Pope Leo XIV

Childhood classmates from the United States reunite with Pope Leo

Nearly 60 years since they posed for their eighth-grade graduation photo, St. Mary of the Assumption's class of 1969 came together for a reunion picture, however, with...

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...

Pope Leo XIV Appoints Reverend Godfrey Mullen, OSB as Bishop of Belleville

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Reverend Godfrey Mullen, O.S.B., as Bishop of Belleville. Bishop-elect Mullen is a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, and current administrator...

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...

Pope Leo XIV Bestows Title of “Monsignor” on U.S. Bishops’ General Secretary

“In his work, Fr. Fuller has demonstrated a pastoral heart, a theologian’s mind, and a worthy steward’s deft guiding hand,” said Archbishop Coakley, president of the...

Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta of the Eparchy of Saint Peter the Apostle of San Diego; Appoints Bishop Saad Sirop Hanna as the Apostolic Administrator

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...

Archbishop Coakley Welcomes Appointment of Archbishop Caccia as Apostolic Nuncio to the United States

“It is with joy that I welcome the news that our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed as his personal representative and nuncio to the United States, Archbishop...

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...

The Catholic Relief Services Collection Reveals Christ’s Love to Vulnerable at Home and Abroad

The U.S. bishops’ annual Catholic Relief Services Collection helps those in need in the United States and worldwide by benefiting six agencies and offices affiliated with...

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...

Archbishop Coakley Echoes Pope Leo XIV’s Appeal for Renewed Dialogue Amid Rising Tensions in the Middle East

"My brother bishops and I unite our voice with our Holy Father and make the heartfelt appeal to all parties involved for diplomacy to regain its proper role."

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...

“The Thought of Holding Thousands of Families in Massive Warehouses Should Challenge the Conscience of Every American,” Says Bishop Cahill

Newly released details show how the Administration plans to double federal immigration detention capacity, spending an estimated $38.3 billion from last year’s...

Bishops Representing Latin America, Canada, and United States Gather to Pray, Discuss, and Reaffirm Their Unity as One Church

Concluding a biennial gathering, the officers and members of the Episcopal Conferences of the Americas met from February 15-17 at a retreat center to pray and discuss...

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...

Religious Liberty Report Aims to Help Catholics Bring the Spirit of the Gospel to Public Life

The report summarizes developments on national questions and federal policies affecting religious liberty in the U.S., including the role of religion in American public...

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...

Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop Patrick Zurek of Amarillo and Appoints Cardinal Daniel DiNardo as Apostolic Administrator

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Patrick J. Zurek, 77, from the Office of Bishop of Amarillo. At the same time, he has appointed His...

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...

Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans; Succeeded by Coadjutor Archbishop James Checchio

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, 76, from the Office of Archbishop of New Orleans. On the same day, Coadjutor Archbishop...

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.

Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver; Appoints Bishop James Golka as Successor

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, 75, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Denver, and has appointed Most...

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.

In Commemoration of Black History Month, “Let Us Be Faithful Stewards of Memory,” Say Bishop Garcia and Bishop Campbell

"This February marks one hundred years of commemorating Black history in the United States. This milestone is an opportunity for us to prayerfully reflect on the ways...

Archbishop Coakley Calls on Policymakers to Pursue Diplomatic Negotiations and Maintain New START’s Limits

“The dangers posed by current conflicts around the world, including the devastating war in Ukraine, make the forthcoming expiration of New START simply unacceptable,"...

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...

U.S. and African Bishops Call for Continuing Solidarity and Lifesaving Assistance to Africa in Joint Statement

The USCCB's Committee on International Justice and Peace along with the Justice, Peace and Development Commission of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and...

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...

Bishop-Chairmen Respond to Expanded “Mexico City Policy”

This week, the U.S. Department of State officially published three rules, significantly expanding the “Mexico City Policy,” which historically limited certain federal...

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...

Bishop Chairmen Call on Administration to Extend Protections for Haitians in the United States

“We are deeply concerned about the plight of our Haitian brothers and sisters living in the United States who will soon have their legal status and work authorization...

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...

Archbishop Coakley Calls for Holy Hour as a Moment of Renewal for Our Hearts and Our Nation

"Let us pray for reconciliation where there is division, for justice where there are violations of fundamental rights, and for consolation for all who feel overwhelmed by...

30th World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life and Profiles of Most Recent Profession Class

The bishops' Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations has released the annual study by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown...