Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church

Feast date: Jan 18

Saint Charles was born John Charles Marchioni in Sezze, Italy on October 19, 1613.  His family was extremely pious. They lived in a rural area and as a child Saint Charles worked as a shepherd.  Due to his lack of education, it is said he learned only the basics and could barely read and write. He joined the Franciscans as a lay brother in Naziano, where he served as a cook, porter, and gardener.

Saint Charles was known for his holiness, simplicity, and charity.  He was generous to travelers and sought out spiritual advice.  In 1656 he worked tirelessly with victims of the plague. He also wrote several mystical works including his autobiography entitled "The Grandeurs of the Mercies of God". Tradition states he was called to the bedside of the dying Pope Clement IX for a blessing. St. Charles told the Pope that they would meet again on January 6.

Saint Charles died on January 6, 1670 in Rome of natural causes, fulfilling his promise to meet Pope Clement IX, and he is buried in Rome in the Church of Saint Francis. He was Canonized by Pope John XXIII on April 12, 1959.

Marking the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Leo XIV recalls its origins and calls for renewed prayer for visible unity among Christians.

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Pope Leo highlights the grave humanitarian crisis in eastern DR Congo, where violence has forced many to flee, and expresses solidarity with those affected by extreme weather in southern Africa.

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During his Angelus address this Sunday in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV calls on Christians to remain vigilant, to focus on what is essential, and to never forget how precious we are in God's eyes.

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Speaking to journalists, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin laments the killing of protesters in Iran and expresses his hope that the uncertainty in Venezuela will evolve into stability, economic recovery, and democracy.

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Pope Leo XIV sends a telegram of condolences read out at the funeral of Angelo Gugel, who served three Popes as Papal Chamber Assistant, recalling his “exemplary Christian witness” and generous service to the Vatican.

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Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, President of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, reflects on the Holy See’s diplomatic mission, the role of Apostolic Nunciatures, and the work of Pontifical Representatives in a world marked by conflict and rapid change.

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Pope Leo XIV received Prince Albert II of the principality of Monaco in the Vatican on Saturday morning.

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In an interview with Vatican News, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, discusses the situation in the country after Russian strikes that damaged energy infrastructures.

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As the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy celebrates its 325th anniversary, Pope Leo XIV invites his diplomats to embrace their pastoral vocation to seek paths of reconciliation in light of the Gospel.

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