“Ensuring access to justice for women and girls requires more than just formal legal protections. It also involves addressing the root causes that put them at risk, prevent them from seeking justice and ultimately undermine their God-given human dignity,” said Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, the Holy See’s permanent observer to the U.N.
Vatican
Posted inVatican Dispatch
Pope Leo to accept Liberty Medal and address Americans on July 3
On July 3, 2026, the National Constitution Center will honor Pope Leo XIV with its Liberty Medal in recognition of his work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience.
Posted inVatican Dispatch
Pope Leo to warring nations in the Middle East: ‘Cease fire!’
In an address to thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at midday on Sunday, March 15, Pope Leo called for a ceasefire in the war in the Middle East.
Posted inFaith and Reason
Where the women deacons question stands at the Vatican
Plus: The first full English translation of the ‘Petrocchi Commission’ report on women deacons.
Posted inNews
Peter Thiel brings his Antichrist lectures to the Vatican’s doorstep, and Catholic institutions back away
One of the hottest tickets in Rome these days is for a four-lecture series on the Antichrist being given by Silicon Valley tech billionaire Peter Thiel.
Posted inVatican Dispatch
Pope Leo names close friend and fellow Augustinian as Vatican’s chief of charity
In a significant appointment to the Roman Curia, Pope Leo has chosen the Spanish-born Augustinian bishop Luis Marín de San Martín, 64, to be the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, or papal almoner, and raised him to the rank of archbishop.
Posted inLast Take
36 years as a Vatican journalist: papal apologies, a pillow fight and the people of God
While each pope said and did things that inspired me or puzzled me or challenged me or disappointed me, so did other Catholics.
Posted inNews
Final synod report on women’s leadership does not address female diaconate
The Vatican has published the final report of the synod study group examining women’s participation in the Church, which calls for expanded roles for women in Church governance and leadership in roles not including ordained ministry.
Posted inNews
Iran’s Cardinal Mathieu evacuated to Rome
Cardinal Dominique Mathieu said he arrived in Rome March 8 “not without regret and sorrow for our brothers and sisters in Iran.”
Posted inVatican Dispatch
Pope Leo appoints Archbishop Caccia as nuncio to the United States
Archbishop Caccia’s appointment comes at a turbulent time in world affairs, as the United States and Israel wage war against Iran—a conflict now in its eighth day that appears to be expanding.