Vatican

Communion of faithful, not just clergy, shares role in safeguarding faith, pope says

Continuing his Vatican II catechesis, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the role of the baptized in sharing Christ’s mission and contributing to the Church’s renewal in his weekly...

War & Peace

Pope Leo calls for ceasefire in Middle East, special prayers for Lebanon

On Feb. 28, the U.S. and Israel launched a series of strikes against Iran with the aim of targeting its nuclear and ballistic missile program as well as pushing for...

Pope Leo XIV

God's name can never be used to justify 'absurd' pursuit of war, pope says

"God cannot be enlisted by darkness," Pope Leo XIV said in a homily during Mass in a parish on the outskirts of Rome.

God always "comes to bring light, hope and peace...

Vatican

Church's unity comes from faith in Christ and from love, pope says

Pope Leo XIV said in his weekly general audience that the diversity of the Catholic Church is a strength during these times of conflict, brought together through the...

Lent

Faith and flowers: Special rules keep God's house simply beautiful

There are many traditions observed during the season of Lent, and one of the more visible is the stark change in church decor and a complete absence of flowers.

However...

Lent

Jesus is close by, just open your eyes, Pope Leo tells young people

"As a good and caring Shepherd, the Lord always waits for us and accompanies us, wherever we live and however we are," Pope Leo XIV told parishioners during his fourth...

Vatican

Vatican hosted its own mini Paralympics half a century before Games' official start

With the Winter Paralympic Games starting in Milan-Cortina March 6 and running until March 15, the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, said the Vatican already...

Vatican

Church is holy by Christ's presence, not human perfection, pope says

At his general audience, Pope Leo XIV said the Church is both a human community and a divine mystery made holy by Christ’s presence and urging Catholics to witness God’s...

Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs

Church can teach what's at stake when nations choose war, not peace, cardinal says

Speaking to Catholic News Service during a visit to the papal farm in Castel Gandolfo, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago said wars today seem more like "a choice rather...

Vatican

Visitor breath, sweat and climate change prompt work on Sistine Chapel masterpiece

The Vatican Museums recently began maintenance work on the Sistine Chapel after a whitish film formed across some of the frescoes. The chapel is still open to visitors...

Vatican

In the face of the mystery of evil, Christians must be signs of hope, pope says

During a parish visit in his Diocese of Rome, Pope Leo XIV went to a working-class neighborhood that has been facing rising criminal activity and increased local efforts...

Vatican

Why do the bones of St. Francis draw hundreds of thousands of pilgrims?

Eight hundred years after his death, the remains of St. Francis of Assisi were exhumed and placed on public display in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi...

Pope Leo XIV

U.S. visitors' office saw big uptick in serving pilgrims during 2025

There's a small office near Rome's famous Trevi Fountain that helps U.S. visitors see the pope and have a deeper spiritual experience when they come to the Eternal City...

Lent

God offers new possibilities, not prohibitions, with his invitation to love, pope says

Beginning with the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, humankind has had to face "the age-old dilemma: can I live my life to the fullest by saying 'yes' to God...

Lent

Dare to be free, join exodus away from stagnation, pope says on Ash Wednesday

Pope Leo XIV marked the beginning of Lent by highlighting how people, especially younger generations, are looking for an "authentic, honest and attractive" way to take...

Vatican

The Church is proof of God's plan to unite humanity, pope says

Pope Leo XIV reflected on the Church as a visible sign and active instrument of God’s plan to unite humanity through Christ in his weekly general audience. He said the...

Vatican

From Foreheads to Crowns: How Ash Wednesday looks different worldwide

Catholics around the world mark the start of Lent in different ways this week, but the call to humility and prayer remains the same.

Pope Leo XIV

A true parish welcomes everyone, spreads respect, harmony, pope says

For his first visit to a parish in his Diocese of Rome, Pope Leo XIV went to the seaside community of Ostia Lido, which has a close connection to the story of St...

Lent

Pope invites Catholics to 'disarm' language and build kindness, respect for Lent

In his first message for Lent, Pope Leo XIV asked the faithful to "cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in...

Immigration

Pope supports solidarity with immigrants in US, Catholics must stand together, archbishop says

Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of Portland, Oregon, shared his concerns about ICE activity in his archdiocese, highlighting the need for Catholics of all ethnicities to...

Vatican

In a world of empty words, sacred Scripture offers nourishment, healing, pope says

"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of God. With this in mind, I encourage you to read and contemplate the inspired word of God daily," Pope Leo XIV said during his...

Vatican

Pope has no plans to travel to U.S. in 2026, Vatican says

A Vatican spokesperson told reporters Pope Leo XIV is not going to the United States this year.

Vatican

Church can help sports by flexing values, strengthening human dignity, pope says

Pope Leo XIV, who considers himself "a decent amateur tennis player," issued a letter on the value of sport, calling on the Church to help strengthen the needed harmony...

Vatican

Pope warns little progress has been made to protect children worldwide

Pope Leo XIV warned that progress has stalled on children’s rights and called for stronger, coordinated action in a speech to Catholic organizations.

Vatican

Scripture is intended to speak to believers 'in every age,' pope says

Pope Leo XIV stressed that Scripture must be proclaimed in language rooted in history and attentive to human experience in his general weekly audience Feb. 4.

Vatican

Pope praises religious for courageous witness serving the marginalized

On the feast of the Presentation of the Lord -- which also marks the Catholic Church's celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life -- Pope Leo XIV said consecrated men...

Vatican

Pope sends blessings for 2026 Winter Olympics, cross arrives in Milan

Pope Leo XIV shared his blessings to athletes, organizers, and Catholics before the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games begin Feb. 6. He said the Olympic Games encourage...

Vatican

Skiing came to Central Europe thanks to an adventurous priest, Catholic newspaper says

An Italian priest from the 1600s is credited with bringing skiing from remote Scandinavia to other parts of Europe.

Father Francesco Negri was a natural history and...

Vatican

Deadly violence in Minneapolis tied to ICE agents is 'unacceptable,' top cardinal says

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said the violence in Minneapolis is "unacceptable."

Asked about the deadly shootings by U.S. federal agents, he told...

Vatican

Pope appeals for end to antisemitism, prejudice, genocide

Pope Leo XIV commemorated Holocaust Remembrance Day, renewing his appeal to the international community always to remain vigilant "so that the horror of genocide never...

Vatican

Let communication be conducted by real human beings, not AI, pope says

The real question "is not what machines can or will be able to do, but what we can and will be able to achieve by growing in humanity and knowledge through the wise use...

Vatican

Peace is built on respect, only good can combat evil, pope says

After greeting visitors gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus, Pope Leo criticized current conflicts, saying the fighting is fueled by interests that have...

Vatican

Pope encourages dialogue, advocacy on behalf of unborn children

On the vigil of the annual March for Life, Pope Leo XIV encouraged all efforts, especially by young people, to "ensure that life is respected in all of its stages through...

Vatican

Pope blesses lambs during annual tradition on feast of St. Agnes

The lambs' wool will be used to make palliums -- a woolen band worn by archbishops to symbolize their authority and unity with the pope.

Lamb's wool is used to symbolize...

Vatican

Everyone can be a good Samaritan, pope says in message for world's sick

To love one's neighbor -- whom Jesus identifies as anyone who has need of us -- is within everyone's reach, Pope Leo XIV said in his message for the 34th World Day of the...

Vatican

Papal puzzle lovers: Popes Leo XIV and XIII noted for liking word games

Pope Leo XIV loves his daily Wordle, and his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII, secretly wrote elaborate Latin riddles for a Rome newspaper, reflecting some unique ways popes...

Pope Leo XIV

God speaks to the faithful; take time to listen every day, pope says

Pope Leo XIV continued his new catechesis series on Vatican II, this time focusing on the importance of dedicating time to prayer.

Building and strengthening one's...

Vatican

Baptism provides light in darkness, gateway to heaven, pope says

Baptizing one's children is as essential as providing them with food and clothing, Pope Leo XIV told parents.

Baptism "accompanies us forever," he said. "In moments of...

Vatican

UPDATE: Church leaders must listen to abuse victims, those who suffer, pope tells cardinals

Pope Leo XIV told the world’s cardinals they are on a “collegial journey” -- now meeting all together with the pope once a year -- to discern “what the Lord is asking of...

Vatican

Pope warns diplomats of rising global violence and erosion of human life

Pope Leo XIV told Vatican diplomats that “war is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading,” warning of threats to human life, free speech and global peace.

He...

Vatican

Pope Leo XIV calls on Catholics to rediscover Vatican II teachings

Pope Leo XIV launches a fresh series of weekly talks on the Second Vatican Council, urging Catholics worldwide to reread its documents and continue to be inspired by its...

Jubilee 2025

Torrential rains, looming deadline, don't deter last-minute pilgrims

With the last Holy Door closing to the public late evening Jan. 5, hundreds of pilgrims braved Rome's driving rain or chilling damp to get to St. Peter's Basilica before...

Jubilee 2025

Christians must resist allure of power, serve humanity, pope says at end of Holy Year

Officially closing the Holy Year dedicated to hope, Pope Leo XIV criticized the way "a distorted economy" has tried to exploit and profit from everything, including the...

Jubilee 2025

Vatican sees record number of visitors during Jubilee year, officials say

Vatican and Rome officials report that more than 33 million pilgrims from 185 countries visited the Eternal City for the Holy Year 2025, exceeding expectations.

Also...

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo voices 'deep concern' over Venezuela after US capture of Maduro

Pope Leo XIV has called for a guarantee of sovereignty and the rule of law as well as underlined the need for the good of the people of Venezuela to prevail over all...

Pope Leo XIV

New year marks time to usher in era of peace, friendship among all people, pope says

Celebrating Mass on New Year’s Day at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV urged the world to reject violence and begin a new era of peace and forgiveness.

The world is not saved...

God's plan of salvation is greater than any 'weaponized' plots underway, pope says

At an evening prayer service giving thanks to the past year, Pope Leo XIV says faith in God's plan gives people hope for a better tomorrow.

"Today we feel the need for...

Vatican

Vatican says close to 3 million people saw Pope Leo at the Vatican in 2025

The statistics released by the Vatican do not include events that took place away from the Vatican; for example, the numbers do not include the 1 million people, mostly...

Jubilee 2025

As Holy Doors close, cardinals emphasize God's arms are always open

Pope Leo XIV will solemnly conclude the Jubilee Year Jan. 6 at St. Peter's Basilica, but the holy doors at the other papal basilicas of Rome were closed over the last few...

Vatican

Vatican's 2025: Year brings new pope, renewed focus on unity, peace

A look back on the past year.