Sudan’s transitional government approves wide-ranging amendments including the scrapping of laws that had made leaving Islam potentially punishable by death.

St. Henry, son of Henry, Duke of Bavaria, and of Gisella, daughter of Conrad, King of Burgundy, was born in 972. He received an excellent education under the care of St. Wolfgang, Bishop of Ratisbon. In 995, St. Henry succeeded his father as Duke of Bavaria, and in 1002, upon the death of his cousin, Otho III, he was elected emperor. Firmly anchored upon the great eternal truths, which the practice of meditation kept alive in his heart, he was not elated by this dignity and sought in all ...

Pope Francis has appointed Father Anton Ranjith Pillainayagam as the third Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo.

Saint John Gaulbert, Abbot - Feast day is July 12th The city of Florence gave to the world Saint John Gaulbert. Although he enjoyed the benefits of an early Christian education, his youthful heart was soon attracted to the vanities of the world. A painful incident was the means God made use of, to open his eyes. Hugo, his only brother, had been murdered and St. John had resolved to avenge his death. On a certain Good Friday he met his enemy in a place where there was no escape for the latter. ...

Pope Francis, following the recitation of the Marian Prayer and recalling Sea Sunday, also made reference to the Basilica of Hagia Sophia, recently transformed into a mosque.

Pope Francis reflects on the day’s Gospel reading during the Sunday Angelus, describing the Parable of the Sower as the “mother” of all parables.

The Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Cardinal Peter Turkson sends a message celebrating Sea Sunday.

The annual Sea Sunday is being marked this 12 July with many Christian Churches taking part. The day highlights the work seafarers do throughout the year. It also offers an opportunity for people to pray for those at sea and their families.

Beauty creates communion. It unites onlookers from a distance, uniting past, present and future. Pope Francis has recalled this on a number of occasions. The Church has always translated the universality of the Good News into the language of art. From this premise, this dramatic moment in history characterized by uncertainty and isolation, gives rise to this initiative which is a partnership between the Vatican Museum and Vatican News: Masterpieces from the Vatican Collection accompanied by comments from the words of the Popes.

Pope Francis approves the promulgation of decrees concerning 5 candidates to sainthood, including the recognition of a miracle attributed to Italian layperson Maria Antonia Samà, clearing the path for her beatification.