Vatican

Pope Francis 'throws open' Holy Door to inaugurate 2025 Jubilee

Dec 26, 2024

Pope Francis opens the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica thereby officially inaugurating the 2025 Jubilee of Hope. He reassures during his Christmas evening Mass that the Christ Child of Bethlehem offers the world infinite hope and joy.
Popes and Jubilees: The opening of the Holy Door in history

Dec 26, 2024

Starting from the Holy Year of 1900, we retrace some key moments of the ceremonies for the opening of the Holy Door.
Pope to open Holy Door in a prison: a message of hope to prisoners

Dec 26, 2024

For the first time in the Jubilee tradition, Pope Francis will open a fifth sacred portal in a Roman prison on 26 December, a gesture of hope that shows his ongoing closeness to detainees, which has been consistent throughout his pontificate.
Pope: 'Christmas is not just a family celebration, it’s helping the suffering'

Dec 23, 2024

Greeting some children of Italy’s Catholic Action lay movement ahead of Christmas, Pope Francis urges them to spread the wonder of Jesus’ love for us every day by being close to the needy and those suffering war, especially other children.
Pope celebrates motherhood: Let us praise God for the miracle of life

Dec 23, 2024

As Christmas approaches, Pope Francis focuses on the gift of motherhood and “the miracle of life” at the Angelus for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
Pope expresses sadness for children gunned down in war, prays for ceasefire

Dec 23, 2024

At the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis calls for a Christmas ceasefire on all war fronts and repeats his message of peace, hope and reconciliation for lands such as Mozambique, suffering Ukraine and the Holy Land.
Pope thanks Vatican employees for service during Christmas greetings

Dec 23, 2024

Pope Francis meets with employees of the Holy See, the Governorate of Vatican City State, and the Vicariate of Rome for the annual Christmas greetings. He describes their service as precious for spreading the Kingdom of God throughout the world.
Pope Francis’ vision of hope, forgiveness, and unity in troubled times

Dec 23, 2024

In an interview with Argentina’s “Canal Orbe 21” TV, Pope Francis offers his thoughts on the challenges of our times and the Church’s evolving mission amid global tensions, rising inequality,
Pope expresses closeness to victims of attack in Germany

Dec 23, 2024

In a telegram signed by Cardinal Parolin and sent to German President Steinmeier, Pope Francis expresses sadness for those killed and injured in the attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. The Pope says he is close to the families of the victims.
Pope meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

Dec 21, 2024

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visits the Vatican, and discusses the need for a ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking to Vatican Media, he says that he asked the Pope to continue to promote recognition of the State of Palestine in the international community.