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.

Pope Leo XIV

Open your hearts to baby Jesus and one another, pope says on Christmas

Pope Leo revived the tradition of popes celebrating a Christmas morning Mass before delivering his Christmas message and blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the...

Vatican

To turn away others is to turn away God, pope says on Christmas Eve

Celebrating the birth of Jesus, Pope Leo XIV said whenever people make room for the human person, they are making room for God.

"While a distorted economy leads us to...

Priesthood

Pope thanks priests, encourages them to share responsibilities with laity

In an apostolic letter, Pope Leo XIV told priests that nothing can take the place of devoting time to personal prayer and the celebration of the sacraments and...

Vatican

Curia must reflect 'new humanity,' founded on love, solidarity, pope says

Pope Leo XIV told the College of Cardinals and leaders of the Roman Curia that mission and communion must shape their service, calling them to witness fraternity...

Vatican

Catholic actor finds Christmas joy in helping US charity

While visiting the Vatican, David Henrie highlights the joy of giving during Advent.

As "ambassador" for Cross Catholic Outreach, the Catholic actor and father of three...

War & Peace

Pope urges people to protect, cultivate even smallest signs of peace, hope

In his first message for the annual celebration of World Peace Day, Pope Leo XIV focused on how every person has a role to play in defusing potentially violent situations...

Pope Leo XIV

Rather than chasing productivity, turn to God to resolve restlessness, pope says

At his weekly general audience, Pope Leo XIV spoke about how "true treasure" is kept in the human heart, not in banks or large financial investments, "which today more...

Vatican

Christmas creche, tree are signs of hope, pope says

Pope Leo XIV asked Catholics to reflect on the meaning behind Nativity scenes and brightly lit Christmas trees, and to ask God offer the gift of peace and fraternity.

He...

Vatican

On Guadalupe feast day, pope prays leaders shun lies, hatred, division, disrespect for life

At Mass on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Leo XIV prayed for Mary’s help so that nations would reject hatred and lies, and leaders would "safeguard the dignity...

Vatican

Christian archaeology can serve evangelization, pope says in new document

In a new apostolic letter, Pope Leo XIV highlights the importance of archaeology, calling it "a ministry of hope" that helps Catholics rediscover the roots of their faith...

Catholic News Service

Live authentically with prayer, letting go of the unnecessary, pope says

At his general audience Dec. 10, Pope Leo XIV said death is "not something to be feared, but rather a moment to prepare for."

Christians must pray for the grace to...

Vatican

Dialogue, diplomacy can lead to just, lasting peace in Ukraine, pope says

During a Dec. 9 meeting at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed peace in Ukraine and the return of abducted children, and...

Pope Leo XIV

Pope prays Mary will fill believers with hope, inspire them to serve

Surrounded by thousands of Romans, pilgrims and tourists, Pope Leo XIV led special prayers to Mary in the center of Rome, continuing a tradition begun by St. John XXIII...

Pope Leo XIV

Pope asks Michael Bublé and other artists to give their best for the poor

Pope Leo XIV met singer particularly known for his Christmas songs and other artists who will perform at the Vatican Christmas concert for the poor, an initiative begun...

Vatican

Papal commission votes against ordaining women deacons

Pope Leo XIV allowed a report to be released to the public showing a short summary of deliberations and final votes of a special commission established by Pope Francis on...

Pope Leo XIV

Unity, dialogue, respect: On first trip, pope highlights paths to peace

A look back at key moments in Pope Leo XIV's first foreign trip as pope.

Pope Leo XIV

Pope tells reporters dialogue is always the answer to tense situations

At the end of his Nov. 27-Dec. 2 trip to Turkey and Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV met reporters traveling with him and answered some of their questions.

Pope Leo XIV

Love without fear, pope tells Lebanese church workers

Pope Leo XIV made a pilgrimage to two of the most important sites of Catholic prayer in Lebanon, heard the testimonies of church workers and paid homage to their enduring...

Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs

Ecumenism is not 'absorption or domination,' but sharing gifts, pope says

Christian unity, a theme running throughout Pope Leo XIV's visit to Turkey, was his emphasis on his last morning there before traveling on to Lebanon.

Pope Leo XIV

Pope visits famous Istanbul mosque but does not pause to pray

Pope Leo XIV, like Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, visited Istanbul's famous mosque during his visit.

Pope Leo XIV

Though Nicaea is a ruin, its Creed stands and unites Christians, pope says

Pope Leo XIV, Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and other Christian leaders prayed on the shores of Lake Iznik, commemorating the 1,700th...

Pope Leo XIV

Pope arrives in Turkey giving thanks, preaching peace

Pope Leo XIV flew to Turkey on Thanksgiving, stopping first in the capital, Ankara, to meet with the country's president and other government and civic leaders.