Pope Francis

Joe Biden has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom “with distinction. ” This is the first time such an award has been presented by a sitting US president, and the ceremony took place over the phone due to the fires in California.

Pope Francis expressed hope that the war in Ukraine will end in 2025. The pontiff called on the international community to work to create conditions for a just and lasting peace.

Cities around the world are preparing to celebrate the New Year with unique traditions and large-scale shows. From the first fireworks display in New Zealand to the last celebration in American Samoa in 24 hours.

In southern Iraq, the remains of hundreds of Kurdish women and children were exhumed from a mass grave. The victims were probably executed by Saddam Hussein's regime in the 1980s.

The head of the UGCC said that the Pope's immediate plans do not include a visit to Ukraine in 2025. However, Francis may announce his arrival a month before the visit, as he “likes to make surprises.

Pope Francis delivered his Christmas message at the Vatican, calling for an end to the war in Ukraine. The pontiff called for negotiations and dialogue to achieve a just peace.

A Ukrainian artist presented Pope Francis with a dove of peace painted on a piece of stained glass from the Church of St. Nicholas in Kyiv. The church suffered from a Russian attack on December 20, 2024.

Pope Francis has called for a ceasefire on all war fronts during Christmas. The pontiff condemned the bombing of schools, hospitals and churches in Ukraine and Gaza.

Rome has completed a two-month restoration of the famous Trevi Fountain worth 327 thousand euros.

During Pope Francis' visit to Iraq in 2021, British intelligence prevented a terrorist attack. Suicide bombers, including a woman with explosives, were planning an attack in Mosul.

In his new autobiography, Pope Francis spoke about an attempted terrorist attack against him in Iraq in 2021. British intelligence warned of suicide bombers, who were later neutralized by the Iraqi police.

The Center for Strategic Communications responded to the Pope's words about “understanding” between Ukrainians and Russians. The Center emphasized that the rhetoric about “brotherly peoples” is dangerous and plays into the Kremlin's narratives.

During his visit to Corsica, Pope Francis prayed for peace, calling Ukrainians and Russians brothers. The pontiff called for mutual understanding between the nations, emphasizing that war is always a defeat.

The singer posted on Instagram a photo created with the help of AI, where “Pope Francis” hugs her by the waist.

Religious and human rights organizations are calling on Joe Biden to use the right to commute death sentences before Trump's presidency. The pressure intensified after Biden pardoned his son Hunter.

The pope called on the international community to reach a ceasefire on all fronts by Christmas. The pontiff prayed for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East and other conflict regions.

At least 6 mayors and heads of communities are in Russian captivity, one of them, Yevhen Matveev, was killed. In total, more than 1700 Ukrainian civilians are held captive by Russia, including more than 400 women.

U. S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken will visit Italy on November 23-27 to participate in the G7 ministerial meeting. He will also meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss international issues.

Pope Francis has announced the date of Carlo Acutis' canonization - April 27, 2025. The teenager, who died of leukemia in 2006, became famous for creating religious websites and popularizing Catholic miracles.

Olena Zelenska and Yulia Svyrydenko had an audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican. They discussed the release of prisoners, the return of deported children, and handed over a gift - a St. Nicholas plate.

The Vatican synod voted to expand the role of women in church leadership, but without the right to be ordained as priests. Out of 368 delegates, almost 60 were women, and all 151 proposals were supported.

Pope Francis has published his fourth encyclical, Dilexit Nos, on the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ. The 40-page document is written in Spanish and addresses the theme of the heart as a symbol of Christ's love.

Ruslan Kravchenko, the head of the Kyiv RMA, refused a painting that artist Volodymyr Kozyuk wanted to give him, citing anti-corruption legislation. The painting will be auctioned to raise funds for the Kyiv Regional Children's Hospital.

Pope Francis has announced that the salaries of cardinals in the Vatican will be cut starting November 1. The decision is aimed at curbing the budget deficit and demonstrating a “spirit of service and substance.

The President of Ukraine announced the return of 3767 citizens from Russian captivity. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to release all prisoners and counts on the help of the Vatican and partners.

OCU Primate Epifaniy met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister. They discussed spiritual independence, support for believers abroad, and countering Russia's attempts to destabilize the religious situation in Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov met with Cardinal Zuppi, the Pope's envoy for peace in Ukraine. They discussed humanitarian cooperation and bilateral relations in the context of the conflict in Ukraine.

Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi has begun a visit to Moscow as part of a mission entrusted by Pope Francis. The goal is to promote the reunification of Ukrainian families, the exchange of prisoners and peace.

The President of Ukraine reacted to the death of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna in Russian captivity. Zelensky discussed the release of Ukrainian prisoners with the Pope and handed over a list of imprisoned journalists.

World oil prices rose by 10% due to the risk of escalation between Israel and Iran. Experts predict further growth to $85-100 per barrel in the event of an Israeli attack on Iranian oil facilities.