Vatican City
During the Easter Mass, the Pontiff called for peace through dialogue and led the Way of the Cross. In Jerusalem and Gaza, the holiday was observed under wartime restrictions.
The Pontiff urged the faithful not to give in to fear and criticized the war against Iran. During the mass, he baptized ten adults and addressed Donald Trump.
The President spoke with the pontiff about the return of children, humanitarian aid, and a visit to Ukraine.
The Pontiff washed the feet of 12 priests in the Basilica of St. John Lateran. This gesture became a symbol of support for the clergy instead of serving laypeople and prisoners.
The Pontiff visited Monaco for the first time since 1538 and called for the abandonment of the idolatry of wealth. He also spoke out against abortion and euthanasia.
The head of the Church was buried in Sioni Cathedral after five days of mourning. The opposition was not invited to the ceremony despite calls for unity and amnesty.
The Vatican Court of Appeal overturned Cardinal Becciu's conviction due to procedural violations. A new trial in the financial fraud case will begin on June 22.
The Pontiff settled in the official apartments after extensive renovations. This decision is seen as a return to tradition and the beginning of active changes in the Curia.
PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel gave private lectures on the Antichrist in Rome. Catholic universities denied their involvement in organizing the event.
Bishop Emanuel Shaleta is accused of money laundering and misappropriating cathedral funds. He was detained at the airport while attempting to flee the United States.
President Zelenskyy stated that a trilateral meeting with the United States will take place on March 5 or 6, but likely in Europe. He emphasized that Ukraine will not give up Donbas, and proposals for territorial exchange do not serve its interests.
The Pope called on the parties to the conflict to take moral responsibility and stop the escalation of violence. He emphasized that stability and peace are achieved only through dialogue, not threats or the use of force.
The Vatican Postal Service has unveiled a stamp featuring the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv during a blackout. This commemorates the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion and expresses solidarity with Ukrainians.
Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to bombings in Ukraine. He emphasized the need for a diplomatic settlement and the restoration of peace, expressing sympathy for the Ukrainian people.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed concern about the war in Ukraine. He noted that from both sides, there does not seem to be real progress towards peace.
The Vatican delivered humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including 80 generators, medicines, and food. This is a response to appeals from local bishops due to the critical energy supply situation and frosts.
The Vatican has dismissed Leo Silingardi from the clerical state, finding him guilty of sexually abusing minors. Pope Leo XIV's decision is final and not subject to appeal.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Donald Trump in Davos, calling it productive and meaningful. They discussed the work of their teams, air defense for Ukraine, and additional missiles.
The Pope called on the international community and the aggressor to stop attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, as the intensifying cold makes these attacks particularly painful. The Pontiff prays for the victims and calls for an end to violence and renewed efforts for peace.
Pope Leo has appointed 13 new bishops in the US, 10 of whom have condemned the Trump administration's immigration policy. The Church's new line expands the concept of pro-life, equating humane treatment of immigrants with the protection of life from conception to death.
A Christmas tree was lit and a Nativity scene was opened in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. The ceremony, led by Sister Raffaella Petrini, emphasized the symbolism of peace and fraternal unity.
Pope Leo stated that the Vatican has completed preparations for his visit to Ukraine, which was discussed with Zelenskyy. However, the implementation of the plan is complicated by security issues, which requires a realistic approach.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk met with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. They discussed the return of Ukrainian children illegally taken to Russia, and the release of prisoners of war and civilians.
A Vatican research commission has decided not to ordain women as deacons, disappointing Catholic women. Instead, it has been proposed to create new lay ministries for women outside of the ordained diaconate.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Turkey, beginning his first foreign trip, where he will mark the anniversary of Christianity. He will then travel to Lebanon after Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, where he will hold meetings with religious leaders and youth.
Pope Leo urged young Americans not to misuse artificial intelligence for homework, emphasizing its role as a learning tool. He noted that AI is becoming one of the defining features of our time.
12 historical artifacts, including crowns, shields, and paintings, have returned to Ethiopia after 100 years of storage with a German family. These items, collected in the 1920s, have been transferred to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
Ukraine has appealed to the Vatican to solidify its mediating role in negotiations for the return of Ukrainian children and civilians illegally taken by Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy handed Pope Leo XIV a letter requesting to formalize this mechanism.
The Vatican has returned 62 artifacts to Indigenous peoples of Canada, including an Inuit kayak, as part of a re-evaluation of the Catholic Church's role in suppressing Indigenous cultures. These items, which were exhibited in Rome 100 years ago, will now be handed over to individual communities.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has returned over 1,600 children illegally taken to Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for international support to return approximately 19,500 children who are estimated to still be in the Russian Federation.