Four seminarians were ordained as Acolytes, and six as Subdeacons during the Sunday Divine Liturgy on May 10, 2026, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, in Antelias - Lebanon.

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 ceremony, which was conducted by the Prelate of Lebanon, His Eminence Shahe Panossian…

In a meeting with participants in an interfaith colloquium, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV calls on Christians and Muslims to “revive humanity where it has grown cold” and "transform indifference into solidarity”.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV met on Monday morning with members of Jordan’s Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies and of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

The members of the Royal Institute, which was founded under the patronage of Jordan’s Prince Hasan bin Talal, were in Rome for a colloquium on “Human Compassion and Empathy in Modern Times”.

As he meets with the Vatican Observatory Foundation, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV upholds the Catholic Church’s desire to seek God in His Creation through rigorous, honest science.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV held an audience on Monday with the Board of the Vatican Observatory Foundation.

In his address, the Pope recalled that His Holiness Pope Leo XIII re-founded the Vatican Observatory in 1891, at a time when science was being presented as a rival source of truth to religion.

The 19th-century Pope said he was re-founding the institution so that, “everyone might see clearly that the Church and her Pastors are not opposed to true and solid science, whether human or divine, but that they embrace it, encourage it, and promote it with the fullest possible devotion.”

On May 4, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), met the Syriac Orthodox Church Associations in Qamishly, at Mor Jacob of Nisibin Cathedral in Qamishly, Syria.

Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, Mor George Kourieh, Patriarchal Vicar of Belgium, France and Luxembourg, Mor Anthimos Jack Yacoub, Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem, Jordan and the Holy Land, Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for Monks Affairs and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, Mor Christophoros Markose Abraham, Patriarchal Secretary for Indian Affairs, Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education, Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, and Mor Youhanon Lahdo, Archbishop of Sweden and Scandinavia, were also present.

On May 4, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), visited St. Mary Church in Sekar, Syria.

Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, Mor Chrysostomos Mikhael Shemoun, Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor George Kourieh, Patriarchal Vicar of Belgium, France and Luxembourg, Mor Anthimos Jack Yacoub, Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem, Jordan and the Holy Land, Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for Monks Affairs and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, Mor Christophoros Markose Abraham, Patriarchal Secretary for Indian Affairs, Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education, Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, and Mor Youhanon Lahdo, Archbishop of Sweden and Scandinavia, were also present.

On May 4, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), visited Mor Esia Church in Derbasiyyah, Syria.

Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, Mor Chrysostomos Mikhael Shemoun, Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor George Kourieh, Patriarchal Vicar of Belgium, France and Luxembourg, Mor Anthimos Jack Yacoub, Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem, Jordan and the Holy Land, Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for Monks Affairs and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, Mor Christophoros Markose Abraham, Patriarchal Secretary for Indian Affairs, Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education, Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, and Mor Youhanon Lahdo, Archbishop of Sweden and Scandinavia, were also present.

On May 4, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), visited Mor Elias Church in Amouda, Syria.

Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, Mor Chrysostomos Mikhael Shemoun, Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor George Kourieh, Patriarchal Vicar of Belgium, France and Luxembourg, Mor Anthimos Jack Yacoub, Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem, Jordan and the Holy Land, Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for Monks Affairs and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, Mor Christophoros Markose Abraham, Patriarchal Secretary for Indian Affairs, Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education, Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, and Mor Youhanon Lahdo, Archbishop of Sweden and Scandinavia, were also present.

On May 4, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), visited the Amal Private School in Qamishly, Syria.

Their Eminences: Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, accompanied His Holiness during the visit.

In his message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV highlights the importance of ensuring that technological innovation, particularly artificial intelligence, serves the human person rather than replacing or diminishing human dignity.

Face and voice are unique traits of every person and form the foundation of human identity and relationships. Reflecting on this truth, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV introduces his Message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications, which will be celebrated on 17 May 2026, with a focus on digital communication and artificial intelligence, highlighting the need to protect human dignity in an age increasingly shaped by technological innovation.

On Tuesday, April 28, 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), received the newly formed executive committee of the Youth Department of the Catholicosate, led by Department Director V. Rev. Father Avedik Der Garabedian.

During the meeting, Father Avedik expressed his filial gratitude to His Holiness for entrusting him with the leadership of such a far-reaching and impactful mission. He introduced the committee members and presented plans for an upcoming general assembly, which will focus on His Holiness’s proclamation, “The Year of the Renewal of Spiritual Life,” highlighting prayer as the cornerstone of spiritual renewal.

In his address to the youth, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I affirmed that, despite the ongoing regional challenges, the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia remains unwavering in its commitment to its mission and service…

On May 3rd, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), inaugurated the headquarters of Urhoy Artistic Committee in Qamishly, Syria.

His Holiness was accompanied by their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, Mor Chrysostomos Mikhael Shemoun, Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor George Kourieh, Patriarchal Vicar of Belgium, France and Luxembourg, Mor Anthimos Jack Yacoub, Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem, Jordan and the Holy Land, Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for Monks Affairs and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, Mor Christophoros Markose Abraham, Patriarchal Secretary for Indian Affairs, Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education, Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, and Mor Youhanon Lahdo, Archbishop of Sweden and Scandinavia.

On May 3rd, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), visited the headquarters of Mor Aphrem Association for University Students in Qamishly, Syria.

His Holiness was accompanied by their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, Mor Chrysostomos Mikhael Shemoun, Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor George Kourieh, Patriarchal Vicar of Belgium, France and Luxembourg, Mor Anthimos Jack Yacoub, Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem, Jordan and the Holy Land, Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for Monks Affairs and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, Mor Christophoros Markose Abraham, Patriarchal Secretary for Indian Affairs, Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education, Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, and Mor Youhanon Lahdo, Archbishop of Sweden and Scandinavia.

On May 3rd, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), visited the Balabel El-Amal Kindergarten in Qamishly, Syria.

His Eminence Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, accompanied His Holiness during the visit.

His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Polis III Nona, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, celebrated the Mass of the Fifth Sunday of Easter on May 3, 2026, at the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Sydney, as part of his pastoral visits to the parishes of the eparchy following his election as Patriarch.

In his reflection on the Gospel of the day, which recounts the third appearance of Jesus after the Resurrection (John 21:1–14), Patriarch Nona spoke about the action of Peter when he recognized Jesus standing on the shore: he took his garment and wrapped it around himself, for he had been naked. His Beatitude explained, as reported on the official page of the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle in Australia and New Zealand, that “the sense of nakedness in Sacred Scripture symbolizes the human person’s awareness of sin before God, prompting him to cover himself, as occurred with Adam and Eve after the Fall”…

On May 3rd, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), presided over the Ramsho Prayer at Mor Quryaqus Church in Qamishly, Syria.

Their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, Mor Chrysostomos Mikhael Shemoun, Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor George Kourieh, Patriarchal Vicar of Belgium, France and Luxembourg, Mor Anthimos Jack Yacoub, Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem, Jordan and the Holy Land, Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for Monks Affairs and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, Mor Christophoros Markose Abraham, Patriarchal Secretary for Indian Affairs, Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education, Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, and Mor Youhanon Lahdo, Archbishop of Sweden and Scandinavia, were also present.

On May 3rd, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), received various delegations at the Archdiocesan Hall in Mor Jacob of Nisibin Cathedral in Qamishly, Syria.

On May 3rd, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), celebrated the Holy Qurobo at St. Mary Church in Qamishly, Syria.

His Holiness was assisted by their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, Mor Chrysostomos Mikhael Shemoun, Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor George Kourieh, Patriarchal Vicar of Belgium, France and Luxembourg, Mor Anthimos Jack Yacoub, Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem, Jordan and the Holy Land, Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for Monks Affairs and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, Mor Christophoros Markose Abraham, Patriarchal Secretary for Indian Affairs, Mor Andrawos Bahhi, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education, Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, and Mor Youhanon Lahdo, Archbishop of Sweden and Scandinavia.

The Holy See Press Office releases the programs of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV's upcoming pastoral visits throughout Italy over the next three months.

As Italy celebrates April 25 as "Liberation Day," the Holy See Press Office published several programs of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV's upcoming Pastoral visits to various Italian cities.

The Pope will begin the Italian tour in Pompeii and Naples on May 8, the one-year anniversary of his election as Pope.

He will start the day at the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii, a pilgrimage destination for four Popes and millions of people who gather together to pray the Supplication to the Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii twice a year, in May and November.

Visiting the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy on the occasion of its 325th anniversary, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV reflects on the figure of the pontifical diplomatic Priest: a messenger of peace, called to defend the entire human family, not only the Catholic community.

On Monday, 27 April, Pope Leo visited the Pontifical Academy in Rome, emphasising “the special vocation at the service of peace, truth and justice” to which the pontifical diplomatic Priest is called. The meeting coincided with the 325th anniversary of the institution’s foundation, which the Pope had already visited before being elected to the Chair of Peter, when he was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass on the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and ordains ten new Priests, inviting them to grow in communion with their parish communities and ensure that the Church remains welcoming to all people.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV ordained a group of ten Priests at Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday, as the Church celebrated the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. 

At the Mass on 26 April, the Pope based his homily on the Gospel of John, recalling Jesus’ words: "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

He pointed to the generosity of the newly-ordained Priests as a sign that this promise is still being lived today.