7 Things to Know About Bishop Erik Varden
The Norwegian Trappist monk chosen to preach the Vatican’s Lenten retreat once called himself an atheist — and today is one of Europe’s most respected Catholic thinkers. Pope Leo XIV, not even a year into his pontificate, still has much to show the world about his own spiritual practices — up until now, there hasn’t […]
Leo XIV signals new tone in Diocese of Rome
ANALYSIS: Four new auxiliary bishops are expected to be appointed to the Diocese of Rome, following an upcoming meeting between the Pope and the diocesan prelates. Editor’s Note: The Vatican confirmed on Feb. 25, after the story was published, that the individuals named by Andrea Gagliarducci were appointed as auxiliaries. A set of rumored bishop […]
Pope Leo: Nationalism tramples the weak, peace starts within
The pontiff warns that peace is “both a gift and a commitment” and urges prayer, reconciliation, and diplomacy amid a world wounded by conflicts. Pope Leo XIV warns in a new essay that “bitter nationalism tramples on the rights of the weakest” and says peace is first “defeated in the human heart” when people give […]
Pope Leo XIV’s First African Apostolic Journey
As Pope Leo XIV prepares for his first apostolic journey to Africa, the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea describes a Church that is youthful, vibrant, and deeply engaged in the life of society, even amid significant challenges. In an interview ahead of the papal trip, the Nuncio reflected on the vitality of the […]
Varden: Christian freedom and truth in Vatican retreat
In the fourth and fifth meditations offered to Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia, Bishop Erik Varden reflected on how the modern debate over “freedom” challenges Christians. In a world where “the notion of ‘freedom’ has become contentious in public discourse,” Christians must be clear about what freedom means in the light of faith, […]
St. Peter’s unveils new Stations of the Cross for Lent
A cycle of paintings by Swiss artist Manuel Dürr has been installed for Lent, marking the basilica’s quadricentennial. St. Peter’s Basilica has inaugurated new Stations of the Cross — 14 large oil paintings by Swiss painter Manuel Dürr — for Lent as part of celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the church’s 1626 consecration. The […]
Pope sends $1.17M aid, 1,000 radiators to Ukraine
The aid — worth more than $1.17 million — responds to a request from Ukrainian bishops after recent Russian bombardments. Pope Leo XIV has sent a humanitarian shipment to Ukraine containing urgently needed medicines and more than 1,000 electric radiators to assist people affected by the war. According to the Dicastery for the Service of […]
Vatican, Microsoft launch “Michelangelus” handwriting font
The new “Michelangelus” typeface, created for St. Peter’s Basilica’s anniversary, will appear in the latest versions of Microsoft Office. Writing with the distinctive hand of one of the Renaissance’s greatest geniuses is now possible. Marking the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican and Microsoft have introduced “Michelangelus,” a new digital […]
What Leo’s Lenten Retreat Reveals About His Pontificate
COMMENTARY: The Holy Father’s bold choice of Bishop Erik Varden as retreat leader speaks volumes. Pope Leo XIV will spend the first full week of Lent on retreat — often termed “spiritual exercises” — with senior officials of the Roman Curia. This retreat is noteworthy in terms of the practice itself, the preacher and the […]
Pope Leo XIV to Visit 4 African Nations in April
The Holy Father will undertake his first pastoral visit to the continent of Africa as pontiff April 13–23, beginning with a stop in Algeria. The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will undertake his first pastoral visit to Africa as pontiff April 13–23. In a statement released on Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Holy See […]
