offers words of faith and consolation.
Bishop of Dedza addresses the dangers of gambling among Malawi’s youth
Posted on 01/15/2026 04:38 AM ()
Lured by advertising, easy mobile access, and hopes of quick money in an economically struggling country, gambling and betting are becoming a growing crisis among Africa’s youth. The situation is leading many young Africans toward addiction, financial ruin, and mental health challenges. In some parts of Malawi, young people have even turned to betting as a means of survival.
Pope praises press freedom in message to Italian newspaper
Posted on 01/15/2026 03:14 AM ()
Pope Leo XIV sends his best wishes for the 50th anniversary of the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, expressing his hope that the press will “always promote communication that is free and dialogical, animated by the search for truth and without prejudice.”
Sri Lanka Church works to ‘keep hope alive’ after devastating floods
Posted on 01/15/2026 01:56 AM ()
The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has mobilized nationwide humanitarian and pastoral support to help communities recover from deadly floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which killed more than 600 people and affected millions late last year.
Open Doors: Number of Christians persecuted worldwide rises to 388 million
Posted on 01/15/2026 01:15 AM ()
As Open Doors releases its World Watch List 2026, reporting a new record in violence against Christians, Cristian Nani, the association’s director, tells Vatican News that many of the victims were women and minors, noting particular concern for sub-Saharan Africa.
Archbishop Grušas: Pray for peace during Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Posted on 01/15/2026 00:16 AM ()
Amid ongoing threats to peace worldwide, Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, President of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, invites Christians to pray for peace during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, held annually on 18-25 January.
Philippines: Record number of people attend Black Nazarene celebrations
Posted on 01/14/2026 08:15 AM ()
Almost 10 million people attend the Masses and procession for this year's Feast of the Black Nazarene —one of the most popular Christian festivals in Asia—in Manila.
Holy Doors of Papal Basilicas sealed until next Jubilee
Posted on 01/14/2026 06:02 AM ()
The Holy See Press Office outlines the schedule of the private rites during which the Holy Doors of the four Papal Basilicas will be sealed.
Pope Leo's mosaic portrait ready for Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
Posted on 01/14/2026 05:32 AM ()
In keeping with tradition, the Vatican Mosaic Studio completes the mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV destined for the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, and reveals the work to the Pope before his Wednesday General Audience in the Vatican.
Kuwait: Cardinal Parolin to elevate Our Lady of Arabia to Minor Basilica
Posted on 01/14/2026 03:41 AM ()
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin is set to travel to Kuwait for a two-day visit, where he will meet with civil authorities and elevate the Church of Our Lady of Arabia to the status of Minor Basilica.