For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, travels to the EU nation of Slovakia for a three-day, official visit at the invitation of the local Bishops' Conference.

In his annual address to the Roman Curia for the exchange of Christmas Greetings, Pope Francis issues an invitation to listen, discern, and journey, never losing sight of Christ's call to be merciful, loving, and courageous.

Pope Francis urges the faithful “go to the crib” this Christmas, and “ask Jesus for peace.”

The importance of Christians working together to promote goodness in a world facing constant challenges has been highlighted by speakers at the 13th Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation underway in Krakow, Poland, on 13-19 September.

Egypt is again mediating negotiations on a pause in fighting and a hostage exchange between Hamas and Israel, giving hope to the possibility of a 2-week truce in Gaza.

The Advent season is marked with a special meaning this year at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, in Washington DC. 2023 marks the 800th anniversary of the first nativity scene ever, created by Saint Francis of Assisi in the Italian village of Greccio on Christmas night in 1223.

Pope Francis is set to speak via remote link at the 2023 Clinton Global Initiative in New York, which will be attended by Patrons of the Bambino Gesu Hospital.

The former Nuncio to Korea and Mongolia is awarded the Distinguished Diplomatic Service Medal (Gwanghwa Medal) by the Government of the Republic of Korea

In a message to the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, Pope Francis urges business and world leaders to ensure that economic development benefits everyone and remains tied to solidarity.

The entire set of the ancient pharmacy, now displayed in the Vatican Museums, comes from the monastery of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. In 1936, Pope Pius XI ordered its transfer to the Apostolic Library. Since then, spices, jars, and precious items have been preserved in their entirety. They bear witness to the ancient knowledge of the Benedictine nuns, who served in the care of the sick and the needy.

Every Saturday, at 8.30 p.m., the night in Nazareth is lit up by hundreds of candles, when from the square in front of the upper Basilica a crowd of pilgrims and faithful set off, reciting the mysteries of the rosary, towards the grotto of the Annunciation.

On Sunday, December 10th, 2023, Four Seminarians from the Redemptoris Mater seminary of Korazin were ordained deacons by H.B. Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, during a celebration concelebrated by Mgr Rafic Nahra, Patriarchal Vicar for Israel, and Mgr Giacinto Boulos Marcuzzo, vicar emeritus, Fr. Juan Manuel, President of the Seminary, and several other priests.

Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi meets with China’s Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs to discuss the war in Ukraine and to underscore the need to work together to encourage dialogue in the search for peace.

On Friday, December 8th, 2023, H.B. Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited the Seminary of Beit Jala as part of his yearly pastoral visit, during which he presided over the mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, which coincides with the anniversary of the Seminary.

Every year, with the approach of the 4th Sunday of Advent, H.B. Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by a delegation would usually start to prepare themselves to head from the Latin Patriarchate to Gaza, to spend quality time with the parish of Gaza, visit various Christian institutions, meet with the people of Gaza, and most importantly to hold Christmas Mass for the Christian community there as they are unable to celebrate with their brothers and sisters on the 24th of December in Bethlehem, the Birthplace of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Among the 20 new cardinals, several are members of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

On 1 October 2022, the ‘Longhiano Jubilee Way’ will open at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary in Pompeii, a special year in honour of the 150th anniversary of Bartolo Longo’s arrival in the desolate valley (as he called it).