Vatican & World News

-   Pope Francis crosses the River Tiber to spend time with inmates at Rome’s Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday

-   In his homily for the Chrism Mass, the Holy Father tells priests the Jubilee Year is an important moment for renewal

-   Earthquake-struck Myanmar receives a donation from the Pope, showing his closeness to those in need

 

 

-   In his first public audience since being discharged from hospital, Pope Francis thanks doctors and hospital staff for their care

-   US foreign aid cuts severely undermine the efforts of Catholic agencies serving millions of people in need across the world

-   Israel confirms no aid will enter Gaza amid calls to lift its blockade of the Strip

-   As Pope Francis continues to show health improvements, the Holy See Press Office announces he has written the meditations for the Via Crucis at Rome’s Colosseum

-   On the second anniversary of the eruption of war in Sudan, the death toll is in the tens of thousands, and the country’s humanitarian crisis is described as the world’s most devastating

-   A Congolese Bishop urges his people not to lose faith as violence in the east of the country continues to wreak death, destruction and displacement

-   A school in India provides education, healthcare, and a haven for children infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

-   An Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, severely damages critical medical infrastructure and forces the facility to close.

-   European Union leaders meet in Luxembourg to discuss their response after Russia’s Palm Sunday attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy.

-   United Nations humanitarian officials denounce Israel’s attacks on water systems in Gaza.

-   Iran and the United States begin high-level talks in Oman, aiming to revive negotiations over Tehran's advancing nuclear program.

-   Pope Francis makes a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.

In the headlines this Friday, April 11th:

-   Pope Francis continues his convalescence in the Vatican

-   Floods devastate and claim lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo

-   With the ramping up of military operations in the Gaza Strip, more than 85% of water and sanitation facilities in the area are now completely or partially out of service

- As the Philippines gear up for an election, the Church in the country voices concern over increasing polarization of the campaign.

- The first female Rector of the University of Haifa describes the role the Church can play in building bridges between Jews and Arabs in Israel.

- The Pope sends his prayers to the victims of a nightclub disaster in the Dominican Republic. 

- Pope Francis’ almoner delivers four ambulances to save lives along the frontlines of war in Ukraine and a papal message of support

-  The Pope encourages believers to let go of all burdens holding them back from God

-   The annual report by the Vatican’s Financial Supervision authority shows high standards in preventing and countering money laundering

 

- The death toll from flooding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to rise as authorities race to evacuate people.

- Ahead of the Australian federal election, the country’s bishops issue a statement urging Catholics to bring hope amid growing political polarization.

- The Holy See Press Office offers some details on Pope Francis' recovery at his residence of Casa Santa Marta.