CatholicPhilly presents a weekly roundup of international news from Vatican News, the official news portal of the Holy See. The following report on the week of April 5, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.

Pope Leo XIV welcomed the newly announced ceasefire in the Middle East as “a sign of genuine hope” after what he described as “hours of extreme tension,” while urging a return to negotiations and calling the faithful to prayer.

Pope Leo XIV called for prayer and a vigil after President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, urging diplomacy.

Friday marks six months since Gaza's ceasefire deal took effect, a milestone largely lost in the confusion over the new and even more fragile ceasefire in the Iran war. The ravaged Palestinian territory of 2 million people has seen the most intense fighting stop between Israeli forces and Hamas-led militants.

A Vatican diplomat’s meeting with the Pentagon was “most unpleasant and confrontational,” NBC Chicago reported, citing a source close to Pope Leo XIV. The Free Press first reported details of Cardinal Christophe Pierre’s meeting with senior Pentagon officials in January.

In what appeared to be a new condition, Iran’s parliament speaker said that negotiations set for Saturday in Pakistan would not go ahead unless unspecified Iranian funds were released.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel's ceasefire with Iran does not include Hezbollah. LeeAnne Lowry. More Videos. Maryland Residents Enjoy Cherry Blossom Peak Bl

Lebanon's health ministry says Israeli strikes killed 203 people on Wednesday while Israel says it will "act forcefully" if attacked by Iran.