The Vatican House of Sport, the operational seat of Athletica Vaticana, will be inaugurated on Sept. 20 by Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonca. Pope Francis has entrusted sport to the Dicastery for Culture and Education. The new facility in Rome's Trastevere aims to promote sport as a means for sociality and dialogue, especially significant in a world facing wars and divisions.

Pope Francis delivered his Easter 'Urbi et Orbi' message, emphasizing the resurrection of Jesus and its significance for new beginnings. He addressed global conflicts, particularly in the Holy Land, Ukraine, and Gaza, calling for peace and humanitarian aid. The Pope also highlighted issues such as human trafficking, violence, and the plight of migrants, urging political leaders to combat these challenges. His message underscored the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the value of every human life.

Pope Francis led the liturgy of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ at St. Peter's Basilica on Good Friday, a day when Holy Mass is not celebrated. The liturgy consisted of three parts: the Liturgy of the Word, the Adoration of the Cross, and Holy Communion. Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa delivered a homily focusing on Jesus's 'I Am' declaration, its metaphysical dimension, and its connection to God's self-revelation in the Old Testament. He discussed the reversal of the human idea of God that Jesus represented, emphasizing God's power of self-concealment and voluntary powerlessness. The Cardinal also highlighted the universal significance of Christ's word, the invisible and eternal triumph of the Resurrection, and the Lord's humility and concern for His disciples. He concluded by inviting all who are burdened to find rest and consolation in Jesus.

Pope Francis led the liturgy of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ in St. Peter’s Basilica on Good Friday, a day when Holy Mass is not celebrated. The ceremony included the Liturgy of the Word, Adoration of the Cross, and Holy Communion. Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa delivered a homily focusing on Jesus' declaration 'I Am' and its profound theological implications. He emphasized the universal significance of Christ's words and the true nature of God's omnipotence as revealed through Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. The homily also highlighted the humility and love demonstrated by Jesus, contrasting it with human notions of power and triumph.

During the Chrism Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on Holy Thursday, Pope Francis delivered a homily focusing on the theme of compunction, a spiritual sorrow that leads to repentance and renewal. He emphasized the importance of priests allowing themselves to be forgiven and to weep for their sins, as well as for the sins of others, as a way to purify and heal the heart. The Pope encouraged priests to become more like children in their prayer, growing simpler and deeper in adoration of God. He also urged them to broaden their horizons, spend time with the Lord, and rediscover the prayer of the heart. Pope Francis concluded by thanking the priests for their service and praying for the Lord to console, strengthen, and reward them.

During a General Audience, Pope Francis highlighted the virtue of patience and appealed for peace, denouncing ongoing wars. He spoke of Bassam Aramin, a Palestinian, and Rami Elhanan, an Israeli, who both lost their daughters to the war in the Holy Land and found friendship in their shared grief. Their story of peace and justice is told in the novel 'Apeirogon' by Colum McCann. The Pope thanked them for their witness and prayed for peace in Ukraine and the Holy Land.

Pope Francis warned against the vice of lust and advocated for the purity of love during his Wednesday General Audience in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall. He continued his catechesis series on virtues and vices, focusing on the sin of lust, emphasizing that it can destroy relationships and individual freedom. The Pope highlighted that pure love, untainted by vice, is one of the purest feelings and that lust, if not disciplined, becomes a chain that deprives freedom. He concluded by encouraging the preservation of the beauty of love, which aligns with God's unconditional love for humanity.

Pope Francis expressed his heartfelt solidarity and prayers for those affected by a deadly earthquake in central Japan, which claimed at least 48 lives. The Pope's message, conveyed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, emphasized spiritual closeness and support for the victims and their families. Archbishop Tarcisio Kikuchi of Tokyo reassured the Church's prayers and announced that the Catholic Bishop's Conference of Japan is assessing the damage to determine the Church's response.

Vinicio Riva, known for being embraced by Pope Francis in 2013, passed away at the age of 58 after battling Neurofibromatosis 1. Riva, a native of Isola Vicentina in Italy's Veneto region, died in Vicenza hospital. His encounter with Pope Francis, marked by compassion and empathy, remains a memorable moment in the Pope's early pontificate.

A week after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Noto Peninsula, thousands remain without water and electricity, facing sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow. The disaster has resulted in over 200 deaths and more than 500 injuries. Bishop Daisuke Narui, President of Caritas Japan, discusses the ongoing challenges, including damaged infrastructure and isolated communities. Caritas Japan, in collaboration with local dioceses and international networks, is focusing on providing essential supplies and spiritual support. Pope Francis has expressed his condolences and prayers for the victims, emphasizing the power of prayer in such difficult times.