Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Pope Leo tells Ukraine's Zelenskyy that Vatican could host peace talks
VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo told visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday (Jul 9) that the Vatican is willing to host Russia-Ukraine peace talks, the Vatican said in a statement. The pope, meeting the Ukrainian leader for the...

Pope Leo tells Ukraine’s Zelenskiy that Vatican could host peace talks
By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Leo told visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday that the Vatican is willing to host Russia-Ukraine peace talks, the Vatican said in a statement. The pope, meeting the Ukrainian...

Pope Leo interrupts vacation to appeal for action on climate change
By Joshua McElwee CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (Reuters) -Pope Leo interrupted a two-week vacation on Wednesday to celebrate a special Mass exhorting Catholics to exercise care for creation, in the Vatican's second major appeal in a week for the world...

PILGRIMS OF HOPE IN THE ETERNAL CITY – Local Catholics Travel to Rome in August
Marco Carvalho António, Ltd, a travel agency that focuses on arranging pilgrimages, is set to organize a second religious expedition to Italy in early August. Last month, the company successfully took a group of 24 pilgrims from Macau and the...

Pope Leo interrupts holiday to issue warning: ‘We live in a world that is burning’
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

Road Less Traveled: Agent finds alternatives to major cities
Travelers often gravitate toward popular destinations, and with good reason. Their renowned landmarks, rich cultural heritage and world-class attractions have earned them a spot on countless bucket lists. But sometimes, a lesser-known destination...

How to spend your holidays according to the Popes
As Pope Leo XIV’s takes some time off at the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo from July 6 to 20, Vatican News looks at what past Popes have said about holidays. By Amedeo Lomonaco A break from work to restore physical strength, a chance to...

Why you should visit Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo’s summer holiday escape in Italy
By Rebecca Ann Hughes with AP Published on 08/07/2025 - 7:00 GMT+2 The town of Castel Gandolfo sits high on the edge of a volcanic crater lake just 25 kilometres from Rome. Its villas, palaces and grand churches are a testament to its...
Tennis, piano and a new encyclical: How Pope Leo will spend his summer vacation
ROME (OSV News) -- Pope Leo XIV began his summer break July 6 at Castel Gandolfo, where he’ll stay through July 20. But don’t expect the Holy Father to simply relax. According to Augustinian Father Alejandro Moral Antón, a longtime friend, Pope...

Lay associates journey with the Oblate Sisters of Providence
Discussions among the Oblate Sisters of Providence regarding starting a lay associates program began in earnest in 1989, according to Oblate Sister of Providence Annette Beecham, director of the program that had its first installation in 1992. She...

Pope opens up about papal vacation, first encyclical, appointments and tennis
Pope Leo XIV waves after arriving in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, July 6, 2025. The pope will stay in Castel Gandolfo for his customary retreat through July 20. OSV News photo/Alessia Giuliani, CPP Pope Leo XIV began his summer break July 6 at Castel...

American Peruvian Pope Souvenirs Stalled as Vatican Retailers Await Sacred License
With pilgrims flooding Rome for the Jubilee Year, souvenir stands near St. Peter’s Square are stocked with every pope except the one currently leading the Catholic Church. Two months after his election, León XIV’s official image still hasn’t been...

Pope Leo XIV given 2 electric, eco-friendly ‘popemobiles’ for travel
Vatican City, Jul 7, 2025 / 15:34 pm Pope Leo XIV has been given two electric vehicles that can be transported by air and will accompany him on his international travels. According to a statement from the Governorate of Vatican City State, the...

Augustinian reflects on papal vacation, first encyclical, appointments and tennis
Pope Leo XIV began his summer break July 6 at Castel Gandolfo, where he’ll stay through July 20. But don’t expect the Holy Father to simply relax. According to Augustinian Father Alejandro Moral Antón, a longtime friend, Pope Leo plans to draft...

Pope Leo XIV Given Two Electric, Eco-friendly "popemobiles" for International Travels
Vatican City, 08 July, 2025 / 12:34 am (ACI Africa). Pope Leo XIV has been given two electric vehicles that can be transported by air and will accompany him on his international travels. According to a statement from the Governorate of Vatican...

Augustinian prior opens up about papal vacation, first encyclical, appointments and tennis
ROME (OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV began his summer break July 6 at Castel Gandolfo, where he’ll stay through July 20. But don’t expect the Holy Father to simply relax. According to Augustinian Father Alejandro Moral Antón, a longtime friend, Pope Leo...

Travelogue: A short two months in Greece, part 4
This is the fourth installment of Edmonds resident Nathaniel Brown’s recent travels to Greece. You can read part 1 here, part 2 here and part 3 here. Athens I’ve written about Athens before – teeming, dirty and sparkling, exhilarating, old, often...
Pope Leo XIV arrives at Castel Gandolfo for vacation
Pope Leo XIV arrives at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, for a six-week vacation on Sunday. Andrew Medichini/AP Photo × Pope resumes the tradition to restore 'body and spirit' CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy – Pope Leo XIV...

Pope arrives to summer vacation spot; locals delighted
“Popes need this microclimate near Rome, the fresh air, the lake, the sea,” the parish priest says. Pope Leo XIV arrived at the papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in the late afternoon. Smiling and approachable, the...

The hilltop town where Pope Leo XIV is staying cool on his summer vacation
Castel Gandolfo, Italy (CNN) — After the whirlwind of his election and a nonstop round of public and private meetings ever since, Pope Leo XIV has chosen to take some time to rest and recharge. Choosing where to take his vacation was a simple...