Vatican News
- August 18, 2026 - 10:54am
Pope Leo mourns victims of a ferry disaster in Zimbabwe, praying for those who died as well as for civil authorities and rescue works, and all affected by the tragedy.
- August 18, 2026 - 10:32am
The Pope's garden next to the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican Gardens, commissioned in the Middle Ages by Pope Nicholas III Orsini, becomes 100% organic as it is managed according to the principle of caring for Creation, as set out in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si.’
- August 18, 2026 - 10:32am
Against a backdrop of strengthened health measures, chronic insecurity, and hope surrounding vaccine trials, Catholic schools in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are preparing for the new academic year and working to ensure that young people do not lose a year of education.
- August 18, 2026 - 9:48am
Save the Children is drawing attention to children as the most vulnerable group impacted by the 7.7 earthquake that struck Indonesia, particularly the island of Flores, on Saturday. The death toll has risen to at least 68, with 213 people injured and nearly 13,000 people have been forced to leave their homes.
- August 18, 2026 - 8:53am
During his homily at the Pontifical Mass marking the ninth centenary of the translation of the relics of Saint Agatha in Catania, Sicily, Cardinal Pietro Parolin invited the faithful to pray for the many Christians persecuted around the world.
- August 17, 2026 - 3:33pm
Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, of Ende in Indonesia speaks to Vatican News about ongoing earthquake relief efforts and how bonds of faith and solidarity unite the people. He asks for prayers as the people begin their journey toward healing and recovery.
- August 17, 2026 - 2:26pm
Pope Leo XIV’s appeal on the Middle East at the Angelus in Castel Gandolfo on 16 August is the latest expression of the Holy See’s longstanding support for a two-State solution as the only path to a “just and lasting” peace for Israel and Palestine.
- August 17, 2026 - 12:55pm
Six people have been killed and four injured in Ukrainian missile strikes on Russia's Belgorod region overnight.
- August 17, 2026 - 12:00pm
As Athletica Vaticana prepares to take part in the Mediterranean Games, Pope Leo XIV expresses his hopes that the event held in southern Italy may promote sport as a “prophecy of peace and fraternity.”
- August 17, 2026 - 10:45am
In a telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo assures those affected by the 15 August earthquake in Indonesia of his “spiritual solidarity and closeness” and encourages ongoing humanitarian and recovery efforts.
- August 17, 2026 - 10:43am
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visits Taybeh, the last remaining Christian village in Palestine. As the village faces severe restrictions on access, he stresses, “Your example is important so that we can continue to be a Christian voice amid this very complex situation.”
- August 17, 2026 - 10:27am
The local Association of Diocesan Catholic Clergy in Zambia’s Diocese of Livingstone recently met at Luxe Country Convention Centre for a safeguarding workshop.
- August 17, 2026 - 9:55am
Cardinal Parolin praises the enduring witness of St. Agatha's immense faith while in Sicily as papal legate for the celebrations marking the 900th anniversary of the translation of the martyr’s relics.
- August 16, 2026 - 12:50pm
Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and granddaughters have made pilgrimages to Our Lady of Piekary for generations, bringing their intentions and family stories. Pope Leo XIV greeted the pilgrims during his Angelus address in Castel One of the participants, Dominika Szczawińska, told Vatican News: “I used to come here as a young wife, praying for a child, then as a young mother, and today I am the mother of teenagers.”
- August 16, 2026 - 12:02pm
Pope Leo’s appeals at the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus included a call for an end to violence directed against Palestinians in the West Bank; his hopes that sporting events can be a prophetic sign of peace and fraternity; and special greetings to Polish pilgrims taking part in the annual pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Piekary Śląskie.
- August 16, 2026 - 11:15am
Pope Leo XIV reflects on the faith of the Canaanite woman, urging the Church to recognise how God’s grace works beyond established boundaries and to overcome discrimination and barriers that violate human dignity.
- August 16, 2026 - 9:07am
Following Saturday's 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia, Catholic relief agency Caritas Indonesia has mobilized resources throughout the country to assist those affected by the disaster.
- August 15, 2026 - 6:00pm
Pope Leo XIV reminds young people participating in the Third National Youth Day taking place this weekend in Monterrey, Mexico, that the purpose of our lives is to unite ourselves to Jesus and thus, by sharing in His life, attain the holiness to which we are called.
- August 15, 2026 - 2:52pm
At least 38 people have died and thousands have been displaced after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s predominantly Catholic island of Flores. The Diocese of Labuan Bajo canceled the closing celebrations of the Golo Koe Maria Assumpta Nusantara Festival, while a major priestly formation celebration in Ledalero was moved outdoors after earthquake damage made the chapel and reception hall unsafe.
- August 15, 2026 - 1:19pm
As the Church marks the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jenny Kraska reflects on the theme: "Good luck ignoring mom!"

