Pope Leo XIV to Visit Lampedusa on July 4
The pope’s Italy itinerary also includes stops in Pompei, Naples, Acerra, Pavia, Assisi, and Rimini through August. Pope Leo XIV will travel July 4 to the southern Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, a major migrant landing point that has become a symbol of Europe’s migration emergency as tens of thousands of migrants arrive there each year […]
Pope Leo XIV Urges Young Priests to Share Fatigue
The pontiff told the clergy of Rome to “rekindle the fire” of their ministry. Pope Leo XIV encouraged young priests on Wednesday to continue to serve the Lord with enthusiasm, even if they do not immediately see the results of their work, and to share their difficulties with other priests. “Above all, I urge you […]
A New App Inspired by St. Carlo Acutis
From the beginning of Lent in Rome to global diplomacy and digital evangelization, this week brought significant developments from the Vatican and the Holy Father. Here is a look at the latest news shaping the life of the Church — from Pope Leo XIV’s Ash Wednesday message to new initiatives at St. Peter’s Basilica and […]
Pope Leo XIV: Liturgy Reveals God’s Plan for Unity
The pope continued his weekly lessons dedicated to the Second Vatican Council, focusing on the dogmatic constitution Lumen Gentium and the theme of unity. Pope Leo XIV emphasized Wednesday that the Church experiences a part of God’s plan for unity by being together at liturgical celebrations. The pope stated that God’s plan for the Church […]
Ukrainian Women Tell Pope Leo of Abandoned POWs
A delegation supporting families of missing and captured Ukrainian soldiers shared their concerns and presented the pontiff with symbolic gifts. Grieving wives, mothers, and daughters of Ukrainian soldiers held prisoner in Russia found a moment of consolation and hope on Wednesday when several of them briefly greeted Pope Leo XIV after the general audience. With […]
Pope Leo: Ashes Bear the Weight of a World Ablaze
Leading Ash Wednesday rites, the pontiff linked the call to repentance with the devastation of war, broken justice, wounded creation, and a fading sense of the sacred. Pope Leo XIV led the traditional Ash Wednesday penitential procession on Rome’s Aventine Hill on Feb. 18, walking with clergy and faithful to the Basilica of Santa Sabina, […]
Pope Leo XIV: Peter Must Be Free to Speak the Truth
The pontiff said he must be free to denounce injustice amid today’s challenges. Pope Leo XIV said the successor of Peter must retain “complete freedom to speak the truth, denounce injustice, defend the rights of the weakest, promote peace,” and proclaim Jesus Christ amid “the troubled times in which we live.” The pope made the […]
Aventine procession: Pope Leo leads Ash Wednesday walk
The brief Ash Wednesday walk between two hilltop basilicas marks the start of Lent in Rome. Each Ash Wednesday, dozens of people crowd the doors of the Church of Sant’Anselmo, perched on the Aventine — one of Rome’s seven hills — to witness the penitential procession that moves solemnly along the roughly 200 meters (656 […]
St. Peter’s marks 400 years with SmartPass, new areas
The Vatican will open new parts of St. Peter’s — including the full terrace — and roll out a “SmartPass” digital entry system as it marks the basilica’s 400th anniversary. As the Basilica of St. Peter approaches the 400th anniversary of its consecration, the Vatican has announced a slate of liturgical and cultural initiatives — […]
Vatican: Notre Dame row shows need for abortion dialogue
The Church should engage with universities about how to take “an ethical approach” to the dignity of unborn life, the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life said. The president of the Pontifical Academy for Life said Tuesday the Church needs to maintain a dialogue with universities on the issue of abortion. Monsignor Renzo Pegoraro […]
