News

Vatican Telescope becoming availaible to students at Jesuit Universities

The Vatican Observatory is making its main telescope available to students at Jesuit universities

Recently, the Observatory successfully completed the robotization and automation of its Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT), located on Mt. Graham in Arizona (USA). This was accomplished thanks to the generosity of the Thomas Lord Charitable Trust. It means, among other things, that astronomers can use the telescope remotely, without having to be up on the mountain. Vatican Observatory (VO) astronomers are now utilizing its exciting capabilities.

Vatican Coins and Stamps: Agreement Between the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Italian Mint, with the School of Medallic Art taking center stage

The agreement was signed this morning by the President of the Governorate, Sister Raffaella Petrini, and the CEO of the Italian Mint (IPZS) Michele Sciscioli.

Vatican City, 21 April 2026 – Starting today, students of the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS) have the opportunity to submit creative projects to the Governorate for the production of coins and stamps issued by the Vatican City State.

New Issue by the Postal and Philatelic Service

On the Dies Natalis of Pope Francis

The Postal and Philatelic Service of the Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems of the Governorate of the Vatican City State has produced a special postmark to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis (2013–2025), which falls on April 21, 2026.

First anniversary of the death of Pope Francis

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you; carefully consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). Deep and heartfelt are the sentiments of gratitude for the late Pope Francis, who returned to the House of the Father on the morning of Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Domus Sanctae Marthae.

Rector’s Awards Presented at the Pontifical North American College

During the 31st Annual Rector’s Dinner of the Pontifical North American College in Rome, held on Thursday evening, April 16, Monsignor Thomas W. Powers, presented the Rector’s Awards to the President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, Sr. Raffaella Petrini, and to the American couple Curtis and Michaelann Martin.