New data from the Annuario Pontificio 2026 and Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2024 highlight trends in baptized populations across the five continents, with a remarkable increase in the number of Catholics in Africa

The Pontifical Academy for Life launched “Scientists for peace”, an international appeal to all scientists, researchers, and academics to focus on peace and enact activities across the world, as current violence also limits scientific research

Pope Leo underlined that an era without conflict is feasible and that praying together from different religious traditions can change history; the message was delivered to the International Encounter for Peace and Reconciliation in his home city Chicago

Celebrations for the 400th anniversary of the dedication of St. Peter's Basilica begin today and will end on 18 November; initiatives will include a multilingual platform for pilgrims, access to previously inaccessible areas, the new ‘Michelangelus’ font

Pope Leo XIV appealed for respect for ancient tradition of the Olympic truce, as the Milano-Cortina Winter Games get underway; at the Angelus Pope said the Olympics and Paralympics represent a message of fraternity and hope for a peaceful world