Franciscan Father Francesco Patton’s nine-year tenure as custos of the Holy Land began unexpectedly in 2016 when he found himself “redirected” — as he put it — to a largely unfamiliar land while ...

While Bethlehem is not directly involved in the conflict, it continues to suffer under the weight of economic crisis, violence from Israeli settlers, and emigration. Children welcome the custos of the ...

Catholic leaders in the Holy Land expressed cautious optimism this week that pilgrims will be able to return to the region amid a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza, which is expected ...

Franciscan Father Francesco Ielpo assumes his new role at an extremely complex moment, both regionally and spiritually. Franciscan Father Francesco Ielpo, on June 24, 2025, was appointed the new ...