Pope Leo XIV’s first year: 10 powerful moments
On May 8, 2025, white smoke billowed from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that a new pope had been chosen. On that day, the world…
‘Their very existence is at stake’: Catholic organizations mobilize for Lebanon’s Christians
Caught in the war between Hezbollah and Israel, Christians in southern Lebanon have been paying a heavy price. Churches and monasteries have been destroyed, Christian symbols desecrated, and many families…
New release seeks to revive St. Bartolo Longo’s ‘Fifteen Saturdays’ devotion
When Pope Leo XIV visits Pompeii, Italy, on May 8, the one-day trip will highlight the legacy of St. Bartolo Longo, whose dramatic conversion, influential writings, and promotion of the…
U.S. bishops recount year since Pope Leo XIV’s election
U.S. bishops marked the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s election by recalling the moment they learned he had been chosen, describing their reactions in a video message. “When we…
‘Families fight, but family is forever’: Pope Leo’s brother says the brothers limit political talk
John Prevost, Pope Leo XIV’s older brother, said he, Leo, and Louis, the eldest of the three, talk every week, but “we keep politics to a limit.” CNN’s Erin Burnett…
Pope Leo XIV urges Catholics to read printed books
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday underscored the enduring value of printed books in the digital age, saying reading “nourishes the mind” and offers Christians a valuable opportunity to proclaim Christ.…
India’s religious liberty on ‘downward trajectory,’ commission says
WASHINGTON — Witnesses called for U.S. intervention to end the ongoing persecution of religious minorities in India, including Christians, at a hearing on Capitol Hill. “Religious freedom in India is…
Commission sees opportunities to expand targeted sanctions on religious liberty offenders
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a fact sheet on May 6 that highlights opportunities to expand targeted sanctions against religious liberty violators. “There are various opportunities…
Fidelity, enthusiasm, and faith: Pope Leo XIV welcomes Swiss Guard recruits
Recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard took their oath of allegiance to Pope Leo XIV, solemnly pledging to serve and protect him. The ceremony took place May 6 in the…
Pope Leo meets U.S. Secretary of State Rubio amid tensions with President Trump
On Thursday Pope Leo XIV met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican, with the meeting coming amid tensions between the Holy See and U.S. President Donald…
Cardinal Parolin says talks with German bishops continue, calls sanctions talk premature
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said on Wednesday it would be premature to discuss sanctions against the German bishops for blessings of same-sex couples. Parolin, however, did…
Synod report condemns ‘devastating effects’ of conversion therapies for homosexual persons
The Vatican’s General Secretariat of the Synod published Tuesday the testimonies of two men in civil marriages with other men who describe from personal experience the tensions and wounds that…