International

Holy See: Dismantle the barriers that prevent women from accessing justice

The Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations issues a statement calling to ensure access to justice for women and girls across the world by addressing structural barriers and tackling discrimination.

Cardinal Pizzaballa: Abusing God’s name for war is the gravest sin

Speaking against the backdrop of continuing conflict, death, displacement, and division, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem expresses his belief that truth must continue to be told about the ongoing war in the Middle East and that “God is with those who die in war, not with those who abuse his name.”

Holy See on Islamophobia: Freedom of belief is not optional

The Permanent Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations issues a statement warning that when the fundamental freedom of belief is denied, “trust gives way to fear, suspicion replaces dialogue, and oppression breeds violence.”

Franciscan Brother in Lebanon: God does not give permission to kill

Brother Tony Choukri, Guardian of the Franciscan Monastery of St. Joseph in Beirut, tells Vatican News about life under war and calls for peace, emphasising that “human beings are not an object, and death is neither a path nor a tool to change strategies, demography, or borders.”

Women in the Church: 'We have a particular role to play'

The Australian and British Embassies to the Holy See host an event dedicated to bringing women students from around the world together to encourage them on their paths as leaders in the Church and in society.

Order of Malta Lebanon responds to renewed displacement crisis

Israeli strikes against Lebanon have forced over 500,000 people from their homes, compounding an already severe humanitarian crisis. The Order of Malta Lebanon is mobilising nationwide to provide medical care, shelter assistance, and psychosocial support to displaced families facing deep uncertainty and distress.

Cardinal Cupich issues “A Call to Conscience” on portrayal of war

The Archbishop of Chicago issues a 'Call to Conscience' as the tragedy of war is being treated and portrayed as a video game. He warns that the longer we remain blind to the terrible consequences of war, 'the more we risk losing the most precious gift God gave us: our humanity.'

Patriarch Sako: ‘War is not the solution’

As Iran strikes targets across Iraq in retaliation for Israeli-American airstrikes, the Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad tells Vatican News of his deep concern over the risk of a wider regional war, and calls on Iraq’s religious leaders to speak out for peace.

Holy See: Women must be at the heart of the digital transformation of the Americas

The Holy See asks that the digital transformation of the Americas place women and human dignity at its centre. Speaking at the Organization of American States during a session marking International Women’s Day, permanent observer Monsignor Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano also recalls Pope Leo XIV’s warning that women who face violence and exclusion are often “doubly poor.”

Bishop Berardi appeals to Christians and Muslims to unite in prayer for peace

The Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia calls on believers of all faiths to pray “so that the roar of missiles may cease” and that the people of the Middle East may live in communion, highlighting the spiritual context in which the conflict has erupted.

Cardinal David: When war is played like a video game

The Vice President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences reflects on the growing conflict in the Middle East, warning that digital warfare can make violence appear distant from the human suffering it causes.

Cardinal Cupich: 'We must embrace principles to avoid wars'

In a wide-ranging interview with Vatican Media, Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, calls for restraint to avoid unnecessary military escalation abroad and prevent things from quickly spiraling out of control. He also urges overcoming polarization and protecting the human dignity of all peoples in the United States, in a way that ensures law and human rights are not opposed, but united.

Lebanon’s Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops call for peace

Amid ongoing violence in the Middle East, the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon releases a statement warning that escalation threatens human dignity and calling for dialogue, national unity, and renewed international efforts for peace.