Vatican

Pope Leo says God rejects prayers of leaders who wage wars, says they have 'hands full of blood'

"This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war," Pope Leo, the first US pope, told crowds.

Pope Leo XIV delivers a homily during the Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, March 29, 2026.
Cardinals take part in the funeral of Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square April 8, 2005 in Vatican City, Vatican.

The Israeli-Iranian handshake at Pope John Paul II's funeral

Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan meets with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, March 23, 2026

Yad Vashem Chairman Dayan meets with Pope Leo XIV to discuss Holocaust remembrance

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Christmas Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, December 25, 2025.

Vatican says it will not participate in Trump's Gaza Board of Peace


Pope Francis clashed with cardinals over Vatican finances before hospitalization

Just before his hospitalization, the pope formed a new Vatican financial group.

 Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience, in Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, February 12, 2025.

Pope Francis remains critical and has 'slight' kidney issue, Vatican says

The Vatican said the 88-year-old Francis, who has double pneumonia, had suffered a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis."

Pope Francis holds an audience with donors of the St. Peter's Square Christmas tree and Nativity scene, at the Vatican

Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says

Pope Francis hospitalized with double pneumonia, Vatican says treatment is challenging.

 Pope Francis debuts on TikTok to promote his autobiography 'Spera'.

Pope Francis, in hospital, has 'slight fever' but is stable, Vatican says

Despite his periodic health issues and reduced mobility, Francis has kept up a busy schedule, including foreign travel.

 Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience, in Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, February 12, 2025.

'It was all eternally heavenly': Seeing 'The Szyk Haggadah' at the Vatican Library

Eight years before, the limited premier edition of The Szyk Haggadah I created (2006-08) had been donated to the Vatican Library. I now had an opportunity to see it housed at the Vatican.

 ‘The Szyk Haggadah’ on display at The Vatican Library.

Biden awards Pope Francis medal of freedom, highest US civilian honor

This is the first time during his administration that Biden gave the award with distinction, the White House said.

 Pope Francis and U.S. President Joe Biden meet as they attend the G7 summit, in Savelletri, Italy June 14, 2024.

Historic first: Psychologist nun Simona Brambilla appointed as Vatican's first female prefect

Women are still excluded from ordination as priests, and discussions about female ordination continue to create divisions within the Church.

 Historic first: Psychologist nun Simona Brambilla appointed as Vatican's first female prefect. Illustration.

Jewish leaders to Pope: Build bridges, don’t fuel antisemitism

Major Jewish organization leaders called on the Pope to refrain from 'incendiary comments' about the Israel-Hamas War.

Members of the Palestinian embassy to the Holy See give a keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian scarf, to Pope Francis during a Christmas ceremony at St Peter's Square at the Vatican, Dec. 7, 2024.

Secret Papal escape route reopens after restoration

The fortified passageway, which connects the Vatican with Castel Sant'Angelo, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the tumultuous history of Rome.

 Vicolo d'Orfeo with the arch under the walls of the Passetto in the Borgo district adjacent to the Vatican in Rome, Italy.

'The Vatican was silent during the Holocaust, now it spreads modern blood libels’: MK Chikli

Diaspora Minister AMichai Chikli also accused Canada and Australia of creating unsafe policies for Jewish citizens.

 Israeli minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli and Pope Francis. (Illustrative)