As the Church celebrates the Second Sunday of Christmas, Jenny Kraska offers her thoughts on the day’s Gospel reading. By Jenny Kraska The Gospel of Matthew tells us that “…Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?’” (Mt 2:1-2). These Wise Men …

As 2026 approaches, Vatican News revisits some reflections by the Popes on this transitional period between the end of 2025 and the arrival of the new year. By Amedeo Lomonaco As the year comes to an end and a new one is set to begin, the Church’s perspective on this …

As the Church marks the Feast of the Holy Family, Fr Luke Gregory reflects on how divine guidance shepherds families through challenges. By Fr Luke Gregory OFM Family life is an integral aspect of human existence, deeply embedded in our societal structures and individual experiences. It is within the family …

In his Christmas Urbi et Orbi address, Pope Leo XIV renews his plea for peace, reminding the world that it is both God’s gift and humanity’s shared responsibility. By Francesca Merlo As war continues to scar the world, Pope Leo XIV used his Christmas Urbi et Orbi message to renew his appeal for peace, …

A 15-metre Christmas tree lights up Manger Square in front of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem this year after a two-year pause from all festivities in solidarity with the city’s fellow Palestinians in Gaza. By Linda Bordoni and Jean-Charles Putzolu in Bethlehem Celebrations are resuming across the West …

Violence begets death and destruction, revenge begets hatred and pain. News and pictures from Gaza and other war-torn lands show the physical and moral suffering of the innocent and defenceless. By Ibrahim Faltas * Holy Christmas is approaching. The Advent journey prepares us for the coming of the One who …

As the Church marks the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Abbot Marion Nguyen reflects on the theme “Justice without judgement: the righteousness of Joseph” By Abbot Marion Nguyen As Christmas approaches, the Church places before us the figure of Joseph and names him with a single, arresting title: “a just man.” In an age marked …

The Vatican lights up the Christmas tree and Nativity Scene in St. Peter’s Square in a ceremony with Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governatorate of the Vatican City State, and Italian civil and religious representatives of the dioceses that donated the Christmas elements. Vatican News The Vatican’s Christmas tree …

The Pope sends a telegram signed by the Vatican Secretary of State to the Archbishop of Sydney, Australia upon hearing the news of the attack which killed 16 people on 14 December. Vatican News After hearing the news of the attack at Bondi Beach in Australia, Pope Leo XIV sent …

As the Church celebrates Gaudete Sunday – Fr Edmund Power reflects on the theme of “joy” that permeates the liturgy on the Third Sunday of Advent. By Fr Edmund Power, OSB Rejoice in the Lord always! The words of the entrance antiphon of today’s Mass, taken from the letter of St …