La croix international

Pope Francis appoints Bishop Robert Walter McELROY as cardinal during the consistory for the creati

A cardinal close to Pope Francis, opponent of Trump, appointed to Washington

Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy as Archbishop of Washington. This choice carries undeniable political weight, reflecting the profound opposition between the Californian cleric and the incoming Republican President Donald Trump.

Until now, Catholic priests were typically punished with fines, brief prison sentences, or subjecte

Catholic priest sentenced to 11 years in prison in Belarus

Father Henrykh Akalatovich, imprisoned for over a year and gravely ill, was sentenced to 11 years, signaling escalating religious repression in Belarus as its president, Alexander Lukashenko, seeks a seventh presidential term.

Teresian Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas is, at 116, the oldest living person in the world and the new

Prayer and football: The secrets of the new oldest person in the world

According to the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) in the United States and LongeviQuest, Brazilian Teresian Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas has become the oldest living person in the world. She was born in June 1908 and is 116 years old.

“We demand a law that prohibits metallic mining in El Salvador” — file photo of anti-mining p

El Salvador bishops reject mining resumption, cite environmental, health concerns

Catholic bishops reaffirmed their opposition to President Nayib Bukele for lifting the 2017 mining ban, warning of serious consequences for water resources and public health.

Some major religious milestones and events that will shape 2025

The year 2025 will be notably marked by the Jubilee celebrations, multiple commemorations—including the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea—and several major events. Here are some key religious highlights for 2025.

Opinions

Mikael Corre (Photo: Franck Ferville/La Croix)

Jubilee: Rooted in time

'Rather than celebrating Laudato si’, let's get to work'

Brother Matthew, shown in this December 2023 photo, assured that the Taizé community pays particul

Taize's Brother Matthew: 'We cannot separate environmental concerns from our pursuit of peace'

AI is exposing new rifts in the Catholic Church

(Illustration photo by Marko Vombergar/ALETEIA/ CC BY 2.0) A poster of Pope Francis in Mexico City,

The transformative vision in Pope Francis’ World Peace Day Message

Christians must accompany the spiritual turn of ecology

The Vatican’s Secret Services

Syrian Christians and others dance during a concert as they celebrate Christmas at the Damascus Chr

Rebuilding Syria, a vision for unity, equality, and the protection of minorities

Yann Vagneux tells us about the Hindu god Ram, the ideal “maryada purushottam,” or the “perfe

In Kathmandu, the eyes of the 'great compassionate one'

Father David Neuhaus SJ (YouTube screengrab)

Jesuit in Holy Land calls on Western Christians to 'speak on our behalf'

Arnaud Alibert is the editor-in-chief at La Croix (Photo: Ferville)

Christmas must usher in a time of truce

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, May 1, 2024. (Photo by IPA Agency/Maxppp)

Holy Land: 'Overcoming the feeling that words, even faith-based ones, are useless' [DOCUMENT]

The Syrian Catholic Church of Saint Ephrem in Aleppo, Syria. (Photo: Preacher lad/Wikimedia Common)

How the new Syrian regime seeks to reassure Christians

Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa recently met with representatives of Christian minorities. The move was part of ongoing efforts to demonstrate openness and address concerns about the Islamist elements within Syria’s new power structure.

Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo by Ninaras / CC BY-SA 4.0)

Aerial piped water system brings hope to Nairobi’s slum residents

SHOFCO, an NGO in the Kenyan capital, has implemented an aerial water distribution system, providing affordable, clean water to slum residents and attracting attention beyond Kenya.

Collège Ahuntsic, in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Khayman / CC0 1.0)

College seeks to better support Indigenous students in Quebec

In Canada, a college is adopting "Indigenization" to integrate Indigenous perspectives, aiming to address school dropouts and improve relationships between Indigenous peoples and public institutions historically suppressing their culture.

The Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, the seat of the International Court of Justice (Photo b

Climate Crisis: Island states take their fight to international courts

Disappointed by climate negotiations, island nations at risk of submersion are now turning to international courts to deliver their message to polluting states, and their efforts are starting to pay off.

View of memorial crosses, in New Orleans, USA, 2 January 2025. (Photo by Octavio Guzmán/EFE/Newsco

Pope 'deeply saddened' by attack that left 15 dead in New Orleans

Pope Francis was "deeply saddened" by the attack that left at least 15 dead and around 30 injured during New Year’s celebrations in the U.S. state of Louisiana, the Vatican said.

Al-Jazeera journalists in Gaza sit outside their offices following concerns that the military could

In the West Bank, the repressive escalation of the Palestinian Authority

Amid an offensive against Palestinian armed groups in Jenin, in the northern West Bank, the Palestinian Authority suspended the broadcasting and activities of the Al-Jazeera channel January 1, accusing it of “incitement to sedition.”

Scalabrini Sister Rosita Milesi (Photo by Andre Borges/EFE/Newscom/MaxPPP)

A helping hand for refugees in Brazil

Brazilian Scalabrini Sister Rosita Milesi, 2024 UNHCR Nansen Award winner, has spent 40 years helping migrants legalize documents, find shelter, and rebuild lives with tireless dedication and compassion.

3,500 young people gathered in Tallinn, Estonia, for the 47th European Meeting of Taizé on Decembe

Taizé gathering in Estonia: Praying for peace at the edge of war

The 47th European Taizé Meeting in Tallinn (Dec 28, 2024–Jan 1, 2025) brought 3,500 young Europeans, including Ukrainians, fostering connections and sharing testimonies and reignite prayer for peace amid the war in Ukraine.

Pope Francis delivers his homily during a Mass on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God January 1, 2

Pope urges renewed respect for life in new year

In his first homily of the year, January 1, Pope Francis warned against the resurgence of certain heresies. He emphasized that respect for life stems from the humanity of Christ and reiterated—without explicitly naming them—his condemnation of abortion and euthanasia.

In Syria, Islam's role in the future constitution already raises concerns

The new government’s plan for a swift constitution overhaul, potentially prioritizing Islam, is sparking unrest in a country with 30% religious and ethnic minorities.

Why do we say Mary is the Mother of God?

When we say Mary is the Mother of God, we mean she is the mother of Jesus, who is God. Consequently, she is the Mother of God. This title highlights the mystery of the Incarnation in Christian faith.

Saint George's Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Aleppo, Syria. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

New leader in Syria meets with Christian community representatives

As minorities expressed concerns following the rise to power of a rebel coalition led by radical Islamists in Syria, the new Syrian leader, Ahmad al-Chareh, met with representatives of the Christian community in Damascus.

Pope Francis in Leuven, Belgium, with crowds watching and recording him, 27 September 2024. (Photo:

Twelve religious events that marked 2024

The year 2024 was marked by inspiring events for the Catholic Church—worldwide, such as the Synod, the reopening of Notre Dame, and the pope's trip to Corsica. We take a look back at 12 of these major dates.

Interfaith Prayer Meeting for the Eradication of Terrorism in the Savanes Region, Togo. (Photo cour

Togo Church calls for greater solidarity with displaced persons at Jubilee opening

The Diocese of Dapaong, located in the Savanes region of Togo, launched the 2025 Jubilee Year amid ongoing insecurity from terrorist attacks, urging solidarity and support through a newly established victim assistance committee.

Pope Francis celebrates the First Vespers and Te Deum for the end of the year, in St. Peter's Basil

'All brothers,' Pope Francis' final message of 2024

For his last message of 2024, Pope Francis reflected on the ongoing work for the Jubilee that has begun. He celebrated the city of Rome, reinterpreting its "universal vocation" as a laboratory of fraternity.

Network of Filipino surrogate mothers dismantled in Cambodia

This new case making headlines in Cambodia demonstrates that, despite the 2016 ban, surrogacy continues to thrive in this impoverished Southeast Asian nation through underground networks.

Demonstrators burn tires during a protest against the electoral process in Maputo, Mozambique, 27 N

Mozambique plunges into chaos amid post-election violence

Following confirmation of the ruling party Frelimo’s victory—having held power in Mozambique for 50 years—post-election violence has escalated into full-blown urban riots. In less than a week, 176 people have been killed.

(Illustration photo) Pope Francis' visit to Estonia, 25 September 2018. (Photo by Estonian Foreign

Estonian Catholics, a fragile bridge in a divided society

Estonia is hosting the Taizé European Meeting until January 1 for the first time. In this divided country, the small Catholic minority, which includes Russian speakers, strives to stay united while navigating geopolitical tensions.

Religion

A cardinal close to Pope Francis, opponent of Trump, appointed to Washington

Catholic priest sentenced to 11 years in prison in Belarus

Some major religious milestones and events that will shape 2025

Prayer and football: The secrets of the new oldest person in the world

Pope urges renewed respect for life in new year

Taizé gathering in Estonia: Praying for peace at the edge of war

Why do we say Mary is the Mother of God?

When we say Mary is the Mother of God, we mean she is the mother of Jesus, who is God. Consequently, she is the Mother of God. This title highlights the mystery of the Incarnation in Christian faith.

World news

How the new Syrian regime seeks to reassure Christians

Aerial piped water system brings hope to Nairobi’s slum residents

SHOFCO, an NGO in the Kenyan capital, has implemented an aerial water distribution system, providing affordable, clean water to slum residents and attracting attention beyond Kenya.

Pope 'deeply saddened' by attack that left 15 dead in New Orleans

Pope Francis was "deeply saddened" by the attack that left at least 15 dead and around 30 injured during New Year’s celebrations in the U.S. state of Louisiana, the Vatican said.

In Syria, Islam's role in the future constitution already raises concerns

The new government’s plan for a swift constitution overhaul, potentially prioritizing Islam, is sparking unrest in a country with 30% religious and ethnic minorities.

In the West Bank, the repressive escalation of the Palestinian Authority

New leader in Syria meets with Christian community representatives

Twelve religious events that marked 2024

Opinions

Jubilee: Rooted in time

Vatican Diary. Jubilees have perhaps always been a privileged moment for popes to share their vision of history. Every week, La Croix’s permanent special correspondent at the Vatican unveils the behind-the-scenes of the smallest state in the world.

'Rather than celebrating Laudato si’, let's get to work'

Pope Francis' encyclical, published in 2015, is not a collection of recipes to be followed but a call to action to change the world in response to the consequences of climate change, says an environmental historian.

Taize's Brother Matthew: 'We cannot separate environmental concerns from our pursuit of peace'

On the sidelines of the 47th European Meeting of Taizé in Tallinn, Estonia, Brother Matthew, prior of the Taizé community, reflected on the community’s ecological commitment and the guidance of young people in this area.

AI is exposing new rifts in the Catholic Church

Signs of the times. Generative AI adoption reshapes culture, work, and faith. It challenges religious traditions, intellectualism, and theological discourse, urging the church to confront technology's rapid integration with human thinking and divine experience.

Christians must accompany the spiritual turn of ecology

As spirituality increasingly captivates ecological circles, Christians must ask themselves how to respond. Rather than viewing this as an opportunity for evangelization, philosopher Isabelle Priaulet urges dialogue, fostering mutual learning on ecological conversion.

The transformative vision in Pope Francis’ World Peace Day Message

Through debt relief, human dignity, and eradicating hunger, Pope Francis invites global efforts to build a fairer, compassionate future.

The Vatican’s Secret Services

Vatican Diary:Does the Holy See possess one of the world’s best intelligence services, and has it always been so? Every week, La Croix’s permanent special correspondent at the Vatican unveils the secrets of the world's smallest state.

Laudato si'

El Salvador bishops reject mining resumption, cite environmental, health concerns

Catholic bishops reaffirmed their opposition to President Nayib Bukele for lifting the 2017 mining ban, warning of serious consequences for water resources and public health.

Climate Crisis: Island states take their fight to international courts

Lake Victoria — Tanzania. (Photo by Marc Veraart / CC BY-ND 2.0)

In Tanzania, Lake Victoria residents suffer from rising waters

New satellite data shows an alarming rise in the water levels of East Africa's great lakes. In Tanzania, residents of Ukerewe, the largest island in Lake Victoria, are already feeling the effects.

Tourism: Demographics alone are not to blame for rising carbon footprint

Global tourism continues to grow and simultaneously increase its carbon footprint. Population growth partially explains this trend, but according to a study, purchasing power and modes of transportation are the main contributors to tourism’s environmental impact.

Why the Arctic now emits more greenhouse gases than it absorbs

The Arctic region is no longer a carbon sink. It stores less greenhouse gas than it emits, largely due to increased wildfires. However, emissions from human activities remain the primary driver of climate change.

A plastic waste collector in a street in Johannesburg, South Africa, November 26. (Photo by Joséph

In South Africa, waste collectors fight for their rights

In South Africa, 90,000 informal waste collectors recycle 80% of recyclable packaging and paper. Despite their essential role in fighting plastic pollution, they are underpaid. While the government has introduced measures to reward them, progress remains slow.

Global warming: Why the critical threshold was set at 1.5°C

It's official: 2024 will be the first year to surpass the symbolic threshold of 1.5°C of warming compared to the pre-industrial period established by the Paris Agreement. According to analyses by the European Copernicus Observatory, the increase is expected to reach 1.52°C.

Culture

(Illustration photo) Jubail Church, an ancient (4th-century) Nestorian church building near Jubail,

Unearthing hidden history of Christians in the early Islamic era

Archaeological discoveries in the Arabian-Persian Gulf challenge traditional Islamic history. They reveal that Christian communities persisted beyond the 7th century despite historical records suggesting their disappearance with Islam’s early expansion.

One or more families of African American slaves posed in front of a wooden house on Dr. William F.

How slavery shaped the modern West

Book Review: In Born in Blackness, Howard W. French explores Africa’s critical role in shaping the modern world through the transatlantic slave trade and the enslavement of 12 million Africans.

The tablet sold for more than $5 million after ten minutes of bidding (© Sotheby's)

Sold at $5million, the oldest known tablet of the Ten Commandments sparks debate

Sotheby’s auction house put for sale what it claims to be the oldest known tablet inscribed with the Ten Commandments. Sold at more than $5 millions, the artifact has drawn skepticism from experts questioning its authenticity.

Cinema and Heritage Panel, during the Dakar Court Festival on December 10, 2024. (Photo by Charles

Religious-inspired film wins top prize at an international festival

The Grand Prize was awarded to Katope, a film by a Tanzanian director. Like this short film, which explores traditions and rituals, many other selections at the festival address themes of religion and spirituality.

The astounding resistance of Afghan women

In the documentary Bread and Roses, filmed on mobile phones, exiled filmmaker Sahra Mani portrays three Afghan women risking their lives to oppose Taliban oppression—a poignant testament to their courage, three years after the fundamentalists regained power in Kabul.

'The Advent calendar market reflects a need for new customs'

Nadine Cretin, an expert on Christmas and Western traditions, historian, and anthropologist, discusses the Christian roots and modern developments of Advent calendars.

Four Haikus for Advent, a journey of anticipation

Advent through poetry: Reflecting on the journey of anticipation and preparation leading to Christ’s birth, these short verses capture the season of waiting, the hardship of travel, the warmth of light in darkness, and the sacred moment of Christ’s arrival on earth.