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 …

By Amira Abuzeid CNA Staff, Dec 19, 2025 / 18:35 pm Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, arrived in Gaza City on Dec. 19 for a pastoral visit to Holy Family Parish, the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, just days before Christmas. Accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop William Shomali, the …

At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip from late Tuesday to Wednesday.​ By Nathan Morley At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip from late Tuesday into Wednesday, in what officials described as the most intense escalation since the …

By Tyler Arnold Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Oct 23, 2025 / 13:20 pm U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, attended a private Mass celebrated by Franciscan monks at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Thursday during a three-day diplomatic trip to Israel. Vance, the nation’s second …

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem expresses joy for the news of an agreement between Israel and Hamas describing it as a necessary first step that brings an atmosphere of trust and hope to the people of the region. By Francesca Sabatinelli and Linda Bordoni The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has …

As humanitarian aid is finally granted access to the Gaza Strip, Pope Leo XIV instructs the Office of Papal Charities to send medicines for the youngest victims of the two-year conflict. Meanwhile, food aid distributions continue in Ukraine. By Benedetta Capelli In the days when the “spark of hope” — …

The final 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have returned to Israel after more than two years in captivity. By Nathan Morley The final 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have returned to Israel after more than two years in captivity. The hostages were abducted during …

By Sanad Sahelia ACI MENA, Oct 9, 2025 / 11:55 am The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has welcomed the announcement of an agreement to halt attacks in the Gaza Strip and to ensure the immediate release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners — describing it as a first step “that may …

By Victoria Cardiel Vatican City, Sep 24, 2025 / 07:24 am Pope Leo XIV renewed the Holy See’s support for a two-state solution in the Holy Land and voiced concern over rising tensions in Ukraine, speaking with reporters Tuesday before returning from Castel Gandolfo to the Vatican. “The Holy See has …