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Europe News

Pope Francis on Christmas Day urges 'to silence the sound of arms'

The pontiff reminded the Catholic faithful on Wednesday of children suffering from war and hunger, the elderly living in isolation, those fleeing their homelands, people who have lost their jobs and those persecuted for their faith.

Culture news

Unlocking the sacred: What happens at the Holy Door for Jubilee 2025?

The Jubilee ceremony begins with Pope Francis opening the Holy Door at St Peter's Basilica. The ceremony includes prayers in Latin and Italian, symbolising forgiveness, as the Pope crosses the threshold to start the Holy Year.

Europe News

Pope Francis opens Holy Door to launch 2025 Jubilee

The 2025 Holy Year, themed around hope and trust, has begun with the Pope opening the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, as Rome prepares for 30 million pilgrims with heightened security and ongoing renovations.

Culture news

Jubilee 2025: Rome expects over 30 million pilgrims during Holy Year

To the faithful who go on pilgrimage to Rome, the Pope grants a special 'indulgence' or remission of their sins.

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Culture news

Secret 13th century escape passage for popes reopens to the public

A historic secret passage connecting the Vatican with Rome’s Castel Sant’Angelo has reopened to the public on Monday.

Europe News

Rome's Trevi Fountain reopens right in time for Vatican's Jubilee

Rome's iconic fountain opened after roughly three months of renovations, a project that cost €327,000.

Europe News

Pope calls for ceasefire on all war fronts in pre-Christmas prayer

Francis delivered his Sunday blessing from indoors with Vatican officials citing the cold weather and his upcoming busy Christmas schedule.

Europe News

Vatican unveils solar panel roof as part of green energy transition

Pope Francis outlined his green vision for the Vatican in his 'Brother Sun' letter in June. In it he said solar panels would be installed on a Vatican-owned property outside Rome and the power generated from that could supply all of Vatican City's energy needs.

Europe News

Rome prepares for Pope Francis' second Jubilee

In recent months, the city has been transformed into an open-air construction site working towards accommodating some 35 million expected visitors for the Jubilee.

Mobility

Pope Francis goes electric with first eco-friendly 'Popemobile'

The Pope will use the electric Mercedes G-Class to greet crowds during General Audiences and other official ceremonies.

Culture news

Vatican to publish new magazine with Pope replying readers’ questions

The magazine, as well as the livestream of St. Peter's tomb in the Vatican, are part of the outreach programme for the 2025 Jubilee.

Vatican

Abuse survivors push Vatican for global zero-tolerance policy

The policy, which permanently removes priests for a single act of sexual abuse, is currently limited to the US.

Culture news

Rome's Jubilee year mascot is an anime-inspired pilgrim

Created by Roman designer Simone Legno, the mascot represents a pilgrim inspired by Japanese comics in an attempt to appeal to young people.

EuroVerify

AI-generated image of Vatican 'devil worship' goes viral

A picture showing priests and cardinals gathered around a Satanic-like figure in a black mass is circulating on social media, shared in various contexts.

Travel News

Rome’s Jubilee preparations see Trevi fountain replaced by ‘ugly’ pool

Rome is under construction ahead of next year's holy event.

Cinema

Thriller about electing a pope comes close to current Vatican debates

'Conclave' draws the crowds at the Rome Film Festival near the Vatican, but is it too close to the bone for Pope Francis?

Italy

Pope closes Synod but questions over women's role in the church remain

The synod’s final document leaves key issues on women’s roles unresolved, with calls for greater inclusion going unanswered.

Europe News

Roberta Metsola praises Pope for promoting peace

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola met with Pope Francis on Friday to discuss key issues on the European agenda and emphasised the shared commitment to reconciliation and peace.

Vatican

Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including one from Ukraine

The pope named the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Australia, Bishop Mykola Bychok, in recognition of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Belgium

Pope to face appalling Catholic abuse legacy on Belgium trip

Revelations of Belgium's horrific abuse scandal have dribbled out in bits since 2010, when the country's longest-serving bishop was allowed to resign without punishment, after admitting he had sexually abused his nephew.