Valentina Di Donato

Valentina Di Donato

Valentina Di Donato is a Vatican correspondent based in Rome since 2013. She received an Emmy nomination for her investigative report on the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Her coverage has spanned the pontificate of Pope Francis, humanitarian stories from the war in Ukraine, art and culture from the Vatican, the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean, and the 2025 conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV.

Articles by Valentina Di Donato

Pope Leo XIV waves to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for his general audience on Sept.24, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media

UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV wades into Durbin debate

Sep 30, 2025 / 15:36 pm

Pope Leo XIV said U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin’s record should be considered in its totality and that Americans should search together for the truth on moral questions.

A general view of a wreath laid by mourners outside the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria on Sept. 11, 2025, following the fatal shooting of U.S. youth activist and influencer Charlie Kirk while speaking during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Credit: PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images

Cardinal Parolin on Charlie Kirk death: ‘We are against all types of violence’

Sep 11, 2025 / 12:11 pm

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, in comments responding to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, said the Vatican condemns violence against those with whom one disagrees.

Cardinal Fernando Filoni speaks to EWTN News Nightly” on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Credit: EWTN News

Cardinal Filoni: ‘We remain with the people’ in war‑torn Middle East


Jul 23, 2025 / 07:00 am

In a wide‑ranging interview with “EWTN News Nightly,” Cardinal Fernando Filoni underscored that the Middle East remains an area of vital importance.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. Credit: François-Régis Salefran CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED

Cardinal Ambongo: Opposition to same-sex blessings not an ‘African exception’

Jul 1, 2025 / 14:47 pm

“The position taken by Africa was also the position of so many bishops here in Europe. It’s not just an African exception,” Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo said.