Pope Francis

Pope Francis composed meditations for Good Friday (and will not be present at the main rites)

Nevertheless, Francis’s physical absence will be felt during the most symbolically rich liturgies of the Catholic calendar. In a gesture both practical and pastoral, he has personally delegated the leadership of the major Holy Week celebrations to trusted cardinals.

Apr 15, 2025 16:41

ZENIT Staff

Dicasteries•Documents

Complete Decree in English of the Dicastery for the Clergy on the Discipline of Mass Intentions

The new dispositions come into force on Easter Sunday 2025, namely, April 20.

Apr 15, 2025 06:37

ZENIT Staff

Dicasteries

Official Press Release: Sodalitium Christianae Vitae Is Officially Suppressed

The press release of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life concludes stating that “Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu-Farnós has also been appointed as Apostolic Commissioner to oversee the acts, procedures and any other type of initiative, useful and in any case functional to implement the dispositions related to the suppression, as well as to address all the consequences arising from the same decision.”

Apr 15, 2025 06:33

ZENIT Staff

Testimonies•Virgin Mary

Vienna Marathon Winner Publicly Thanks the Virgin Mary

Immediately after crossing the finish line, Haftamu Abadi publicly demonstrated his piety, taking out of his running gear an image of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus, crossed himself and kissed the image, showing it to the cameras.

Apr 14, 2025 16:45

ZENIT Staff

Dicasteries•Liturgy and Divine Worship

Vatican issues decree on regulation of Mass intentions effective Easter 2025

One of the most notable changes involves so-called “collective intentions” — where several faithful offer stipends to be included in a single Mass

Apr 14, 2025 16:34

ZENIT Staff

Analysis Opinion

Synodality against episcopacy?

Vatican II corrected an imbalance in the relationship between the pope and the bishops that had crept into Catholic theology and practice since Vatican I by teaching that bishops are true vicars of Christ in their local Churches, not mere branch managers of Catholic Church, Inc., executing instructions from the CEO in Rome

Apr 14, 2025 16:31

ZENIT Staff

Islam•Testimonies

The story of the Irish priest who forgave the young Muslim man who stabbed him

As a man of faith, I am committed to forgiveness,” he told the court. “And I offer it to you, not because you ask it, but because it is the path to healing. May it help you become the man you were meant to be.”

Apr 14, 2025 16:29

ZENIT Staff

Justice and Peace•Local Church

10 million Christian and Catholic migrants at risk of deportation by Trump administration

The John Templeton Foundation, which announced the award on April 9, praised Bartholomew for “pioneering efforts to bridge scientific insight and spiritual wisdom in our relationship to the natural world.”

Apr 13, 2025 17:20

ZENIT Staff

Ecumenism

Patriarch of Constantinople wins 1.1 million pound Templeton Prize

The John Templeton Foundation, which announced the award on April 9, praised Bartholomew for “pioneering efforts to bridge scientific insight and spiritual wisdom in our relationship to the natural world.”

Apr 13, 2025 17:17

ZENIT Staff

Dicasteries

A Guardian of Vatican Heritage: Elvira Cajano Appointed to Lead Vatican Monuments Commission

More than an administrative role, the presidency of the Commission represents a stewardship of memory and meaning. Cajano succeeds Francesco Buranelli, a former director of the Vatican Museums and a leading figure in art conservation

Apr 12, 2025 17:20

ZENIT Staff

Vatican City

Vatican concludes lighting, restoration and security works in basilica and necropolis

While much of the work focused on beauty and memory, the Fabbrica di San Pietro also addressed the increasing urgency of safety. With as many as 12 million annual visitors—and numbers expected to swell during the Jubilee—the Vatican has implemented an advanced evacuation plan developed in collaboration with Italy’s national fire department

Apr 11, 2025 18:53

ZENIT Staff

Analysis Opinion

Psychology and Its Influence on Religion

Do we use our relationship with our earthly father to excuse our poor relationship with God? How do legitimate psychological factors impact our practice of our faith?

Apr 11, 2025 11:11

ZENIT Staff