Europe Vatican City Pope Francis will travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan from 31 January to 5 February 2023, after having postponed a visit planned for the summer of 2022 due to health problems
Europe Vatican City Failure of education is a cultural genocide that robs children of their future, Pope Francis told the Dicastery for Culture and Education at first Plenary Assembly, and dicasters “are morally obliged” to help 250 million children who do not attend school
Europe Vatican City Addressing COP29 on behalf of Pope Francis and the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin urged urgent climate action, linking environmental protection to peace, justice, and global solidarity, and warning that indifference enables injustice
Europe Vatican City The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors released its first report; after 10 years of extensive research across five continents, it identifies progress in best practices and steps to be take, calls for more transparency and rigorous response
Europe Vatican City The Baldacchino above the tomb of St. Peter was inaugurated after nine months of restoration; from 27 October to 8 December, the ancient Chair of St. Peter will be displayed at the foot of the High Altar before being reinstalled in Bernini's bronze throne