Good News Archives - ZENIT - English https://zenit.org/category/good-news/ The World Seen From Rome Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:27:19 +0000 es hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://zenit.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/8049a698-cropped-dc1b6d35-favicon_1.png Good News Archives - ZENIT - English https://zenit.org/category/good-news/ 32 32 France Sees Historic Surge in Adult Baptisms. Young People Lead Spiritual Revival https://zenit.org/2025/04/14/france-sees-historic-surge-in-adult-baptisms-young-people-lead-spiritual-revival/ Mon, 14 Apr 2025 22:24:26 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=219499 This spiritual phenomenon isn’t just about numbers; it’s about who is leading the way. For the first time, young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 now form the largest demographic among new adult converts, surpassing those aged 26 to 40 who traditionally dominated the statistics

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(ZENIT News / Paris, 04.14.2025).- In a remarkable shift few predicted, France is witnessing an unprecedented wave of adult baptisms this Easter season, with the country’s Catholic Church recording its highest number of catechumens in more than two decades. Over 17,800 individuals—10,384 adults and more than 7,400 adolescents—will be baptized during the Easter Vigil on April 19, according to a nationwide survey by the French Bishops’ Conference.

This spiritual phenomenon isn’t just about numbers; it’s about who is leading the way. For the first time, young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 now form the largest demographic among new adult converts, surpassing those aged 26 to 40 who traditionally dominated the statistics. Nearly 42 percent of adult catechumens are students or young professionals, marking a generational shift that suggests a deepening spiritual hunger among youth in an increasingly secular society.

“This is not a passing wave,” said Archbishop Olivier de Germay of Lyon, the national bishop responsible for catechumenal ministry. “It’s a sign—one that calls for discernment and mission.” In his commentary accompanying the report, he challenged local parishes not to treat baptism as a finish line, but rather as the beginning of a communal and personal journey of discipleship. “The entire Church must recognize its collective responsibility in welcoming, nurturing, and walking with these new Christians,” he added.

While secularism continues to define much of France’s public discourse, the Church is observing a spiritual countercurrent, especially among the young. Urban parishes in particular report a surge in attendance and engagement. The Diocese of Lille, for example, described its Ash Wednesday celebrations earlier this year as record-breaking. “We had nearly a thousand people at St. Maurice in the evening—many were youth attending for the first time,” reported Fr. Benoist de Sinety.

The surge among adolescent catechumens is equally striking, with a 33% increase over the previous year. More than 7,400 young people between the ages of 11 and 17 are preparing to be baptized this Easter, reflecting a parallel momentum among French teens and their families. The Bishops’ Conference has linked this movement to global Church events, pointing toward the Jubilee of Young People in Rome as an upcoming opportunity for these new believers to connect with their peers from around the world.

But the revival isn’t confined to youth alone. Over the past decade, France has seen a staggering 160% growth in adult baptisms, rising from just under 4,000 in 2015 to more than 10,000 in 2025. Cécile Eon, the national delegate for adult catechumenate, called the trend “impressive and sustained,” noting that the increase has placed new demands on diocesan teams: “The requests keep coming in. We’re having to reorganize and expand our formation structures.”

The movement is as diverse as it is dynamic. While many catechumens come from Christian backgrounds, a growing proportion report no prior religious affiliation or spiritual formation. Others describe journeys through other belief systems—Buddhism, esotericism, or animistic traditions—before finding their way to the Church. A 2021 study found that roughly 17% of French catechumens had prior spiritual experience outside Christianity.

Women continue to outnumber men among adult converts, representing 63% of this year’s catechumens. Meanwhile, the urban-rural divide has shifted again, with city parishes seeing the most rapid growth after two years of rural expansion.

Globally, the French experience reflects broader signs of renewal. In the United States, long-term declines in Christian self-identification appear to be slowing. Recent data from the Pew Research Center indicates that 62% of U.S. adults still identify as Christian, a number that has remained relatively steady since 2019. While secularization remains a dominant trend in the West, new movements—often grassroots, youth-driven, and sacramentally centered—are quietly redefining the spiritual landscape.

As Archbishop de Germay reflected, the diversity of spiritual paths leading people to baptism reveals something profound: “Let’s not imagine this all happened without us,” he wrote. “The letters we receive from catechumens show clearly the many ways the Lord has been at work—sometimes quietly, sometimes dramatically—but always personally.”

If the Church is listening, this Easter may not just be a celebration of the risen Christ—it may also mark a resurrection of hope in places where faith had long seemed dormant.

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Chris Pratt, from Guardians of the galaxy: “I want my children to know that their father was not ashamed of his faith in Jesús” https://zenit.org/2025/04/09/chris-pratt-from-guardians-of-the-galaxy-i-want-my-children-to-know-that-their-father-was-not-ashamed-of-his-faith-in-jesus/ Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:40:50 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=219454 “God truly saved my son, and that was the moment my faith was cemented, my heart softened, and my faith was strengthened. At that moment, I decided that from then on, I would give my platform to God,” says famed actor Chris Pratt

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 04.09.2025).- Chris Pratt is one of the most well-known actors in Hollywood today. He first rose to fame playing Andy Dwyer in the comedy series Parks and Recreation, but his true breakthrough came with starring roles in blockbuster franchises such as Guardians of the Galaxy, where he plays Star-Lord, and Jurassic World, portraying Owen Grady. He’s also voiced beloved characters in animated hits like The LEGO Movie. With his charisma and versatility, Pratt has won the hearts of audiences worldwide.

The Hollywood star recently opened up in an emotional video about a promise he made to God when his son, Jack, was born prematurely with serious health complications. In that critical moment, Pratt felt the need to fully surrender to his faith.

“If you save my son, I’ll give you everything,” Pratt prayed desperately. “I’ll give you my life. I’ll give you my platform. I won’t be ashamed to speak about you or to you,” the actor vowed.

Jack spent his first month in the neonatal intensive care unit. During that time, Pratt underwent a profound spiritual transformation. He says the experience marked a turning point in his life, solidifying both his faith and his commitment to God.

“God truly saved my son, and that was the moment my faith was solidified,” Pratt shared. “My heart softened and my faith grew stronger. From that point forward, I decided to give my platform to God.”

Since then, the actor has been open about his beliefs, unafraid to express his faith in an entertainment industry where such openness is uncommon. Known for his roles in Guardians of the GalaxyJurassic World, and The LEGO Movie, Pratt has earned admiration among Christians and conservatives for his defense of traditional values.

“I care enough about Jesus to take a stand, even if it costs me,” he stated in an interview with The Christian Post. “It could cost me everything, but I don’t care. It’s worth it to me because it’s my calling; it’s where my heart is.”

Pratt has also emphasized the importance of passing on his faith to his children. As a father of four, he wants them to grow up with a deep understanding of the power of prayer, grace, and the love of God.

“I want my kids to know that their dad wasn’t ashamed of his faith in Jesus,” he said. “You don’t hear much of that in the entertainment world, but it’s who I am. I’m not going to hide it. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”

The actor recalls that before his faith was strengthened, he went through moments of uncertainty. “I prayed to God with all my heart. I was in a spiritual transition and didn’t fully understand it,” he recounted.

Eventually, Pratt reaffirmed his commitment: “I’m sorry, God, here I am again, asking for your grace once more.” With these words, the actor made it clear that his faith is the foundation of his life—and he intends to continue using his voice and his platform to honor God.

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She entered the convent at the age of 8. At the age of 94, she was surprised to meet Pope Francis in the Vatican Basilica. This is how things happened https://zenit.org/2025/04/06/she-entered-the-convent-at-the-age-of-8-at-the-age-of-94-she-was-surprised-to-meet-pope-francis-in-the-vatican-basilica-this-is-how-things-happened/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 03:11:31 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=219405 A Jubilee Wish, a Papal Surprise: The Remarkable Encounter of a 94-Year-Old Nun

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(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 04.06.2025).- On a quiet morning in sunday April 6, a modest van left Naples for Rome, carrying a woman with a mission. Sister Francisca Battiloro, 94 years old, confined to a wheelchair, and bearing the frailty of age with a grace that turns heads, was on her way to what she believed could be her final pilgrimage. Her goal: to pass through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica during the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers. She was not seeking a spectacle, just a moment of grace. But heaven, as it often does, had other plans.

Sister Francisca, born Rosaria and cloistered since the age of eight, has spent the last 75 years within the silence of the Order of the Visitation. She took the name of Saint Francis de Sales—whom she credits with a healing dream that once saved her life—and chose a life of quiet intercession. On April 6, accompanied by a few relatives and friends, she arrived in Rome with a prayer in her heart: to cross the threshold of the Jubilee as a final act of gratitude.

Because of her condition, she was granted a private passage through the Holy Door while 20,000 faithful gathered outside in St. Peter’s Square for the public celebration. She was praying when something wholly unexpected happened.

A small group of men in suits entered the Basilica. Among them, another wheelchair. And in it—Pope Francis.

It was his first appearance outside a hospital since being admitted to Gemelli for a bout of pneumonia. His presence in the Basilica was meant to be brief and symbolic: confession, prayer, and a quiet exit. A surprise greeting to the crowd was planned. What wasn’t planned was the encounter that unfolded in the central nave.

Two wheelchairs met under the dome of Michelangelo, at the heart of the Catholic world. Sister Francisca had asked God only to attend the Jubilee. She ended up clasping the Pope’s hand.

“I didn’t want to let it go,” she later said, her voice shaking with joy with Vatican media on her way back to Naples. “I had asked God for this, but I thought… impossible. Yet He sent the Pope to me!”

Their brief conversation was laced with humor and memory. “Are you one of those nuns from Naples?” the Pope joked, a playful reference to the famously enthusiastic encounter he had in 2015, when a cluster of Neapolitan cloistered sisters enthusiastically surrounded him, prompting the then-Cardinal Sepe to call them to order. Sister Francisca hadn’t been among them that day—but she had been in the cathedral, watching from a distance.

Now, a decade later, her moment had come.

She recalled her earlier encounters with Saint John Paul II, during her temporary service as a nurse at a Roman monastery. But never had she spoken, alone, for ten full minutes, with a successor of Peter.

“I told him I’ve been praying so much for his recovery,” she said, her voice softening. “I’ve offered my life to Jesus for him to be healed. And I asked the Lord, that when my time comes, I might die in the act of pure love. That’s what I want most of all: the final encounter with Him.”

The Pope listened, smiled, and received her blessing in return.

This unanticipated meeting, unfolding quietly while cameras waited outside, became one of the most intimate moments of the Jubilee weekend—unrecorded by official photographers, yet preserved in memory as a sacred surprise.

As she left St. Peter’s, Sister Francisca was glowing. “I’m going home happy,” she said. “I had wanted this encounter so, so much. And now it’s mine. God listens… even to the small things.”

And he points out: «I asked God: ‘I want to meet the Pope. And only Him, hey! No one else… I thought it was impossible, but it was the Pope who came to meet me. It seems that when I ask the Lord for something, he always grants it to me.

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PilgriMaps Is Born: An Online Magazine to Promote Pilgrimage Routes https://zenit.org/2025/04/04/pilgrimaps-is-born-an-online-magazine-to-promote-pilgrimage-routes/ Sat, 05 Apr 2025 03:05:15 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=219401 The project, born from the creativity and experience of two experienced Catholic journalists, Silvia Costantini and Inma Alvarez, responds to the exponential growth of religious tourism, particularly pilgrimages, a model of spiritual, cultural and eco-friendly tourism, which not only boosts economic prosperity but also contributes significantly to environmental preservation.

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 04.04.2025).- PilgriMaps (https://www.pilgrimaps.com/es/) is a new digital publishing initiative, born with the aim of promoting all the world’s pilgrimage destinations, from a cultural perspective, a search for meaning and interreligious dialogue.

The project, born from the creativity and experience of two experienced Catholic journalists, Silvia Costantini and Inma Alvarez, responds to the exponential growth of religious tourism, particularly pilgrimages, a model of spiritual, cultural and eco-friendly tourism, which not only boosts economic prosperity but also contributes significantly to environmental preservation.

PilgriMaps appears as a new communication medium in three languages ​​(English, Spanish, and Italian), which offers first-class storytelling on a unique online platform.

Its objective is to map and share as many pilgrimage routes and stories as possible, creating an interactive and ever-growing map that spans the entire globe. This initiative is aimed at pilgrims from all walks of life, countries, traditions, and cultures.

PilgriMaps is partnering with organizations responsible for the development and maintenance of important pilgrimage routes. These include the Way to Jerusalem (Israel), the Holy Grail Way (Spain), Pilgrim Paths (Ireland), XirCammini (Malta), Associazione Borgo San Giacomo, Piazza Armenia (Sicily, Italy), the Ignatian Way (Spain), the Jesuit Route of Paraguay and the Franciscan Ways of Bolivia, the Way of Saint Benedict, and many more. These partnerships ensure that PilgriMaps offers readers accurate and up-to-date information on these significant destinations.

PilgriMaps is establishing strategic alliances with major publishers in the United States, Europe and Latin America, with the aim of sharing this common heritage of humanity with an increasingly broad and segmented audience.

Since its inception, PilgriMaps has been promoting collaboration agreements with Universities in several countries, with the aim of promoting the educational and cultural dimension of the material and immaterial heritage of pilgrimage routes.

PilgriMaps accompanies and inspires pilgrims from around the world with stories, helping them to rediscover pilgrimage as an environmentally sustainable form of tourism, as well as an experience of personal transformation.

As the Website motto says, on PilgriMaps, the path becomes an encounter.

 

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Reconstruction of the face of St. Teresa of Jesus: this is what her face looked like according to science https://zenit.org/2025/03/31/reconstruction-of-the-face-of-st-teresa-of-jesus-this-is-what-her-face-looked-like-according-to-science/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 23:43:01 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=219320 The unveiling of the reconstructed face has resonated beyond the scientific and religious communities. It has offered a renewed sense of closeness to a saint whose writings and spiritual insights continue to inspire generations.

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(ZENIT News / Alba de Tormes, España, 03.31.2025).- In a groundbreaking fusion of science and spirituality, the Discalced Carmelite Order has revealed what is considered the most accurate representation of Saint Teresa of Ávila’s face. The unveiling took place simultaneously in Alba de Tormes, Rome, and Australia, coinciding with the 510th anniversary of the saint’s birth.

The face of Saint Teresa of Jesus comes to life thanks to science and history

This extraordinary project, rooted in forensic anthropology and historical research, was made possible through the expertise of Professor Ruggero D’Anastasio from the University Gabriele d’Annunzio in Italy and forensic specialist Jennifer Mann from Monash University in Australia. Utilizing state-of-the-art forensic techniques, anthropometric measurements, historical records, and radiographic imaging, the team reconstructed the face of Saint Teresa as she would have appeared around the age of 50—an age that marks the beginning of her most transformative years as a reformer within the Carmelite Order.

Jennifer Mann’s meticulous work drew from multiple sources, including radiographs of the saint’s skull and the detailed description given by Mother María de San José, a close companion of Teresa. Contemporary paintings of the saint’s acquaintances also contributed to the reconstruction. The result is an image that brings Saint Teresa to life in a way never seen before—bridging the gap between historical accounts and modern forensic science.

The face of Saint Teresa of Jesus comes to life thanks to science and history

During the presentation at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Alba de Tormes, Father Miguel Ángel González, Prior of Alba de Tormes and Salamanca, emphasized the profound significance of this scientific achievement. He described it as “not just a physical testimony but a reflection of the soul of Saint Teresa of Jesus—a ‘vera efigies’ that unites science and mysticism.”

Father Francisco Sánchez Oreja, Provincial of the Discalced Carmelites of Saint Teresa in Spain, expressed that seeing this face allows believers to reconnect with the saint in a deeply personal way. “To contemplate this face is to look upon Mother Teresa of Jesus in her full humanity, in her flesh and spirit. It is an invitation to rediscover her message, always alive and relevant.”

The unveiling of the reconstructed face has resonated beyond the scientific and religious communities. It has offered a renewed sense of closeness to a saint whose writings and spiritual insights continue to inspire generations. “Thanks to science and art, the saint speaks to us once again, with the very face that once gazed upon heaven,” Father Francisco remarked. “In the 16th century, some were blessed to see her true face. Today, we have the gift of an image that brings us closer than ever to knowing her.”

The face of Saint Teresa of Jesus comes to life thanks to science and history

For the town of Alba de Tormes, where Saint Teresa’s final resting place remains a site of pilgrimage, this project holds special significance. The town’s mayor, Concepción Miguélez, expressed deep gratitude to the Carmelite Order for their dedication to preserving the legacy of the saint. “To know her face is to draw nearer to her writings, to the extraordinary woman she was,” she said, recognizing the cultural and spiritual impact of the unveiling.

While the scientific reconstruction provides an unprecedented visual connection to Saint Teresa, the Discalced Carmelites see it as much more than a historical curiosity. They view it as an opportunity for evangelization, a way to reignite interest in the saint’s mystical experiences and her profound teachings on prayer and spiritual life.

“This project is not just about revealing a face; it is about rediscovering her message, her life, and her encounter with Christ,” Father Francisco concluded.

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The face of Saint Teresa of Jesus comes to life thanks to science and history

 

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Vincent, the boy alive thanks to a miracle attributed to Cardinal George Pell https://zenit.org/2025/03/31/vincent-the-boy-alive-thanks-to-a-miracle-attributed-to-cardinal-george-pell/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 23:39:24 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=219317 From the moment Vincent was admitted, prayers surged from family, friends, and beyond. The Robinsons reached out to the saints they had always venerated—especially those connected to their children and the family’s own history of loss. Among them was Cardinal George Pell, whom they had met during his visit to Phoenix in 2021. Inspired by their personal encounter with the late prelate, they specifically asked for his intercession, along with that of Blessed Conchita, a Mexican mother of nine who had lost her youngest child to drowning.

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Tim Daniel and Elizabeth Owens

(ZENIT News / Phoenix, 03.31.2025).- A near-tragic accident in Phoenix, Arizona, has turned into a story of faith, community, and what Vincent Robinson’s family believes to be a miracle. The 14-month-old boy, who was found unresponsive in the family’s backyard home pool, not only survived but made a full recovery—something his parents, Caitlin and Wesley Robinson, attribute to divine intervention, more specifically, to the intercession of Cardinal Pell.

The events of that fateful Sunday, March 2, unfolded in an instant. The Robinsons were preparing to visit relatives for lunch after Mass when they realized their youngest child was missing. What followed was every parent’s nightmare. Wesley discovered Vincent at the bottom of the home pool, lifeless. Rushed to the hospital, the toddler had no pulse upon arrival. Medical staff worked tirelessly for 52 minutes to revive him, eventually placing him on full life support. The prognosis was grim, and the family braced for the worst.

As news of the accident spread, an outpouring of prayers and support followed. Vincent’s uncle, Father Dan Connealy, drove two hours from Flagstaff to be with the family, arriving so shaken that he forgot to bring his prayer book for the last rites—an oversight that, in hindsight, he wouldn’t need to correct.

From the moment Vincent was admitted, prayers surged from family, friends, and beyond. The Robinsons reached out to the saints they had always venerated—especially those connected to their children and the family’s own history of loss. Among them was Cardinal George Pell, whom they had met during his visit to Phoenix in 2021. Inspired by their personal encounter with the late prelate, they specifically asked for his intercession, along with that of Blessed Conchita, a Mexican mother of nine who had lost her youngest child to drowning.

As Ash Wednesday arrived, a novena began, invoking the help of Blessed Father Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus. The flood of prayer requests was met with an unexpected and astonishing development—by late Wednesday night, hospital staff showed signs of cautious optimism.

“We knew something had changed when they told us we were now limited to two visitors at a time,” Wesley recalled. “In end-of-life situations, they usually allow as many as want to come.”

By Thursday, an MRI scan delivered a result no one had dared to hope for—Vincent’s brain, heart, and lungs showed no damage. What had started as a desperate struggle for survival quickly turned into a stunning recovery.

On March 13, the ninth and final day of their novena, Vincent was discharged from the hospital in perfect health. Doctors, while hesitant to label the case as miraculous, admitted that his rapid and complete recovery was difficult to explain.

The Robinsons, however, have no doubts. “We asked for a miracle, and we watched it unfold,” Caitlin said. “The doctors may struggle to explain it, but for us, the answer is clear.”

The experience has transformed the family, deepening their faith and solidifying their belief in the power of prayer. Caitlin, now expecting their ninth child, describes the past month as life-altering. “We always believed in the intercession of the saints, but now we’ve seen it in action. The Church Triumphant is not distant—it is present, fighting for us.”

Cardinal George Pell

Wesley, reflecting on the darkest days of their ordeal, said, “We know many people pray for miracles that don’t come in the way they hope. For whatever reason, God decided that Vincent’s time wasn’t up. We may never fully understand why, but we want to share this story, to encourage others, and to remind families that faith is real, and prayer is powerful.”

Cardinal Pell’s Unexpected Role 

The story of Vincent’s survival reached Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney, who shared it at the launch of a new biography of Cardinal Pell. The news had come to him through Father Joseph Hamilton, Pell’s former secretary, who had been contacted by Father Connealy in the days following the accident.

For those who knew Cardinal Pell, the idea of his intercession is deeply fitting. Described by Archbishop Fisher as a man who embodied faith, hope, and charity in both life and suffering, Pell endured a wrongful conviction and 400 days in prison without giving in to bitterness or despair. Instead, he grew in grace, praying even for his persecutors.

While the Robinsons do not claim that their son’s survival is an official miracle attributable to Pell, they hope that their story will inspire others to seek his intercession. “If nothing else,” Caitlin said, “we want people to realize that those in heaven really do hear us. We are not alone in our struggles.”

For the Robinsons, this experience has reinforced an often-overlooked truth: the home is where faith begins. “We hope that one of the lasting fruits of this experience is that families remember the importance of the domestic church,” Wesley said. “Our homes are where we first learn to pray, where we first encounter God. If our children can hold onto the miracle they witnessed, then perhaps they will carry that faith into the rest of their lives.”

As for Vincent, he remains blissfully unaware of the drama surrounding his survival. Now one month older, he is the same lively child as before—except, as his parents say, with a story that will follow him for the rest of his life.

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Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” sequel to begin filming in August 2025 https://zenit.org/2025/03/28/mel-gibsons-the-passion-of-the-christ-sequel-to-begin-filming-in-august-2025/ Sat, 29 Mar 2025 00:23:40 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=219283 Returning alongside Caviezel are Maia Morgenstern, who portrayed Mary, and Francesco De Vito, who played Saint Peter, according to IMDb.

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 03.28.2025).- More than two decades after the release of «The Passion of the Christ», Mel Gibson is preparing to bring audiences back to the story of Jesus with its highly anticipated sequel, «The Resurrection of the Christ». Filming is officially set to begin in August 2025, with Jim Caviezel reprising his role as Jesus.

Manuela Cacciamani, CEO of Cinecittà Studios in Rome, confirmed in an interview with Italian media outlet Il Sole 24 Ore that Gibson’s new film will be shot entirely at the legendary Italian studio. «The production, led by Icon Productions, will require multiple soundstages and extensive set constructions,» she revealed.

While Cinecittà will serve as the primary filming location, additional scenes will be shot in historic sites across southern Italy, including Matera—a city known for its ancient stone-carved architecture—along with Ginosa, Gravina, Laterza, and Altamura. These landscapes will likely help recreate the settings of first-century Judea, much like they did in the original 2004 film.

Returning alongside Caviezel are Maia Morgenstern, who portrayed Mary, and Francesco De Vito, who played Saint Peter, according to IMDb.

Mel Gibson has hinted at the scale of his vision for the sequel, calling it «extremely ambitious.» In a recent appearance on «The Joe Rogan Experience» podcast, the Academy Award-winning director shared new details about the project, revealing that the story will extend beyond the resurrection of Jesus.

«It’s about the fall of the angels all the way to the death of the last apostle,» Gibson said, indicating that the film will explore spiritual dimensions beyond earthly events.

To tell this expansive story, the film will venture into the unseen realms of Christian theology. «You have to go to hell, you have to go to Sheol,» he explained, referring to the biblical concept of the underworld.

Gibson admitted that one of his biggest challenges is depicting these supernatural elements in a way that feels authentic rather than overly stylized or theatrical. «It’s about finding a way that isn’t cheesy or too obvious,» he said. «I think I have ideas on how to do it—how to make people feel something powerful through the way it’s portrayed and filmed.»

Gibson has spent years developing «The Resurrection of the Christ», carefully considering how to bring this complex narrative to life. «I’ve been thinking about this for a long time,» he said. «It won’t be easy. It takes a lot of planning, and I’m not entirely sure I can pull it off—it’s that ambitious. But I’m going to try, because that’s what you have to do, right? Raise the bar.»

With filming set to commence in just over a year, anticipation is growing for what promises to be one of the most visually and thematically ambitious religious films ever attempted. If «The Passion of the Christ» was a cinematic phenomenon, its sequel could redefine how biblical stories are brought to the screen.

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Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican Becomes a Minecraft Game Thanks to Microsoft https://zenit.org/2025/03/25/saint-peters-basilica-in-the-vatican-becomes-a-minecraft-game-thanks-to-microsoft/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:29:43 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=219221 “Peter Is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage” gives life to the patrimony of Saint Peter’s Basilica, immersing one in the interactive virtual world of Minecraft through the block game. The adventure begins by introducing the player in the Tomb of St. Peter, with archaeological research carried out in the 20th century.

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(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 25.03.2025).- The Fabric of Saint Peter and Minecraft Education created a videogame as an educational experience, in which the students explore the Vatican’s Basilica, its history and community, facing practical challenges while participating as craftsmen and restorers. 

“Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage” introduces the player in an interactive process of history and artificial intelligence of exploration in the Vatican Basilica. The settings have been digitally reconstructed, blending artistic beauty and spirituality.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica, presented the initiative at the headquarters of the Foreign Press Association of Rome. In the press conference he pointed out  that the objective of this project is “to bring people closer to Saint Peter’s Basilica through artificial intelligence and also to foster a spiritual experience.” The Cardinal considers it a synergy between humanism and technology. 

“Peter Is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage” gives life to the patrimony of Saint Peter’s Basilica, immersing one in the interactive virtual world of Minecraft through the block game. The adventure begins by introducing the player in the Tomb of Saint Peter, with the archaeological research

carried out in the 20th century. Key research moments continue, contributing to the virtual restoration of the remains found. 

The tour avoids virtual isolation and fosters a sense of community and collaboration in the task of preserving the cultural heritage. The Basilica becomes a meeting point between tradition and technology.

The Cardinal recalled that, in a recent letter to the Director of Corrière  della Sera, Pope Francis pointed out the need to “disarm words” and “arm hearts with the desire of beauty and brotherhood.” The intention of the videogame is to give young people and adults “the possibility to know Saint Peter and the Vatican Basilica.”

The game offers teachers, students and parents, material for collaborative team work and debate. It includes group tasks inspired in the real restoration, guided debates about the meaning of the activities done in the videogame and documentation tools, such as Portfolio, where the students register and share their reflections. 

The project enriches the historical and spiritual knowledge of those taking part in it and stimulates reflection on the value of the conservation of the common patrimony, enabling access to the beauty and value of an emblematic place of the world.

The game can be downloaded for free at: Minecraft Education: Free Download and Installation on Windows and Microsoft Store.

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His Mother Enrolled Him in the Church Choir: Now He’s a Young Star on Broadway https://zenit.org/2025/03/09/his-mother-enrolled-him-in-the-church-choir-now-hes-a-young-star-on-broadway/ Mon, 10 Mar 2025 01:32:41 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=219026 The famous actor from Aladdin on Broadway, Michael Maliakel, spoke on a special Christmas program about how his Catholic upbringing has played an important role in his career as an actor and singer in the entertainment industry.

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 03.08.2025).- Many are familiar with Will Smith’s performance in the Aladdin movie. However, on Broadway, the musical of the same name has been running for several years with a young actor and singer as the star of the show.

During Christmas 2024, one of the musical lead singers participated in a special program on the public broadcasting service. During the broadcast, he spoke about the importance of his Catholic upbringing in his life. The production combined classic Christmas songs—from Joy to the World to It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas—with a story inspired by the famous writer Victor Hugo, author of classics such as Les Misérables.

Who is Michael Maliakel?

Michael Maliakel is an Indian descent actor. His parents emigrated from India to the United States at the end of the last century, and both he and his siblings were born in North America. Although he grew up in a family with Indian roots, his parents always encouraged him to participate in activities that would help him integrate into American culture, such as playing the piano and singing.

His parents come from a Christian community in southern India. Since Christianity is a minority in that country, Michael felt from a young age that he was part of a small community within an even smaller one: that of Indian Christians in the United States. Additionally, after moving to New Jersey due to his father’s job, they had no close family in the area despite belonging to a large extended family.

Like other children his age, he had to adapt to American culture and find his own path. His parents supported him during this process, even choosing a Christian name, Michael, as a reflection of their Catholic faith.

Unlike other Indian families, the Maliakels did not celebrate traditional festivities from their country of origin, which made Michael feel even more connected to American culture.

From a young age, his family was consistent in attending Sunday Mass, and it was in the parish choir that Michael began singing and discovering his passion for music. He also took piano lessons there, which became an outlet for expressing his energy and creativity.

From then on, he became increasingly involved in the world of theater and music, participating in different choirs until he finally auditioned for plays. After a couple of years in college, he decided to take a risk and pursue a career in the entertainment industry, despite the uncertainty of whether he would be able to achieve his dream.

Today, as a musical theater star, Michael reflects on the decision he made: “I think I owe a lot to the Catholic Church for what I do today… I grew up singing in the church choir, and thanks to that, I fell in love with music,” he said on the program. “When I was eight years old, my mom signed me up for the choir, and I’ve never looked back since… I don’t think at the time she imagined that decision would lead us down this path. But in many ways, those moments were crucial for me to be doing what I do today.”

As a Christmas message, Michael added: “I think we simply need to have compassion for those who don’t look like us, for those who have less, for those who are struggling… I believe the message of Christmas, and of this program in particular, is to show compassion towards these people and to be as generous as possible—not just at this time of year, but throughout the whole year.”

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From a Successful Businessman and Art Seller to a Catholic Priest: The Story of Patrick Van Der Vorst https://zenit.org/2025/03/09/from-a-successful-businessman-and-art-seller-to-a-catholic-priest-the-story-of-patrick-van-der-vorst/ Mon, 10 Mar 2025 01:28:37 +0000 https://zenit.org/?p=219022 Patrick Van Der Vorst once worked as a director at Sotheby’s, one of the most important international auction houses. However, despite having reached a prestigious position, he felt he was not truly happy and decided to become a priest.

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 03.09.2025).- His name is Patrick Van Der Vorst. This prominent businessman built his reputation through effort and dedication. He was born in Bruges, Belgium, and attended the Catholic University of Leuven, the country’s oldest university, where he earned a law degree. After graduating at 24, he moved to the United Kingdom and began working at Sotheby’s Billingshurst. By the age of 28, he was promoted to deputy director of Sotheby’s, and by 31, he became director and head of the Continental Furniture Department, specializing in 18th-century French furniture.

He remained with the company until he was 39, when he decided to leave and start his own company, ValueMyStuff, a website designed to provide people with an easy way to determine the value of items they wished to sell.

In addition to ValueMyStuff, in 2011, he founded St George Valuations, the premium brand of his online antiques business, specializing in in-person appraisals. The company proved to be a great success.

Despite his business achievements, he felt that something was missing. Some interactions with his clients made him reflect on how he could help them in other ways. He discovered that what he enjoyed most was accompanying them through difficult times.

“People need to sell things when they are going through a divorce, when a loved one passes away, or when they face financial difficulties. You’re there with them, helping them sell their properties and artworks. That was the part I liked the most,” he said.

Over time, he realized he could no longer ignore an idea that had always been in his mind: dedicating his life to serving God as a priest. Although he did not grow up in a particularly religious family, his faith had always been strong. Thus, at the age of 47, after a successful business career, he decided to enter the seminary for the Diocese of Westminster at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome.

Making this decision was not easy. Entering the seminary at his age and leaving behind the projects he had worked on for years, and where he had been so successful, was a challenge he placed in God’s hands. Regarding his fortune, he decided to distribute much of his wealth among his family and charitable organizations.

He was ordained a priest in 2023 at Westminster Cathedral and was assigned as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. George in Enfield.

However, his entrepreneurial spirit has not disappeared. Now, dedicated to the service of the Gospel, he has created a digital platform where he shares daily reflections on works of art related to biblical passages. His website, Christian.art, has reached more than 70,000 people, combining his passion for art with his mission of spreading the good news of the gospel.

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