Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin presides over Mass at Kuwait’s Our Lady of Arabia Church as it is raised to Minor Basilica, saying the church built on the desert sands is a reminder that “Mary herself once found refuge in those same desert lands.”

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‘Truly historic’: Kuwait’s first church elevated to Minor Basilica

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin presides over Mass at Kuwait’s Our Lady of Arabia Church as it is raised to Minor Basilica, saying the church built on the desert sands is a reminder that "Mary herself once found refuge … Continue reading

In this week’s news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L’Œuvre d’Orient, we go to the Middle East, where Jerusalem’s Christian schools went on strike after the work permits of more than 100 teachers from the West Bank were not renewed.

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News from the Orient - January 16, 2026

In this week’s news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L’Œuvre d’Orient, we go to the Middle East, where Jerusalem’s Christian schools went on strike after the work permits of more than 100 teachers from the West Bank … Continue reading

In an interview with Vatican News, the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development speaks about the importance of investing in rural communities as they are the source of food for their own communities and the wider world.

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IFAD President: Agriculture can be a tool for peace and hope

In an interview with Vatican News, the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development speaks about the importance of investing in rural communities as they are the source of food for their own communities and the wider world.

During his first day in Kuwait, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin meets with the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, inviting them to be witnesses of hope in society.

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Cardinal Parolin in Kuwait: May clergy and faithful be witnesses of hope

During his first day in Kuwait, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin meets with the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, inviting them to be witnesses of hope in society.

In a joint statement, the Holy See and the State of Kuwait emphasize the importance of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among religions, at the start of Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin’s visit.

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Cardinal Parolin visits Kuwait to strengthen friendship bonds and cooperation

In a joint statement, the Holy See and the State of Kuwait emphasize the importance of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among religions, at the start of Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin's visit.

Pope Leo XIV meets with family members of those killed in a tragic fire that struck Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year’s Day, and offers words of faith and consolation.

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Pope Leo meets families of victims of Crans-Montana fire

Pope Leo XIV meets with family members of those killed in a tragic fire that struck Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Day, and offers words of faith and consolation.

Lured by advertising, easy mobile access, and hopes of quick money in an economically struggling country, gambling and betting are becoming a growing crisis among Africa’s youth. The situation is leading many young Africans toward addiction, financial ruin, and mental health challenges. In some parts of Malawi, young people have even turned to… Read more

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Bishop of Dedza addresses the dangers of gambling among Malawi’s youth

Lured by advertising, easy mobile access, and hopes of quick money in an economically struggling country, gambling and betting are becoming a growing crisis among Africa’s youth. The situation is leading many young Africans toward addiction, financial ruin, and mental … Continue reading

Pope Leo XIV sends his best wishes for the 50th anniversary of the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, expressing his hope that the press will “always promote communication that is free and dialogical, animated by the search for truth and without prejudice.”

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Pope praises press freedom in message to Italian newspaper

Pope Leo XIV sends his best wishes for the 50th anniversary of the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, expressing his hope that the press will “always promote communication that is free and dialogical, animated by the search for truth and without … Continue reading

The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has mobilized nationwide humanitarian and pastoral support to help communities recover from deadly floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which killed more than 600 people and affected millions late last year.

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Sri Lanka Church works to ‘keep hope alive’ after devastating floods

The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has mobilized nationwide humanitarian and pastoral support to help communities recover from deadly floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which killed more than 600 people and affected millions late last year.

As Open Doors releases its World Watch List 2026, reporting a new record in violence against Christians, Cristian Nani, the association’s director, tells Vatican News that many of the victims were women and minors, noting particular concern for sub-Saharan Africa.

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Open Doors: Number of Christians persecuted worldwide rises to 388 million

As Open Doors releases its World Watch List 2026, reporting a new record in violence against Christians, Cristian Nani, the association’s director, tells Vatican News that many of the victims were women and minors, noting particular concern for sub-Saharan Africa.