Pope Leo XIV on Thursday received Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, in audience in the Apostolic Palace.

The Israeli President subsequently met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

According to a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office, during “the cordial talks with the Holy Father and in the Secretariat of State, the political and social situation in the Middle East was addressed, where numerous conflicts persist, with particular attention given to the tragic situation in Gaza.”

Hope was expressed “for a speedy resumption of negotiations so that, with willingness and corageous decisions, as well as the support of the international community, the release of all hostages can be achieved, a permanent ceasefire reached with urgency, the safe entry of humanitarian aid into the most affected areas be facilitated, and full respect for humanitarian law be ensured, together with the legitimate aspirations of the two peoples.”

The statement added that there were talks about how to ensure a future for the Palestinian people and about peace and stability in the region… Read more »

The Papal Villa and lush gardens in Castel Gandolfo, located about 25 kilometres southeast of Rome, is an expansive complex of buildings and gardens that overlook Lake Albano. Originally, the site belonged to Emperor Domitian’s villa but was acquired by the Holy See and has historically served as the summer residence for Popes.

Pope Leo XIV and the Laudato si’ project

This week, Pope Leo XIV will officially inaugurate much of the Castel Gandolfo property as the Borgo Laudato si’ ecology project… Read more »

Il-Messaġġ tal-Papa Ljun XIV

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The theme of this World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, chosen by our beloved Pope Francis, is “Seeds of Peace and Hope”. On the tenth anniversary of the establishment of this Day of Prayer, which coincided with the publication of the Encyclical Laudato Si’, we find ourselves celebrating the present Jubilee as “Pilgrims of Hope… Read more »

During his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo reflects on Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, highlighting that in these moments of fear, injustice and loneliness, God is present.

Continuing his cycle of catechesis for the Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Leo XIV focused on Jesus’ Passion during this week’s Wednesday General Audience, specifically highlighting the moment of His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane… Read more »

We begin with the same sign with which the Lord has given us life in Baptism: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you.

Good morning to all of you. Welcome to Rome and to the Vatican, and thank you for your patience.

Your Eminences, Your Excellency,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am pleased to greet you, members of the International Catholic Legislators Network… Read more »

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

At the heart of today’s Gospel (Lk 13:22-30), we find the image of the “narrow gate,” which Jesus uses in his answer to someone who asks him if only a few will be saved. Jesus says, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able” (v 24)… Read more »

Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC

Dear brothers and sisters,

I extend heartfelt greetings to all gathered in Stockholm for the 2025 Ecumenical Week marking the centenary of the 1925 Universal Christian Conference on Life and Work, as well as the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, a profound event in the history of Christianity.

In the year 325, bishops from across the known world gathered in Nicaea… Read more »

Cycle of Catechesis – Jubilee 2025: Jesus Christ our Hope. III. The Passover of Jesus. 3. Forgiveness. «He loved them to the end» (Jn 13:2)

Dear brothers and sisters,

Today we will look at one of the most striking and luminous gestures in the Gospel: the moment when Jesus, during the last supper, offers a morsel to the one who is about to betray him… Read more »