The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land announce that works are set to begin to restore the “cradle” of Christianity—the place where Jesus was born—in Bethlehem.

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Pope Leo XIV meets officials of the Tribunal of Roman Rota for the inauguration of their judicial year, and urges them to safeguard the truth with rigor but without rigidity and to exercise charity without omission.

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The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has named the Palestinian organization Taawon as the third honoree of its seventh edition, recognizing the non-profit for its decades-long humanitarian and development work across the region.

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On January 29, Athletica Vaticana will deliver the Olympic and Paralympic Cross at a Mass at the Basilica of San Babila, which will serve as the “Church of Athletes” throughout the Winter Games.

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In the wake of two recent killings by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, US Bishops call for restraint, peace, and respect for every human life.

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Peace is built on respect for all people, Pope Leo XIV said after praying the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter's Square Jan. 25.

The pope called for prayers for peace "in Ukraine, in the Middle East and in every region where, unfortunately, there is fighting going on for interests that are not those of the people."

"Peace is built on respect for peoples!" he said.

Greeting young people from Catholic Action who organized the annual "Caravan of Peace," the pope thanked them for helping "us adults to look at the world from another perspective: that of cooperation between people and among diverse peoples."

"Be peacemakers at home, at school, in sports, everywhere," he told the young people. "Never be violent, neither with words nor with gestures. Never!  Evil can only be overcome with good."

Speaking specifically about Ukraine, Pope Leo lamented the "continuous attacks" against the nation, which have left "entire populations exposed to the cold of winter."

"I am following the situation with sorrow, and I am close to and pray for those who suffer," he said.

"The continuation of hostilities, with increasingly serious consequences for civilians, widens the rift between peoples and pushes further back the opportunity for a just and lasting peace," he said, inviting everyone "to intensify their efforts to end this war."

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St. Francis de Sales was born to a noble family at Chateau de Sales in the Kingdom of Savoy near Geneva, Switzerland on August 21, 1567. He was a Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Francis was both intelligent and gentle. From a very early age, he desired to serve God. He knew for years he had a vocation to the priesthood, but kept it from his family. His father wanted him to enter a career in law and politics. In 1580, Francis attended the University of Paris, and at 24-years-old, he received ...

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