Pope Francis is to undertake the first-ever apostolic journey to Iraq from 5 to 8 March. We offer an overview of the nation's ancientand diverse Christian communities, of their plight and of their challenges.

Europe is facing a serious demographic imbalance with the number of elderly people growing and a dwindling number of children. Two Catholic organizations organized a webinar on Monday to study the issue reflecting on the theme, “The Elderly and the Future of Europe”.

Vatican News continues its series on the history, mission, objectives and operating costs of the Vatican offices assisting the Pope in his pastoral ministry. We feature an interview with the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, Paolo Ruffini.

As Iraqis prepare to welcome Pope Francis on his upcoming Apostolic Journey, an official with Catholic Relief Services lays out the hopes and interreligious efforts of both Christians and Muslims.

Pope Francis meets with members of the Franciscan Centre for Solidarity, based in Florence, and thanks them for their thirty years of service sowing the seeds of the Kingdom of God.

Following an attack in Eastern DR Congo on a UN agency convoy that left three people dead, including the Italian Ambassador to DRC, the UN Secretary General says the organization is supporting an investigation into the attack.

In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI recalls that his renunciation of the papacy was a “difficult choice” but made “in full conscience,” believing that he did well.

Only days after the fatal attack on the Italian Ambassador, more civilians have since been massacred in the eastern province of the DRC.

Pope Francis joins the Bishops of Nigeria in appealing for the release of 317 schoolgirls who were abducted in northwest Nigeria on Friday.

On World Rare Diseases Day, Pope Francis recalls medical researchers and people suffering from rare diseases, as Cardinal Peter Turkson urges policymakers to guarantee their right to healthcare.