NEWS
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s April Prayer Intention: ‘For Priests in crisis’
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV releases his Prayer intention for the month of April, and invites Catholics to pray for Priests who are facing a personal crisis in their vocation.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholics across the globe to join him in April in praying for Priests in crisis.
He released the monthly “Pray with the Pope” video on Tuesday, which is prepared by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.
In his prayer, the Pope entrusted all Priests into the Father’s hands, especially those going through moments of crisis, “when loneliness weighs heavily, when doubt clouds their hearts, and when exhaustion seems stronger than hope.”
Support Hope by Giving to Christians in the Holy Land
The Custody of the Holy Land Launches Another Appeal Ahead of the Good Friday Collection
The Custody of the Holy Land launches another appeal ahead of the Good Friday Collection to Christians around the world to “support hope by giving…and by fostering peace.”
As Holy Week begins, the Good Friday Collection remains at the forefront of people’s minds in the Holy Land. Fr. Francesco Ielpo, Custos of the Holy Land, made an appeal to Christians all around the world ahead of Good Friday in just a few days.
On that day, “as we contemplate the Crucified, we ask you to remember in your Prayers and in concrete acts of charity those who continue to bear witness to the Gospel in the places of our redemption. Your closeness, dear brothers and sisters, is a tangible sign of hope and peace.”
Editorial Article by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II in Kiraza Magazine: You Are Beautiful And Sweet As Sugar
In July 1976, about fifty years ago, this touching story took place: His Eminence of blessed memory, Metropolitan Bakhomius of Beheira, Egypt, and Pentapolis, was residing in the temporary bishopric headquarters at Archangel Michael Church in Damanhur. He was about to get to the weekly servants meeting at 6 pm; however, it seemed that a certain problem occurred that made him upset. He went out and stood on the pavement of the building, facing the church, holding his staff, and waiting for the meeting time at six. A little girl named Marian, about six years old, approached him and stood before him saying: “You are beautiful and sweet as sugar.” He greeted her and smiled, and his expression changed and he entered the service meeting. He made the sermon topic be “The Value of a Word,” recounting this story and how a small child, with simple words, changed the mood, and how a word can have a great impact in the life of service…
What’s on His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s Liturgical Schedule from April to July?
The Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations releases His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s schedule of liturgical events from April until July, including two international journeys and two ordinations.
The Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations released His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s calendar of events for the months of April through to July 2026. Please note that all times are in Rome time.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV Thanks Benedictine Religious for the Good they Do for the Church
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV welcomes Benedictine Monastic Communities in the Vatican, thanking them for the great good they do for the Church, and encourages them to continue performing their "work of God."
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
"Dear brothers and sisters, thank you for the immense and hidden good that you do for the Church, through your offering, your unceasing Prayer, your service, and the witness of your lives. Continue this work, which is the 'work of God.'”
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV gave this encouragement to three Communities of Benedictine Religious - the Monastic Community of the Abbey of Saint Scholastica in Subiaco, the Monastic Community of the Abbey of Saint Mary of the Mount in Cesena, and the Benedictine Nuns of the Abbey of Saint Scholastica in Bari - together with a group of Monks on Monday in the Vatican.
The Pope expressed his delight to meet with them a
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV Appoints New Substitute, Nuncio to Italy, and Prefect of Papal Household
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV makes three significant appointments: Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, Apostolic Nuncio to Colombia, takes the place of Substitute for General Affairs Edgar Peña Parra, who becomes Apostolic Nuncio to Italy, succeeding Petar Rajič, who has been appointed Prefect of the Papal Household.
From Colombia to the Secretariat of State, from the Secretariat of State to the Nunciature in Italy, from the Nunciature in Italy to the Prefecture of the Papal Household. Today a round of appointments were announced within the Holy See.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has chosen Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, who will turn 56 in July, to be the new Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, one of the most important and sensitive positions in the entire Vatican apparatus, effectively a kind of “Interior Minister” of the Vatican City State.
Joint Press Release Issued By the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land Concerning the Holy Week and Easter Celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Jerusalem - Holy Monday, 30 March 2026
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land hereby confirm that the matters concerning the Holy Week and Easter celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre have been addressed and resolved in coordination with the relevant authorities. In agreement with the [Israel Police], access for representatives of the Churches has been secured in order to conduct the liturgies and ceremonies and to preserve the ancient Easter traditions at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I Presides Over the Opening of the Portals Ceremony at the at Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon
On the evening of Sunday, March 29, 2026, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), presided over the Opening of the Portals Ceremony, a Solemn and deeply revered Service held on the eve of Palm Sunday at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, the Armenian Catholicosate Holy See of Cilicia, Antelias - Lebanon. The Service was conducted by His Eminence Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, who also delivered the Sermon.
The Opening of the Portals is one of the most spiritually significant ceremonies of the Armenian Church’s Liturgical calendar. During the Service, the faithful kneel and beseech God in prayer: “Open to us, O Lord, open to us, O Lord, open to us the door of mercy, that with repentance we may turn to You.”
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV Recalls Many Middle East Christians Who Suffer with Christ During Holy Week
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV decries the fact that many Christians in the Middle East will be unable to celebrate Holy Week rites, urging everyone to remember the many people who share in Christ's suffering as the Church contemplates the Mystery of the Lord's Passion.
"Precisely as the Church contemplates the mystery of the Lord’s Passion, we cannot forget those who today truly share in His suffering."
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV made this observation at the conclusion of his Palm Sunday Mass in the Vatican.
He drew the Church's attention to the plight of Christians in the Middle East, saying their "trial calls upon the conscience of all."
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at Palm Sunday Mass: ‘Jesus does not listen to Prayers of those who wage war’
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV presides at Mass on Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, and reflects on Jesus as the King of Peace who rejects war and refuses to listen to the prayers of those who wage war.
By Devin Watkins
On Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
In his Homily, the Pope reflected on Jesus’ revelation of Himself as the King of Peace, even as violence loomed around Him.
As Jesus walked the Way of the Cross, we walk with Him and contemplate His passion which He bore for the sake of humanity as a gift of love.
“He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence,” said the Pope. “He offers Himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs.”
Jesus, he added, came to bring life and light to the world, even as darkness and death was about to engulf Him.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I Celebrates Palm Sunday at the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon
The Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, marked Palm Sunday with a Solemn Celebration at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral on March 29, 2026, under the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).
Despite bleak weather preventing the traditional large children’s Procession, a significant number of faithful, children, and youth gathered for the occasion.
The Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral was celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, who emphasized the “Dominical” significance of Palm Sunday in Armenian Church tradition and highlighted the special dedication of this feast to children, reflecting the Gospel’s message of joyful welcome for the Lord. His Eminence called for unity in Prayer, especially for peace amid ongoing conflict, concluding with a blessing for grace and mercy.
As per tradition, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received children and their parents at the pontifical residence, imparted his blessing, and distributed special gifts for Palm Sunday…
With the Blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I
Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, Participates in National Feast of the Annunciation Celebrations in Lebanon
Since 2010, the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary has been celebrated as a national holiday in Lebanon, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Christian and Muslim communities. Each year, this special occasion is marked by lectures and spiritual gatherings held across the country, uniting Christian and Muslim clergy, political leaders, intellectuals, and youth.
On March 24 and 25, 2026, organizations dedicated to promoting Christian-Muslim dialogue and fostering coexistence in Lebanon hosted a series of events. With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and under the organization of the Christian–Islamic Coordination Body, V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian participated in a joint Prayer gathering in Rabweh. Additionally, V. Rev. Fr. Movses Yosulkanyan, Coordinator of the Eco Justice Unit at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), participated in the Divine Liturgy at Notre Dame University (NDU) and in a Prayer-lecture event at the Syriac Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation, organized by the Episcopal Committee for Christian–Muslim Dialogue in Lebanon and the Middle East Council of Churches.
Meditation of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa for Palm Sunday at Gethesmane
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
may the Lord give you peace.
We are here at Gethesmane, the place where Jesus, having reached the culmination of his journey to Jerusalem, paused and wept. His gaze did not rest on the majestic walls or the splendor of the Temple; it penetrated the heart of the city he loved, and there he saw its struggle in recognizing the time of grace.
In this afternoon of Palm Sunday we gather without a procession, without palms waving through the streets. This absence is not merely a matter of formalities. It is the war that has interrupted our festive journey, making even the simple joy of following our King difficult. Our brothers and sisters of the Holy Land cannot fill the streets this Sunday nor join their voices to the festive procession. Their absence is not empty before the Lord. He does not seek triumphal roads, but enters where the door is left ajar, where daily fidelity is the daily bread. We are certain that the Crucified and Risen One does not cease to walk among us: even when the road is blocked, He dwells in the heart of those who have not stopped following Him. Yet precisely in this imposed silence, the liturgy becomes more authentic. The cry of “Hosanna” does not need branches to rise to heaven, and faith does not falter when outward rites are stripped away…
Joint Press Release Issued By The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land
Regarding the Prevention of the Palm Sunday Prayer at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
Holy City of Jerusalem
Palm Sunday, 29 March 2026
This morning, the [Israeli Police] prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Head of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, together with the Custos of the Holy Land, the Most Reverend Fr. Francesco Ielpo, OFM, the official Guardian of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, as they made their way to celebrate the Palm Sunday Mass.
The two were stopped en route, while proceeding privately and without any characteristics of a procession or ceremonial act, and were compelled to turn back. As a result, and for the first time in centuries, the Heads of the Church were prevented from celebrating the Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre…
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV Assures Archbishop of Canterbury of Dialogue 'In Truth and Love‘
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends a message to Archbishop Sarah Mullally on the occasion of her installation, recalling the progress and challenges in Catholic–Anglican relations. The Archbishop's installation ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral took place on 25 March.
Vatican News
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has sent a message to Sarah Mullally on the occasion of her installation as Archbishop of Canterbury, assuring her of his prayers and invoking “grace, mercy, and peace… in truth and love”.
The installation service, historically known as an enthronement, took place in Canterbury Cathedral on 25 March. In the presence of some 2,000 guests, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, it marks the symbolic start of Dame Sarah's public ministry as the Archbishop of Canterbury.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV's Vocations Day Message: 'The Interior Discovery of God's Gift'
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV releases his message for the upcoming World Day of Prayer for Vocations, observed this year on Sunday, April 26, and reiterates that "every vocation is an immeasurable gift for the Church and for those who receive it with joy."
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has released his message for the 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which falls this year on April 26, the fourth Sunday of Easter, also called "Good Shepherd Sunday."
The Pope called the day "an occasion of grace in which we share some reflections on the interior dimension of vocation, understood as the discovery of God’s free gift that blossoms in the depths of our hearts." He also called it an opportunity to "explore together the truly beautiful path of life along which the Shepherd guides us."
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I Brings Forth Relics from the Cilicia Museum for Pilgrimage Day
On March 22, 1931, His Holiness Catholicos Sahag II Khabayan established Antelias Pilgrimage Day to coincide with the commemoration of the descent of St. Gregory the Illuminator, Patron Saint of the Armenian Church, into the pit of Khor Virab. Since then, it has become a cherished tradition for pilgrims to visit the Catholicosate in Lebanon for this annual Pilgrimage.
This year, under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), and despite the challenging situation in Lebanon, a large number of faithful participated in special ceremonies marking the commemoration. On Friday at 5 p.m., a Vespers ceremony was held, following the eve of the commemoration of the descent of the Patron Saint into the pit of Khor Virab. On Saturday morning, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated. On Saturday at 7 p.m., a special Vespers Ceremony will take place for Pilgrimage Day, followed by a Pontifical message…
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV: Planes should bring peace, not war and destruction
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV thanks the Italian national airline ITA Airways for carrying the Pope on his Apostolic Journeys, and laments the use of aircraft as carriers of death and destruction in theaters of war.
Just twenty days ahead of his Apostolic Journey to four African nations, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV met with a delegation of executives and staff from ITA Airways, Italy’s national airline, and the Lufthansa Group.
The Pope thanked ITA Airways and its predecessor, Alitalia, for its service to the Popes, beginning with Pope St. Paul VI.
He praised its “qualified and experienced professionals” for creating a “serene atmosphere” for the Pope, his entourage, and the journalists who fly with him to cover his Apostolic Journeys.
Palm Sunday Procession in Jerusalem Cancelled Due to War
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem cancels this year’s Palm Sunday Procession from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem, due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has announced that the traditional Palm Sunday Procession, which goes from the Mount of Olives up to Jerusalem, has been cancelled and will be replaced by a moment of Prayer for the city at a location yet to be determined.
In a statement, the Cardinal explained that the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday, usually held in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, has been postponed to a later date, as soon as the situation allows and possibly within the Easter season.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV Advances Six Causes for Sainthood
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV advances several individuals toward Sainthood, including an Italian who was a father of a family and another who offered his life for the faith, as well as a Spanish religious who served the Church throughout the 20th century.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, in the Vatican on Monday morning and authorized the Dicastery to promulgate several decrees advancing six individuals toward Sainthood.
The Pope recognized the offering of life of Servant of God Ludovico Altieri, Bishop of Albano, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, born on 17 July 1805 in Rome, Italy, who died on 11 August 1867 in the Italian hill town of Albano Laziale.