Vatican City


Pope Francis: I wish for an end to the war in Ukraine in 2025
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.

Trump could become first president to make two state visits to Britain - The Telegraph
The British government and Buckingham Palace are preparing an invitation to Trump for a second state visit after his possible return to the White House. Such a visit may not take place until 2026 due to King Charles III's schedule.

Olena Zelenska on the achievements of 2024: 18 new audio guides and hundreds of books for Ukrainians in the world
In 2024, we launched 18 new Ukrainian-language audio guides to cultural sites around the world. We also donated hundreds of Ukrainian books to libraries in 8 countries as part of the Ukrainian Bookshelves project.

Pope may unexpectedly visit Ukraine: he accepted the invitation, but the date is unknown
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.

In his Christmas message, Pope Francis calls for “silence of arms” in Ukraine
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.

Restored Trevi Fountain in Rome reopened: what will change for tourists
Rome has completed a two-month restoration of the famous Trevi Fountain worth 327 thousand euros.

Pope's calls for “fraternal peoples”: Center for Strategic Communications responds
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.

Blinken goes to Italy for G7 meeting: what will world leaders discuss?
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.

“A sensitive issue": Taiwan explains why it does not participate in military aid to Ukraine
Taiwan explained that military assistance to Ukraine is a “sensitive issue” because of its relations with China. The country provides humanitarian aid through neighboring states and has joined Western sanctions against russia.

The Pope has announced the date of the canonization of Carlo Acutis: April 27 at the Vatican
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.

Zelenska meets with the Pope: they talked about the release of prisoners and the return of deported children
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.

Montreal: over 45 countries agree on a plan to return deported Ukrainians
International measures to return deported Ukrainians and prisoners of war are approved at a conference in Montreal. Qatar, the Vatican, and the UAE mediate repatriation talks.

Pope's summit: women should play more roles in the church, but without ordination
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 cuts salaries for cardinals - media
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.

Lavrov meets with pope's envoy for peace in Ukraine in Moscow
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.

Zelensky presents Pope Francis with a painting of the massacre in Bucha
President Zelenskyy met with Pope Francis in the Vatican. He presented the pontiff with a painting depicting a little girl, Marichka, who symbolizes the victims of the massacre in Bucha.

Zelensky arrives at Vatican to meet with Pope Francis
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in the Vatican for talks with Pope Francis. This is Zelenskyy's second private audience in the Vatican after a meeting in May 2023.

Pope Francis assures UGCC head that he “will not let the world forget about Ukraine”
During his meeting with the head of the UGCC, Pope Francis assured of further support for Ukraine and the use of diplomatic mechanisms to end the war. He emphasized the need to help Ukraine before the winter.

Pope Francis calls to renounce revenge and end war in the Middle East
On the eve of the anniversary of the Hamas attacks, Pope Francis called on the international community to renounce revenge and end the war. He condemned the suffering in the Middle East and called for an immediate ceasefire.

Zelensky discusses humanitarian situation in Ukraine with Vatican Secretary of State
The President of Ukraine discussed with Cardinal Parolin the consequences of Russian aggression and the path to peace. Zelenskyy thanked the Vatican for its support and participation in the Peace Summit in Switzerland.

They discussed the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of fallen Ukrainian defenders: Sadovyi meets with Vatican Secretary of State
Andriy Sadovyi met with Pietro Parolin to discuss the role of the Vatican in the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of dead Ukrainians.

Peace summit discusses return of Ukrainian prisoners home in closed session
A thematic session behind closed doors at the Global Peace Summit was devoted to the implementation of paragraph 4 of the Peace Formula, which concerns the return home of Ukrainian children, civilians and prisoners of war held by Russia.

Pope Francis apologizes for vulgar expression
Pope Francis apologized for using a vulgar term.

For Putin, a truce would be a way to catch his breath - Zelensky on Pope's proposal
For Putin, a truce would be a way to catch his breath and restore the combat capability of his army, not real negotiations, Zelensky said, commenting on the Pope's proposal for talks.

Vatican calls Macron's proposal to send troops to Ukraine a "frightening scenario"
The Vatican calls Macron's proposal to send troops to Ukraine a "frightening scenario" that could lead to further escalation.