A Christian life should be filled with amazement – astonishment at the son of God suffering and dying for humanity and awe at realising how precious and loved people are in his eyes, Pope Francis said during Palm Sunday Mass for 2021.

The Vatican published Pope Francis’ calendar for Holy Week and Easter, which due to coronavirus restrictions, will be celebrated primarily in St Peter’s Basilica with a very small congregation.

While homosexual men and women must be respected, any form of blessing a same-sex union is “illicit”, the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has this week affirmed. By Carol Glatz.

Arsad, an Indonesian farmer, had no toilet at home and was often sick due to open defecation. Through Caritas Australia’s support, Arsad and his community improved hygiene and sanitation and funded their toilets.

With sporadic violence continuing in Iraq, Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq from 5 to 8 March involved a massive security operation with the deployment of thousands of police and military officers. Even the Vatican police and Swiss Guards wore bulletproof vests under their dark suits, an unusual practice on a papal trip.

Margret is a vocational school teacher for deaf students in the Solomon Islands that suffered long-term water shortages and damage from Tropical Cyclone Harold. With Caritas Australia’s support, Margret’s school installed water tanks, repaired cyclone damage, implemented COVID-19 prevention measures, and is now planning to boost food security.

The Gospel account of Jesus’ temptation in the desert, read each year at the beginning of Lent, is a reminder that following the Lord’s footsteps “is a battle against the spirit of evil,” the Holy Father stated in his 21 February Sunday Angelus address.

Pope Francis’ Lenten message for 2021, released by the Vatican on 12 February, focusses on Lent as “a time for renewing faith, hope and love” through the traditional practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. And, by going to confession.

The coronavirus pandemic can either be a catalyst for change for the better or it will weaken a world already burdened by global crises, Pope Francis said.

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will today participate in a meeting hosted by the United Nations to mark the first International Day of Human Fraternity. According to a statement published on 1 February by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, the Holy Father will take part in the 4 February virtual event, which will be hosted in Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the crown prince.