Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican's "foreign minister", said the agreement “may in some way be a stimulus to bringing a definitive end to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict”.

The Vatican on Friday signed a comprehensive agreement formally recognizing the “State of Palestine,” following 15 years of negotiations on a bilateral accord that is said to provide juridical recognition for Catholic churches and call for a two-state solution with Israel on the basis of their borders in 1967.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has not held any “plenary” sessions or a “feria quarta” on the Herzegovina apparitions. Cardinals and bishops have not yet examined the case, with everything postponed until after the summer. The outcome of the discussions will be presented to the Pope who will ultimately decide. Francis has shown his appreciation for the work carried out by Ruini’s commission.

Louis Raphaël I Sako, Chaldean Catholic Patriarch, suggests ditching the heads of the three ecclesial communities that derive from this ancient institution, so that they may enter into communion once again and deal with emergencies together.

At the General Audience, on June 24, the Pope said there are cases when separation is inevitable or “even morally necessary” when it involves saving the weaker spouse, or children, from violence, exploitation and indifference.

In an audience with Pope Francis, the Syro-Orthodox Patriarch spoke about genocide, countries that finance terrorism and a safe haven for Christians.

Vatican Insider interviews the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I on Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’”. The encyclical quotes the Patriarch’s teachings regarding the protection of the environment on a number of occasions: “the terms “ecology” and “economy” share the same etymological root: home”.

"The gracious reference by our brother Pope Francis...". The new encyclical quotes the his teachings regarding the protection of the environment: Vatican Insider interviews the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I.

The “Laudato Si’” encyclical says: we have grown up believing that we have the right to plunder the planet at our will. The environmental crisis is an anthropological crisis and is liked to our development model: the structural causes of an economy that does not respect mankind need to be eliminated. Pope Francis’ encyclical is an appeal to governments and institutions and a proposal for new ways of living. The defence of nature is not compatible with abortion and embryo experimentation. For the first time ever, a papal encyclical quotes a Sufi mystic, Ali Al-Khawwas.

Among the issues highlighted by the international media outlets with regards to Pope Francis’ visit to Sarajevo last week is the ringing of large bells.

On this day, the intense heat did not stop you from leaving your home for the sports stadium in Sarajevo, with no intention to watch a decisive football match, but simply to take part in a massive Mass, most likely the largest Mass ever in the history of your country… a Mass presided over by the Pope of simplicity, of humility, and of the grand human forbearance: Francis.

Vatican Secretary of State speaks about Israel, Palestine, the peace process, anti-semitism and islamist radicalization.