Pope Leo XIV offers condolences to victims of ferry accident in Zimbabwe
The pontiff offered prayers for the Zimbabwean people in a telegram on Aug. 18. Pope Leo XIV has offered prayers and condolences to the victims of a recent ferry accident on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Aug. 11. In a telegram dated Aug. 18 and signed by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope […]
Pope Leo XIV expresses closeness to victims of earthquake in Indonesia
The pontiff offered prayers for the Indonesian people in a message on Aug. 17. Pope Leo XIV has sent a message expressing his closeness to the Indonesian people following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Aug. 15. In a telegram dated Aug. 17 and signed by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the […]
Pope Leo XIV: Violence against Palestinians in West Bank must stop
During his Aug. 16 Angelus address at Castel Gandolfo, the pontiff urged a 2-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. In his Sunday Angelus address on Aug. 16, Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal for peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict, calling for a two-state solution and an end to violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. […]
Pope Leo XIV: Mary shows that ‘true beauty’ is found in ‘the light of the Risen Lord’
In a homily on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the pope urged the faithful to reject “consumerist” standards in favor of love. Pope Leo XIV on Aug. 15 called on Catholics to look to Mary, the Mother of God as an example of “true beauty,” with the Holy Father pointing […]
Marian dogmas: What every Catholic should know
Over the centuries the Catholic Church has formally proclaimed four Marian dogmas: her immaculate conception, divine motherhood, perpetual virginity, and assumption into heaven. The solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Aug. 15 is an opportune time to deepen our love for the Mother of God by understanding the “place” God has […]
Pope Leo: Child migrants are too easily ignored by society
The pontiff’s message was published ahead of the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, observed on Sept. 27. Pope Leo XIV has appealed to all people to recognize the suffering of child migrants, noting that they are often the most vulnerable during mass migration. In a message published by the Vatican on Aug. 14, […]
The Story Behind the Franciscan Jubilee: 800 Years of Mercy
Eight hundred years after the death of St. Francis of Assisi, his call to live the Gospel continues to resonate across the Catholic Church. In 2026, that legacy is being remembered in a special way. To mark the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death, Pope Leo proclaimed a Special Year of St. Francis, inviting the […]
Pope Leo XIV on liturgy: Priests must remain faithful to Mass rubrics
Pope Leo sent a letter to Cardinal Arthur Roche for a conference on liturgical formation at Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon Aug. 14–19. Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the need for priests to remain faithful to the texts and instructions of the Mass and to receive the proper formation to celebrate the sacred liturgy with […]
Pope Leo XIV: Women and Men in Religious Life ‘Are Called to Become Experts in Synodality’
Pope Leo expressed gratitude for “the longstanding contributions” of religious institutions, highlighting their work in “evangelization, education, and caring for the poor and marginalized.” Pope Leo XIV highlighted religious women’s and men’s work making “the mission and mystery of the Church visible in our world.” “All Christians are called to be builders of Christʼs communion, formed […]
Pope Leo XIV sends 100,000 euros to Church in Colombia to aid earthquake victims
The papal donation is an initial response to address the most urgent needs with more to come as new needs are identified. Pope Leo XIV has directed the Office of Papal Charities to send 100,000 euros ($115,345) to the Catholic Church in Colombia to aid those affected by the Aug. 10 earthquake, which struck several […]