Site of a suicide attack in a central market in Baghdad 

Pope Francis on Thursday condemned a twin bomb attack in a Baghdad market, and described the attacks as “a senseless act of brutality.”

At least 32 people were killed in the suicide bombings and over 100 others wounded.

In a telegram, sent on his behalf by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope said he is praying “for the deceased victims and their families, for the injured and for the emergency personnel in attendance.”

He went on to say he hopes that Iraq will continue to work to overcome violence with “fraternity, solidarity and peace,” and he invoked the Lord’s blessing upon the nation and its people… Read more »

Helping women in crisis pregnancy saves lives. This is the theme for Pregnancy Help Week 18-22 January 2021. During this week, LifeLine Malta will be releasing a series of testimonies from the women who were in a crisis pregnancy and considering abortion, some of whom had already purchased abortion pills but did not take them after counseling.

Women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy need practical help, support and compassion, especially in situations when they are alone, are abandoned by a partner or have financial problems… Read more »

Christians march in Abuja during a prayer and penance gathering for peace and security in Nigeria last year

Every day, 13 Christians worldwide are killed because of their faith, 12 churches or Christian buildings are attacked and 12 Christians are unjustly arrested or imprisoned, while another 5 are abducted.

This is according to the 2021 World Watch List annual report produced by Open Doors, a non-profit organization that chronicles persecution against Christians, guides prayers and shows persecuted believers that they are not forgotten… Read more »

The vaccination campaign against Covid-19 in the Vatican which began on Wednesday continues with both Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI receiving their first doses of the vaccine.

“I can confirm that as part of the vaccination program of the Vatican City State, as of today, the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine has been administered to Pope Francis and to the Pope Emeritus,” said Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office in response to journalists’ questions… Read more »

Pope Francis blesses a sick person in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 26 Nov. 2017 

Dear brothers and sisters,

The celebration of the XXIX World Day of the Sick on 11 February 2021, the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes, is an opportunity to devote special attention to the sick and to those who provide them with assistance and care both in healthcare institutions and within families and communities… Read more »