Vatican & World News

- Pope Leo arrives in Algeria on the first leg of an apostolic journey that also takes him to three other African nations

- His first words on African soil are an appeal for mutual forgiveness as the key to building a future of peace

- Responding to questions put to him by journalists onboard the papal flight, the Pope says he will not enter into debate with the U.S. president but will always continue to promote peace and dialogue

-   Pope Leo urges national welfare systems to promote social responsibility and economic development.

-   Pope Leo’s Prayer Vigil for Peace on Saturday April 11 will include a Rosary with meditations from early Church Fathers

-   Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco shares the anticipation that is growing in Algeria in light of the Pope’s upcoming visit.

-   Pope Leo appeals to world leaders to lay down their weapons and choose encounter over domination

-   Continued missile strikes in the Gulf region raise fears of an imminent water crisis

- At Mass in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo says that Easter opens us up to hope that never fails

-   Pope Leo will celebrate Easter Vigil this evening.

-   The Cuban government announces it granted pardons to over 2,000 prisoners in light of Holy Week.

-   The Easter Vigil is being celebrated for the first time in three years in the cathedral of Loikaw, in eastern Myanmar.