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Pope Leo XIV meets his closest collaborators for the exchange of traditional Christmas greetings. The Pope recalls his 'beloved predecessor' Francis and his encouragement to be a Church that is 'welcoming to all,' urging them consider the 'major ecclesial, pastoral, and social challenges' and to become a sign of peace for a world marked by conflict.
In the traditional Christmas greeting to Vatican employees, Pope Leo invites them to learn simplicity and humility from Jesus’ birth this Christmas, and to ensure that this becomes the style of the Church.
The fifth edition of the international kitesurfing event is set to take place on 7 February 2026 in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with the deadline for participation on 6 January. The competition aims to build on social, cultural, and humanitarian dimensions that convey a strong message of peace and fellowship, in addition to good sportsmanship and an exciting race in a stunningly beautiful part of the world.
On 14 December 1975, on the eve of the conclusion of the Holy Year and ten years after the lifting of the mutual excommunications, Pope Paul VI unexpectedly bent to the ground to pay homage to the representative of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
Reflecting on the figure of Saint Joseph on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Pope Leo XIV recalls the virtues he lived of piety, charity, and mercy that educate the heart to encounter Christ and our brothers and sisters. As we await the birth of the Saviour, he encourages us to be "a welcoming manger, a hospitable home, a sign of God’s presence" and that all children may live in peace.
Ukraine's president says the United States has proposed a format for peace talks that would place Ukraine and Russia at the same table, but he doubts such a meeting would bring real progress. Zelenskyy spoke as a Russian missile strike on port infrastructure in Odesa in southern Ukraine killed at least eight people and wounded twenty-seven, while Ukrainian drones hit several Russian targets.
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.
U.S. forces launch missiles toward Islamic State positions in desert areas of eastern and northern Syria.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is on a pastoral visit to the Parish of the Holy Family and will preside over the Christmas Mass on Sunday.
Pope Leo XIV convenes his first Consistory of Cardinals, which will take place on January 7-8 and will be marked by prayer, support, and counsel for the Pope.
As the Jubilee of Hope concludes with the Christmas Season, an image of Our Lady of Hope from southern Italy will accompany the faithful attending liturgies celebrated by Pope Leo XIV.
As the Jubilee Year draws to a close, Pope Leo XIV reminds the faithful that its deepest gift endures. Hope, he says, continues to shape the Church’s journey, calling all to remain pilgrims who generate life and renewal.