Gaza

Pope Leo spoke to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See in the Vatican Apostolic Palace Jan. 9.

Aid organizations whose licenses have been revoked include Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, CARE and World Vision International.

As 2025 draws to a close, the plight of persecuted Christians around the world remains dire — and in many places, deeply forgotten.

“What we felt is the desire to return to life. So they want to talk about the future, our community” amid Christmas celebrations and questions about the future.

As Christians prepare to celebrate Christmas, Caritas Jerusalem launched a “Christmas of Hope” campaign to bring joy amid ongoing suffering in the Holy Land.

Bethlehem rejoiced with the festive celebration of lighting of a 65-feet Christmas tree at the edge of Manger Square Dec. 6.

While it was their first meeting in person, Pope Leo and Abbas had spoken by telephone in July when the fighting was still raging in Gaza and the humanitarian disaster …

As a peace deal nears, Father Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of Gaza City’s Catholic parish, said the entire Gaza Strip has experienced a “tsunami” of destruction.

With the start of the first phase of a peace deal between Israel and Gaza, Pope Leo XIV prayed for a just and lasting peace that respects all people.

Israel’s government ratified what the White House called the “first phase” of a ceasefire deal, as President Donald Trump indicated he planned to visit the region.