News

During this week, wherever you are from, you have all come with your own challenges. I hope that the times of sharing and common prayer have helped you discover a deeper unity in the midst of your diversity. Listening to people who are different from us can be a real gift. It helps us overcome the barriers behind which we so easily hide and resist the traps of polarisation and prejudice, which promise security but ultimately bring only sadness and isolation. Are we ready for that challenge? Para

When I look at the dry meadows around us, this naturally raises questions about our concern for the care of God's creation, our common home. What steps can each one of us take in order to contribute to safeguarding the beauty of creation so that everyone can continue to enjoy it? At the same time, I wonder: are we beings of thirst? And if so, what is it that we are thirsting for? Like the earth, we too sometimes have to live in the waiting for rain. But do we dare to follow our deepest thirst? I

On 29 December 2012, brothers of our Taizé Community were gathered for prayer in St Peter’s Square with 45,000 young people, during our European Meeting, which was being held in Rome, together with Pope Benedict XVI. Little did we know that this would be one of his last major public appearances before he announced his resignation on 11 February 2013. As the cardinals gathered for the conclave to elect the new Pope, I was travelling for the community in Russia. On 13 March, I was staying with a C

On the feast of Pentecost, 24–25 May 2026, two brothers from the Taizé Community took part in a meeting in Baden entitled “A Day Like in Taizé.” Around 300 people participated in the gathering, and about 600 people joined the Sunday evening prayer. Most came from different parts of Switzerland, while others travelled from abroad, including Germany, England, and Finland. “A Day Like in Taizé” was part of DisputNation, through which the town of Baden is marking the 500th anniversary of the Baden D

Two brothers from Taizé, and a consecrated laywoman who has lived for many years with the brothers of Taizé in Brazil, spent five weeks as a temporary community in Alta Gracia, in the province of Cordoba, Argentina. They were joined by three young volunteers, two of whom had previously served as volunteers in Taizé. Here is their account: The fact that there were six of us, of different ages, genders, personalities, and church backgrounds, was a great source of richness. It provided a diversity

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, the 2026 Taizé Asian Youth Gathering was held from April 30 to May 3 at St. Benedict Parish, Sha Tin. Over 330 young Christians from mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Europe gathered for a four-day spiritual journey under the theme “Messengers of Hope.” Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, Bishop of Hong Kong, welcomed the youth, stating, “Even though we come from different cultures and different churche

Many of you have come this week, from different parts of Germany but also from several dioceses of France, as well as from Sweden and Lithuania. Other countries are also represented at Taizé, and let us not forget those who come from Africa, Asia and the Americas, particularly among the volunteers who live here for longer periods and who support the weekly meetings. Welcome to you all! In a moment, two of you will ask me a question and I will try to answer, but before that I would like to share

Following Pope Leo's invitation to pray for peace in the world, Saturday evening the prayer will be dedicated to peoples suffering from war. Prayer Risen Christ, we hear you say, as you said to your friends after rising from the dead, "Peace be with you!" In our troubled world, in our wounded creation, we want to welcome your peace, so that it may transform our lives and the lives of those suffer because of war. By your Holy Spirit, inspire and strengthen all who are seeking dialogue so that a

The threat of war with Iran was already looming when I flew to Tel Aviv on January 31. Was I going to be able to return? I couldn't count on it too much. My first night at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute allowed me to see the team again from Tantur. Many young people have bright memories of the beauty of the place and where the first welcome took place during our meeting in the Holy Land in May 2022. The wall that separates Israel from Palestine is only a few hundred meters away. The the next da

Fifteen days visiting cities plunged into darkness and “islands of resilience”: Brother Benoit tells SIR about a Ukraine that is wounded but not defeated. Young people showing solidarity, committed churches, families suffering from Russian attacks. Amid the cold and fear, hope becomes a daily choice and a tangible sign of freedom. “We told the young people we met: ‘We have no message to convey to you, except that of our spiritual solidarity through prayer and our presence. It is they, and all th

Brother Matthew, the prior of Taizé, was received by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Saturday morning, March 21. Both expressed their deep concern for peace, a topic dear to the pope’s heart, as well as for all the innocent victims of armed conflict across the world. They also shared a common desire to go further along the road to reconciliation among Christians, while reflecting on ways to transmit the faith to the younger generations.

The Taizé Community and the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong warmly invite young people from around the world to join this gathering. On the occasion of the Diocese’s 80th anniversary, we come together as “Messengers of Hope”, rekindling hope with the pilgrim Church along the journey, walking together in communion. There will be common prayer with the Taizé brothers, and brothers and sisters from different Christian traditions are most welcome to join. Theme: “Messengers of Hope” Dates: April 30 –