Our Lady of Sorrows Church

The Archbishop of the Shrine of the Holy House of Loreto is to preside over the daily recitation of Marian prayers during Holy Week at noon, local time. Vatican News will provide live streaming.

Pope Francis celebrates Palm Sunday Mass in an empty St. Peter's Basilica due to the coronavirus pandemic, and dedicates his homily to the theme of service and love.

About 20 million jobs are at risk in Africa as the continent's economies are projected to shrink this year due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, according an African Union (AU) study.* Africa's economy could shrink up to 1.1% this year

April the 6th marks the 500th anniversary of the death of the famous Italian Renaissance artist and architect, Raphael Sanzio who died at the age of just 37. We take a closer look at the life and work of Raphael and explore his connection to the history of the Vatican’s artistic heritage.

After having been displayed for the special moment of prayer on 27 March on the steps of St Peter’s Basilica, the miraculous crucifix venerated by Romans is once again in our midst during the liturgy.

Pope Francis opened Holy Week celebrating the Palm Sunday liturgy in St Peter's Basilica without a congregation. The full text of his homily follows.

During Palm Sunday Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, celebrated with a limited congregation due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis dedicates his homily to the theme of service. (Playback included)

Pope Francis greets the faithful following his Palm Sunday Mass and Angelus and prays for the sick and their families, and all those who self-sacrificingly care for them.

As countries struggle to contain the new coronavirus outbreak, a global fight has emerged over dwindling medical supplies. The tensions have even led to growing competition for medical equipment between the United States and its traditional European allies.

With 9 years of conflict that has killed over 380,000 people and accounted for more than 12 million displaced persons and refugees, the situation in Syria has become even more desperate, with the coronavirus pandemic looming large, says the Holy See’s Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Cardinal Mario Zenari.