Anne Van Merris, Author at ZENIT

Anne van Merris is a French journalist trained at the Robert Schuman European Institute of Journalism in Brussels. She has worked in communications for the Catholic Church and in sales within the private sector. She is married and a mother of four.

Articles By Anne Van Merris

Cardinals and Bishops•Interview•Local Church

Interview with Cardinal Ignace Bessi Dogbo, Archbishop of Abidjan, Ivory Coast

After actively participating in the 2023 and 2024 Synods, he was created a Cardinal by Pope Francis in December 2024, prior to participating in his first Conclave in May 2025. His six years at the helm of the Episcopal Conference of Ivory Coast also provided a privileged perspective on the Church in his country and, more broadly, on the reality of the Church in Africa.

Sep 16, 2026 19:06

Anne Van Merris

Local Church

Is a Catholic Funeral for a Freemason Permissible? Three Recent Cases, Two Types of Responses

The Archbishop did not celebrate a Mass in the strict sense, contrary to reports by most media outlets, a fact confirmed by the Diocese of Dijon. Archbishop Hérouard simply presided over a ceremony without a Eucharistic celebration, attended by numerous political figures, including Freemasons and, notably, President Emmanuel Macron.

Sep 10, 2026 10:50

Anne Van Merris

Interview

Days Before the Pope’s Visit to UNESCO, ZENIT Interviews the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the UN Institution

The pattern of donations has been particularly striking. The average donation has hovered around 200 euros — approximately double the average individual donation in France in 2024 — and some contributions have exceeded 10,000 euros.

Sep 08, 2026 08:39

Anne Van Merris

Good News•Local Church

Paris: Christ’s Passion Tunic to Be Displayed During Pope Leo XIV’s Visit

The Holy Tunic is generally exhibited only once every 50 years.

Sep 03, 2026 08:47

Anne Van Merris

Cardinals and Bishops•Holy Land•Interview

«Hope Should Not Be Confused with a Solution»: ZENIT’s Interview with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

Interview with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Cardinal Patriarch of Jerusalem

Jun 18, 2026 08:14

Anne Van Merris

Cardinals and Bishops•Interview

Why Is the Pope Going to Lebanon? What Is the Dialogue with Muslims Like? And What Is the Role of Charles de Foucauld? ZENIT’s Interview with the Cardinal of Algeria

To better understand the Catholic Church in Algeria and the implications of the Holy Father’s Apostolic Visit, ZENIT interviewed Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, Archbishop of Algiers, who has resided in the country for more than 22 years.

Apr 11, 2026 19:37

Anne Van Merris

Vatican Announces Winner of the “Nobel Prize in Theology”: The 2026 Ratzinger Prize

The Prize will be awarded by the Holy Father Leo XIV on 19 December at the Vatican Apostolic Palace. The Prize is awarded to scholars who have distinguished themselves through outstanding achievements in publication and scientific research. Nominations for the Prize are submitted to the Holy Father, for his approval, by the Foundation’s Scientific Committee.

Pope Leo XIV to pray Rosary for peace with hundreds of children at the Vatican

On 1 October, between 700 and 1,000 children from schools and parishes in Rome will join the Holy Father in the Vatican Gardens, marking the beginning of the “One Million Children Praying the Rosary” initiative promoted by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).