A father’s farewell: Journalist recalls personal bond with Pope Francis in new book April 19, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Books, Feature, News, Vatican, World News The world had its eyes fixed on the 10th floor of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital in 2025, waiting, hoping and praying that Pope Francis would recover.
Vatican foundation announces global events to honor Benedict XVI ahead of 2027 centenary April 15, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News The Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation announced a series of initiatives across several continents that will take place throughout 2026 to mark the centenary of Pope Benedict XVI’s birth.
New Chaldean patriarch elected for Iraq amid pope’s calls he ‘should be’ a ‘father in faith’ April 14, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Iraqi Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona, who until now led the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle of Australia and New Zealand, was elected patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, succeeding Cardinal Louis Sako.
Nuncio to Lebanon says war ‘is not the right path,’ calls for ceasefire April 9, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News As the death toll in Lebanon continues to rise following devastating strikes by the Israeli military, the Vatican’s representative in the country said the bombardment “is not the right path.”
Pope sends Easter greetings to Catholic parish in Gaza amid fear, uncertainty of war April 7, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV sent Easter greetings to Catholics in Gaza as they celebrate Easter amid the fear and uncertainty of war, said Father Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of Holy Family Parish.
Cardinal Roche: Pedro Ballester’s selflessness a witness for youth April 4, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: News, Saints, World News, Youth Ministry The enduring memory of Pedro Ballester, an English student whose life is being studied for a possible sainthood cause, is defined by joy and selflessness in the face of suffering, British Cardinal Arthur Roche said.
Here’s a glimpse of Holy Week around the world April 2, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Easter, Lent, News, World News From solemn processions in Spain to dramatic reenactments of Christ’s passion in an El Salvadoran prison yard, Catholics around the world commemorate Holy Week with traditions molded by their history, culture and faith.
Pope urges Catholics to pray for priests in crisis April 1, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: News, Vatican, Vocations, World News Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics to pray for priests who find themselves in crisis and to “support those who so often support us.”
Cultural trends and technology threaten contemplation, Cardinal Roche says April 1, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Arts & Culture, News, Vatican, World News Modern cultural influences, including technology and shifting views on identity, risk weakening human relationships and spiritual development, said Cardinal Arthur Roche, the prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Pope Leo XIV introduces changes in Secretariat of State leadership March 30, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News Pope Leo XIV named Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the substitute secretary for general affairs at the Vatican Secretariat of State, as the apostolic nuncio to Italy and the Republic of San Marino, the Vatican said.
Israel to allow Church leaders to celebrate Holy Week, Easter at holy sites, Latin patriarchate says March 30, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said an agreement has been reached with Israeli authorities to allow Holy Week and Easter celebrations to take place at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher after they were initially barred from celebrating Palm Sunday.
Pope calls on French bishops to find solution to divisive liturgy debates March 26, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News, Worship & Sacraments Pope Leo XIV lamented the divisions surrounding the celebration of the Latin Mass and called on the French bishops’ conference to find solutions that include those attached to the old form of Mass.
