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Pope calls for patience and dialogue in Iran and Syria
Posted on 01/11/2026 04:04 AM ()
At the end of the Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo prays for peace in Iran, where protests continue, and Syria, where the army is battling Kurdish forces in the city of Aleppo. He also condemns the recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilians.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the Place of Jesus’ Baptism
Posted on 01/11/2026 03:58 AM ()
Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. At Al-Maghtas, in Jordan, archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of churches, chapels, hermits’ caves, and a baptistery––places of worship tied to Jesus’ Baptism. In 2015 this area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Three Popes have made pilgrimages there: John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis.
Angelus: “God does not look at the world from afar”
Posted on 01/11/2026 03:33 AM ()
At the Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo encourages Christians to reflect on the gift of their baptism, and to “bear witness to it with joy and consistency.”
Pope baptizes 20 children: Now they have the meaning of life
Posted on 01/11/2026 01:15 AM ()
Continuing a tradition begun in 1981 by Pope John Paul II, Pope Leo presided over the baptism of 20 children of Vatican employees in the Sistine Chapel.
Pope to young people: We are made for truth, not virtual connections
Posted on 01/10/2026 10:00 AM ()
Pope Leo tells Rome’s young people not to be content with superficial relationships, but to seek the truth, goodness and communion that arise from encountering God and one's neighbour.
Protests continue across Iran
Posted on 01/10/2026 08:39 AM ()
US, Venezuela explore possibility of restoring relations
Posted on 01/10/2026 08:34 AM ()
A delegation from the Trump administration arrives in Caracas as the United States and Venezuela examine the feasibility of restoring diplomatic relations.
Pope Leo: Failure to welcome abuse victims is a scandal
Posted on 01/10/2026 07:24 AM ()
The full text of Pope Leo XIV’s speech at the conclusion of the January 7–8 consistory, published today, announces a new meeting of the cardinals in June and insists that victims and survivors of abuse “need to be accompanied with the closeness of authentic pastors.”
Pope to Jubilee partners: Thanks to you, Rome had a welcoming face
Posted on 01/10/2026 03:36 AM ()
Meeting with the representatives of the institutions that collaborated in the Jubilee, Pope Leo expresses his gratitude for their “multifaceted contribution, often hidden” throughout the year and encourages them continue to carry hope in their hearts.
Latin Patriarchal Vicar of Jordan: Focusing on differences won't bring peace
Posted on 01/10/2026 01:41 AM ()
The Latin Patriarchal Vicar of Jordan speaks to Vatican News at the “Baptism of the Lord” Church in Bethany Beyond the Jordan on the occasion of the pilgrimage and Mass for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, on Friday, 9 January. The Bishop stresses the need to respect religious and cultural differences in order to foster peace and justice in the Middle East.