Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

Statement issued by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem on the attack perpetrated in the Christian town of Taybeh

Jerusalem, 29 July 2025

We, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, express our profound concern and unwavering condemnation following yet another violent assault that targeted the West Bank Christian town of Taybeh. Several vehicles were set ablaze, and hateful graffiti was sprayed—an unambiguous act of intimidation directed at a peaceful and faithful community rooted in the land of Christ.

This grievous incident is not an isolated occurrence. It forms part of an alarming pattern of settler violence against West Bank communities, including their homes, sacred spaces, and ways of life. Only days ago, settlers forcibly entered Taybeh, herding livestock into the heart of the town. Masked individuals—some armed, others on horseback—roamed the streets, spreading terror and threatening the sanctity of daily life. Fire reached the very walls of the ancient church, a living testament to the Christian faith’s enduring presence in the Holy Land…

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at Audience: May our means of communication heal you and not trouble you

During his Wednesday General Audience, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV encourages the faithful to learn to speak properly, using words that heal and not hurt.

By Vatcian News

Wednesday saw the conclusion of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV's catechetical series on the public life of Jesus, which he described as being marked by encounters, parables, and healings.

Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square for his weekly General Audience, the Pope brought everyone's attention to the present, noting that “this time we are living through also needs healing".

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s August Prayer Intention: For mutual coexistence

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV releases his Prayer intention for August, 2025, inviting us to pray “that societies avoid internal conflicts due to ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons” and encouraging us to “seek paths of dialogue” and “respond to conflict with gestures of fraternity.”

By Christopher Wells

“Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious, or ideological reasons,” Pope Leo says in his Prayer intention for August, 2025.

In the Prayer that follows, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV recalls that we stand in Jesus’ presence, in need of His peace.

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to young pilgrims: “Your voices will be heard to the ends of the earth"

At the opening of the Jubilee of Youth, the Holy Father welcomes young people to St. Peter’s Square, inviting them to pray for peace: “Let us walk together with our faith in Jesus Christ.”

By Fr. Johan Pacheco

On Tuesday evening, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV welcomed young people in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth. After the welcoming Mass in St. Peter’s Square, which was celebrated by Monsignor Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, the Pontiff made a few trips round St Peter’s Square in the popemobile to greet those present.

The Holy Father reminded the young pilgrims that they are “the salt of the earth, the light of the world.”

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

Fraternal Letter of Cooperation from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sent a personal letter to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), expressing sincere gratitude for the participation of a delegation from the Holy See of Cilicia at his papal enthronement ceremony. The two Archbishops, attending with the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, conveyed warm congratulations, which the Pope described as a meaningful expression of Christian brotherhood and unity of faith. His Holiness Pope Leo XIV also emphasized his commitment to working together with His Holiness Aram I and other spiritual leaders to strengthen church unity and promote cooperation and peaceful coexistence among nations, especially in today’s divided world.

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II Welcomes the Participants of the Fifth LOGOS Coptic Youth Forum for the Coptic Orthodox Youth

from Around the World at Saint Mark's Cathedral in Abbassia and Attends the Forum’s Official Luncheon

Today (Monday), the Fifth LOGOS Coptic Youth Forum for the Coptic Orthodox Youth from all over the world visited Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Abbassia as part of the forum’s scheduled activities.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, personally welcomed the youth upon their arrival on the steps of the cathedral, where they took a commemorative photograph with him. The youth then toured the cathedral and listened to a detailed explanation of its history.

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

Meditation Of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa at Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels in Assisi

I am very happy to be here with you.

The theme we heard today in the first reading, and in the Gospel, is prayer.

It is not easy to speak about prayer: the disciples see Jesus praying, throughout the Gospel of Luke we see Jesus often immersed in prayer, and the disciples wanted to do the same (at that time there were many schools: the school of John the Baptist, the schools of the Pharisees…), and they wanted to learn from Jesus, his model of prayer—one that was distinct from all the others.

And they see something special in Jesus at that moment. Their question is an important one: “Jesus, teach us how to pray”…

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II inaugurated “the Healing Wisdom Point” Dispensary at the Archdiocesan Center in Homs

On July 27, 2025, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), inaugurated “the Healing Wisdom Point” Dispensary at the Archdiocesan Center in Homs.

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II inaugurated “the House of the Scattered Pearls: the Library of Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum” in Homs

On July 27, 2025, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), inaugurated “the House of the Scattered Pearls: the Library of Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum” in Homs.

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

"Present in the Pain": His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa Visits Jenin and Rafidia to Stand with the Faithful

Jenin and Rafidia— Amid escalating instability and deepening hardship across the region, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, continues to demonstrate unwavering pastoral commitment by being physically present among his people. On Friday, July 25, 2025, the Patriarch carried out a special check-up visit to the Latin parishes of Jenin and Rafidia, accompanied by Msgr. Jamal Daibes, and Fr. Davide Meli, offering both spiritual support and a message of solidarity to communities facing significant trials.

In Jenin, His Beatitude was warmly received at the Holy Redeemer Church by Fr. Amer Jubran, the parish priest, along with other priests serving the parish and neighboring churches, as well as by the parishioners. Despite the ongoing challenges and destruction that have affected the area in recent months, the atmosphere was one of hope and unwavering faith as the Patriarch presided over a Mass concelebrated by several priests. Following the liturgy, Cardinal Pizzaballa met with parishioners to listen firsthand to their experiences. Fr. Amer spoke openly about the deep suffering endured by the local Christian community.

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV : Migrants are “witnesses of hope” in a devastated world

In his Message for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV emphasizes the important witness that migrants and refugees offer in a world affected by conflict and inequality in hoping and searching for a better and more peaceful future.

By Isabella H. de Carvalho

Pope Leo XIV highlights how migrants and refugees are witnesses of hope and tenacity amidst adversity and calls for a future of peace and respect for human dignity, in his Message for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, released on Friday, July 25.

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

Meditation Of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa: XVII Sunday of Ordinary Time C

Luke 11:1-13

When the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray (“Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” - Lk 11:1), Jesus does not simply respond by handing them the Lord’s Prayer. His answer is an articulated response, like a journey that unfolds in three moments. 

And that is the first element we can appreciate in this passage from today’s Gospel (Lk 11:1-13). For prayer is not simply a formula, but a path, a journey. 

And it is also a challenging and complex path: the parable of the importunate friend (Lk 11:5-8) as well as the words that follow (Lk 11:9-13) are words that are not easy to understand, to say precisely that prayer is not something automatic, but a path that must be patiently traveled…

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

Jubilee of Youth: ‘A step towards building peace in the world’

At a press conference in the Vatican, His Eminence Archbishop Rino Fisichella explains how the Jubilee of Youth will offer “an embrace from all young people worldwide” to those living in war zones.

By Kielce Gussie

The Jubilee of Influencers and the Jubilee of Youth are next on the agenda for the events in the Jubilee Year of Hope. Ahead of the events taking place from 28 July – 3 August, His Eminence Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, highlighted the multicultural and diverse events that will make up this Jubilee.

Young people from all over the world are scheduled to arrive in the Eternal City to participate in what the Archbishop described as "probably the most anticipated moment" of the year.

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV Condemns Arms Trade As He Returns to Vatican

Before leaving Castel Gandolfo this evening, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV stopped to talk to some journalists, and answered some questions on international current affairs.

By Vatican News

“We must encourage everyone to leave weapons behind, and to leave behind the money-making that is behind every war.’

Those were the Pope’s words to journalists as he left his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo this evening, after spending 16 days there, and returned to the Vatican. Pope Leo, who returned shortly before 9pm, spoke with reporters who were awaiting his departure and answered their questions.

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

His Excellency President of the Lebanese Republic Joseph Aoun Receives Reverend Joseph Kassab

His Excellency President of the Lebanese Republic Joseph Aoun received Reverend Joseph Kassab, Head of the Evangelical Community in Syria and Lebanon, and Memeber of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), at the Presidential Palace.

During the meeting, President Aoun described the current situation as both critical and sensitive, stressing the need for national awareness and unified stands to preserve Lebanon’s unity—its land and its people—and to safeguard its sovereignty and independence.

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

Message of Condolence and Solidarity from Prince El Hassan Bin Talal to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa,
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

Greetings of affection and esteem,

I extend to you, and to all our people in Gaza and throughout Palestine, my heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy for the death and injury of several members of your parish in the aggressive bombing that targeted the Holy Family Latin Church in Gaza. This is the same church that has offered significant humanitarian and relief support to members of the community—both Muslims and Christians—including the provision of aid, sheltering hundreds of displaced individuals who lost their homes, and supplying as much food and emergency medical care as possible in cooperation with medical teams from associations and hospitals such as Caritas and others…

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

Address by His Beatitude Theophilos III in the Joint Press Conference on the Pastoral Visit to Gaza - Notre Dame Centre, Jerusalem

Statement by His Beatitude Theophilos III, The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem
Delivered at the Opening of the Press Conference on the Pastoral Visit to Gaza

Jerusalem – July 22, 2025 

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, 

Esteemed members of the press, 

Peace be upon you all, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—He who “walked among the sick and the sorrowful,” and who taught us that “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). 

We gather today with hearts burdened by sorrow, yet steadfast in faith, following our pastoral mission to Gaza, a land bruised by prolonged affliction and pierced by the cries of its people. Together with His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and in the company of devoted clergy, we entered as servants of the suffering Body of Christ, walking among the wounded, the bereaved, the displaced, and the faithful whose dignity remains unbroken despite their agony. 

There, we encountered a people crushed by the weight of war, yet carrying within them the image of God. Among the broken walls of the Church of the Holy Family and the wounded hearts of its faithful, we witnessed both profound grief and unyielding hope. We knelt in prayer beside the afflicted and laid our hands upon those yearning for comfort, guided by the words of Saint Paul: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2)… 

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

Opening Statement of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa in the Joint Press Conference on the Pastoral Visit to Gaza - Notre Dame Centre, Jerusalem

Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

Opening statement of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa 
Patriarch of Jerusalem for the Latins 

at the Joint Press Conference 
Notre Dame of Jerusalem Centre 

 22 July 2025 

“We are sorrowful yet always rejoicing; as poor yet enriching many; as having nothing and yet possessing all things.”

(2 Corinthians 6,10) 

Dear brothers and sisters,

Patriarch Theophilos III and myself, have returned from Gaza with broken hearts. But also encouraged by the testimony of many people we met. 

We entered a place of devastation, but also of wonderful humanity. We walked through the dust of ruins, past collapsed buildings and tents everywhere: in courtyards, alleyways, on the streets and on the beach — tents that have become homes for those who have lost everything. We stood among families who have lost count of the days of exile because they see no horizon for a return. Children talked and played without batting an eyelid —they were already used to the noise of the bombing. 

And yet, in the midst of all this, we encountered something deeper than the destruction: the dignity of the human spirit that refuses to be extinguished. We met mothers preparing food for others, nurses treating wounds with gentleness, and people of all faiths still praying to the God who sees and never forgets… 

Read More
Communication & PR Department Communication Communication & PR Department Communication

Press Conference on the Visit of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III to Gaza

Jerusalem, July 22, 2025 - The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem held a joint press conference, highlighting the historic pastoral visit of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, The Patriarch of Jerusalem. Together, they carried a message of consolation and hope to a grieving people, and a cry of conscience to a silent world.

A Moving Depiction of a Tragic Reality

The conference opened with a video prepared by the Latin Patriarchate’s Media Office, featuring real scenes from Gaza that illustrated the severe humanitarian suffering and the vast destruction left by the war. Special focus was given to the Holy Family Latin Parish, which has become a refuge for dozens of displaced families—Christians and Muslims alike.

Read More