For the first time in 5 years, the number of priests worldwide rose
The Catholic Church has 407,421 priests, 425 more than the previous year. Africa and Asia are driving this growth, while Europe recorded another decline. The number of Catholic priests worldwide has risen again after five years of no growth, according to statistics published by the Vatican agency Fides ahead of the 100th World Mission Sunday, […]
Pope Leo XIV leaves Gemelli Hospital, returns to Vatican
The 71-year-old pope had been admitted last Tuesday and underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Pope Leo XIV left the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital shortly after 3:30 p.m. local time on Saturday to return to the Vatican. Around 3:30 pm Rome time, Pope Leo left Gemelli Hospital just as he […]
Pope’s surgeon green lights Nov. 6–17 apostolic trip to Latin America
‘No clinical reasons why it should not take place’ says Dr. Stefano Margaritora, who called Pope Leo ‘an ideal patient.’ Pope Leo XIV has received the green light from his surgeon to proceed with his planned Nov. 6–17 apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. In an interview with Vatican News following the Holy Father’s […]
Cardinal Parolin: Pope Leo’s demanding Latin America trip now depends on doctors
The Vatican secretary of state also said Thursday that the pontiff may have to “adjust his pontificate if it becomes necessary.” Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said on Thursday that Pope Leo XIV, still hospitalized after surgery, may have to “adjust his pontificate” to his doctors’ advice, including his November trip to Latin […]
Pope Leo XIV calls world hunger a ‘terrible offense’ against human dignity
The pontiff, still hospitalized after surgery, sent a message for World Food Day on Friday. Pope Leo XIV on Friday called world hunger a “terrible offense” against human dignity and emphasized that adequate food is a basic human right. “It is a terrible offense against human dignity to prevent bread from reaching any person or […]
Pope Leo XIV cleared to leave hospital Saturday after successful surgery
The Vatican said the pontiff will lead the Angelus from the Vatican as usual on Sunday. Doctors have cleared Pope Leo XIV to leave the hospital; he will return to the Vatican on Saturday afternoon, according to the Vatican. The pope’s personal physician Dr. Luigi Carbone and surgeon Dr. Stefano Margaritora said Oct. 17 that […]
Vatican releases first photos of Pope Leo XIV following surgery
Vatican sources also indicated that the pope will publicly lead the Angelus this Sunday, although it has not yet been determined whether it will be from the hospital or the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at Gemelli Hospital on Friday after undergoing surgery Oct. 13 for a cancerous tumor in his right lung. In […]
Pope Leo speaks with Russian President Putin by phone
The hospitalized pontiff initiated the call to the Russian president, according to the Vatican secretary of state. Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone Oct. 16 while the pope remains hospitalized. According to a Holy See statement, the pope expressed concern about Oleshky in the Kherson region, a city in the […]
The Missionaries of Africa: Bringing the Gospel to Communities Across the Continent
For more than 150 years, the Missionaries of Africa, popularly known as the White Fathers, have brought the Gospel to communities across Africa. Founded in 1868 by Cardinal Charles Lavigerie, then Archbishop of Algiers, the missionary society has sought to proclaim Christ while promoting human dignity, dialogue, and service. In a visit to the society’s […]
Pope Leo XIV recovers after lung surgery as Vatican announces new appointments
Pope Leo XIV continues his recovery following surgery for lung adenocarcinoma, while the Vatican has shared a message from the Holy Father on family life and announced a new appointment at St. Peter’s Basilica. The latest developments come as Catholics around the world continue to pray for the Pope’s health. Pope Leo’s recovery from Lung […]