Israel Netanyahu restores Latin patriarch's access to Jerusalem holy site The Israeli PM restored full access to the Holy Sepulchre for Latin Patriarch Pizzaballa after police barred him on Palm Sunday, sparking criticism from the EU and global leaders. 30/03/2026
Culture news How much does it cost to watch a Holy Week procession in Spain? The tourism boom and soaring demand are driving up prices to watch Holy Week processions in cities such as Seville, with balcony rentals reaching €9,000 and a single seat costing almost €200. 30/03/2026
Israel Israeli police block Latin Patriarch from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch and the Custos of the Holy Land were prevented by Israeli police from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday. It was the "first time in centuries" the Heads of Church were prevented from attending. 29/03/2026
Monaco Pope Leo XIV urges Monaco to use wealth 'for good' in historic visit Pope Leo XIV urged residents of the wealthy principality of Monaco to use their resources to promote good in the world. The pontiff became the first head of the Catholic church to visit the territory since Pope Paul III in the 16th century. 28/03/2026
Markets Vatican Bank launches 'Catholic-based' stock indices The Vatican Bank has officially launched two equity indices, one in the US and another in the eurozone, which are comprised of stocks that reputedly abide by Catholic principles. 10/02/2026
Switzerland Swiss politician fined for shooting pistol at Madonna and Child poster Sanija Ameti, an independent Zurich council member formerly of the Green-Liberal party, was fined in suspension for "disturbing freedom of religion and worship." 29/01/2026
No Comment Dogs and cats blessed with holy water in Madrid Dozens of pet owners in Madrid brought their dogs and cats to Saint Anthony Church to be blessed with holy water on St Anthony’s Day. 17/01/2026
No Comment Brazil celebrates Three Kings Day with parade in Rio favelas Brazil marked Three Kings Day on Tuesday with a colourful procession in Rio de Janeiro, where music and dance echoed through a hillside neighbourhood. 07/01/2026
Vatican Pope Leo XIV asks that Rome welcome foreigners as 2025 draws to an end The Vatican this week released statistics showing 3.2 million people had participated in Vatican liturgies, audiences, Angelus prayers and Jubilee audiences this year. 31/12/2025
No Comment Cuban pilgrims flock to Havana's El Rincon shrine for blessings Cuba saw thousands of devotees walk toward the shrine of El Rincon, on the outskirts of Havana, during the annual pilgrimage honouring Saint Lazarus. 17/12/2025
Culture news Infant Jesus stolen from controversial nativity scene in Brussels The new nativity design by artist Victoria-Maria Geyer sparked debate on social media over its characters' faceless depictions. 03/12/2025
No Comment Inside Rome’s private Colonna Palace: a glimpse into Italy’s noble heritage Visitors are getting a rare glimpse inside Rome’s closely guarded Colonna Palace, a private home-museum long hidden from mass tourism. 16/11/2025
Design Barcelona's Sagrada Família reveals Gaudí' centenary celebrations The basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona will reach 172 metres with the completion of the tower of Jesus Christ, scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026, surpassing the cathedral of Ulm in Germany. 22/09/2025
Earth News Vatican to open ecological education centre inspired by Pope Francis The Vatican's first-ever vocational school aims to offer on-site training in sustainable gardening, organic winemaking, and olive harvesting. 03/09/2025
Poland Polish far-right politician reveals intersex partner and quits party Now-former Konfederacja member Dawid Szóstak and model Michalina Manios confirmed they were dating and said they want to "focus on what's important". 02/09/2025
Culture news Newly discovered document adds evidence that Shroud of Turin is fake A unearthed document, detailed in a new study, offers compelling and the oldest evidence that the Turin Shroud - long believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ - is “clerical fraud.” 29/08/2025